Often a band will go on a worldwide "promotional" tour. This happens when they have released a new album and they wish to get some publicity generated before they embark on an actual headlining tour.
So for the last month I have been lighting a young girl named Rihanna. She has appeared on countless TV shows from Good Morning America to the Late Show with Letterman. In between TV gigs, we are doing some corporate shows as the guest entertainment, DVD shoots for Sprint phones, Radio shows in scattered cities etc.
Next week we fly to Japan for 2 shows, then Dublin for another2. We then charter a plane for a one off in Nigeria. These are some long ass hauls for a couple of shows. But since I do not know much about band management, I can't comment one way or another. I just make sure to bill such management a considerable amount of cash to make up for the lack of sleep.
With these promo tours, I have to program different light comsoles with different fixtures every show. This is easy for me. The hard part is maintaining a positive attitude while constantly being run ragged by a wild schedule. This is the type of wotk that separates the men from the boys. The boys will whine…., and they will soon be replaced by people who do not. The men have been there before and know what to expect. I expect to have fun and make money. If I only have 6 hours between tonite's show and tomorrow's plane ride, I make sure I allow myself a couple of those hours to drink beer with my friends. I don't know about the rest of the world, but I usually cannot fall asleep directly after a gig. So I unwind with a couple of pints and small talk. Then I sleep on the plane.
Tonite I find myself in my hometown of Chicago. But I will never make it to my house. Rihanna is playing a radio show in some outdoor park in town. Tonite I will go to the gig and focus all the pars. Then I will whip out yet another copy of Nook's ultimate punt page that I will use for tomorrow night's show.
In between all these Rihanna shows I fill my time lighting TV stuff or filling in on some corporate gigs for Upstaging Lighting. I also have a few more one off's with my usual bands who need my services for scattered gigs.
I expect to have my first days off in nearly 6 weeks next weekend, before I have to go around this planet again for more promo stuff.
