What It’s Like Working Behind The Scenes As A Roadie

[@gjbpark8061]

He isn't just a roadie he is also a guitar technician and their social media organizer, he is doing four jobs, which is why he is not payed like a normal roadie.

[@stealhty1]

Right, and being away from Family is a high toll

[@timf7413]

There are roadies that make far more for doing far less, but most of them are working for the truly top tier touring acts. (no disrespect to an act on this level).

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

Not to mention... "up to $5k" is not the same as "makes $5k"

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

@@timf7413 And those guys are people who have been roadies for literally decades.

[@truemanmontfort8031]

Been doing it my whole life...5k is attainable for sure but the average is more like 3500...but when the dates end so does the check...average it out with time off and it’s closer to half your touring rate...that said, the lucky tech get retained between tours...and very select few are on a salary...like me :-)

[@cxmxc]

He looks like truly happy person God bless him

[@notmyrealname11]

Just a side effect of doing what you love. Wish more people could spend their lives doing what they love. The world would be a happier place

[@billiemcgeorge660]

Glad to see that we're finally investigating 311

[@Jahu-qs2us]

"We'll be right back"

[@matthewslack5460]

Who killed Hannibal?

[@tayloremriectx]

311 is so badass live

[@jr8841]

LOL YESSSSSSSS!

[@karelypena6931]

Buzz me melano

[@alep7358]

This dude works hard, most bands each member has its own tech, this dude is 2 members tech and runs sounds plus does social media too that’s crazy a lot of work

[@Scott__C]

Depends on the band, how big they are, their budget for tour etc. Big bands, sure. Small bands touring clubs may have a drum guy and a guitars guy. Sometimes these guys will double being the tour manager too. Lots of different situations.

[@TheMusicalElitist]

Erm…no they don’t actually. Stop trying to sound clever - it doesn’t suit you.

[@tonkonton]

That man seems more critical than the individual members of the band! He's like the concert doctor.

[@patrickjordan2233]

It's best to call it a team, everyone has roles...?

[@Jedmanuel91]

He is a Technician not a Roadie.

[@kendallevans4079]

THANK YOU! At least you and I get it!

[@lobitome]

Yup. Roadies make maybe & $500 a week, and they move the equipment so this guy can get the guitars ready for the band. Some musicians on stage, hired hands that actually play the music, get about what a roadie makes.

[@MarcG7424]

He moves gear too

[@TheMadeMan36]

He is an unsung hero. Props to all roadies and crew who rarely get credit for their hard work.

[@thiagosilveira5598]

Because the Roadie, looks a thousand miles with his eyes, And when the crowd roars, brings a tear drop to the roadie's eyes! Tears of PRIDE!

[@Julioc96]

Because he brought you the show But you will never know

[@nodrama490]

Thiago Silveira 😂😂😂

[@james_johnsonII]

The show must go on.

[@werewolfzeus]

I said YAES

[@mrdrprof99]

HES CHANGING THE STRIIIINGS WHILE HIDING IN THE WIIINGS

[@JakeAntelis]

Talented guy and band. 5k a week is definitely not the norm, you'd have a hard time even finding 5k a month as roadie even for some big artists.

[@iMadrid11]

He wore a lot of hats for a typical roadie. That’s why he gets paid extra. He’s the tech in charge of 2 guitars & 1 bass. Plus social media manager. That’s 4 jobs done by 1 guy. The band 311 is actually saving a lot by having 1 guy take care of all 3 instruments & amps, plus social media PR on the road.

[@JakeAntelis]

@@iMadrid11 a lot of bands are needing to have employees multitask a few roles these days on the road to do cost cut as they aren't making what they were back in the day.

[@danpfeifer7618]

He’s also only getting paid when the band is on tour. No tour, no pay. It’s not 5k a week for 52 weeks a year.

[@JakeAntelis]

@@danpfeifer7618 If it's true Then he's probably one of the highest paid techs in the world. I love 311 but they aren't as big as they were so the numbers seem inflated to me to make a video interesting and sensational .i'm slightly aware of how touring works and to understand he is not on tour all year.

[@stevevorass]

Right he said he “could” make 5k a week but that’s probably not the norm. Of course making it the title gets more clicks 😀.

[@wcornell74]

Telling someone they can make 5k a week being a roadie is like saying most actors make 30 million per film. Uhhhhh no, that's extremely rare...

[@artmathias9725]

lol. I tell people that they have better odds of being the rock star on stage than the roadie that makes $5k a week.

[@Bulletguy07]

@@artmathias9725 Yeah I must admit that figure had me wondering!!!

[@e_riffs]

Not that unusual these days to find a band that will pay that rate if said band is big enough. A lot of veteran techs quit after Covid and that opened up a lot of positions for new guitar techs that are willing to tour. You definitely have to be worth your salt and a good hang. On my 3rd year of touring as a tech and have never looked back, best job I’ve ever had.

[@bdubz_det]

@@e_riffs yup

[@AnthonyOrsino]

Some quick math: 3,000 seat venue x $50 a ticket = $150,000. I'm gonna lowball and say that the band was guarenteed $80,000 for that evening. Half that money goes to: manager, tour manager, roadies, techs, hotels, bus, gas etc. leaving the band to split $40,000. 40K divided by 5 = $8,000 a gig per band member. My man here in this video is making 1K per show, which is great money, but also take into consideration that he's teching for two members of the band (not a roadie) while also working their social media.

[@Dionydejesus]

Dude! He is a guitar tech, bass tech, roadie everything he deserved more. But if the guy's treat him good is okay 👍

[@artmathias9725]

No, you had it right to begin with. He should get paid more! The part that isn't mentioned, is that no one talks about ALL the other people that do as much, if not more, for a fraction of what he is already getting. The entirety of the "behind the scenes" world is grossly under compensated.

[@WheelTek86]

Love this piece, having seen 311 several times over the years makes it better. True fact just married the girl of my dreams in 1997 and the first show together was in Nashville amphitheater gold finger and 311 and we had third row seats. Amazing!

[@krissym7651]

So thankful for all the hard work cousin Eric does!! 😍 I was at this show & it was incredible!!

[@bonniebowman5337]

Eric is the best!!! Doing what he loves.

[@Rickshaw881]

I like the attitude of the band member as well. Sounds like a down to earth guy who really understands what it's all about.

[@dmanalang9037]

I would say he’s got the coolest job! He does it all even fixes the group’s shirt collar before going out on the stage! Nope, he is not a roadie, he is amazing!

[@truemanmontfort8031]

Been touring and living on a bus for 35yrs...and your right, it gets harder and harder to be away from family and on your body too.

[@christopherkotsopoulos701]

I'd watch a full length documentary on him.

[@ventuno.thailand]

holy crap... I was amazed he is the guitar AND bass tech... but he also does their social media! This guy"s a Beast :)

[@myothercarisadelorean8957]

I remember being introduced to 311 back in 1997, I was a 7th grader in middle school and it was "Down" that I think I first heard on MTV. That immediately blew me away as it was a whole new sound I'd never heard of. From then on I bought every album that came out after that. Good times.

[@WREDog]

This dude must have a really strong back from carrying the whole band.

[@olegpokotilov2613]

thats why he makes $5K a week

[@jakelakota3010]

Roadie? Looks to me like he is the entire backstage crew.

[@randomsht196]

Dude works hard. But nothing is more beautiful than loving your job. Unfortunately I can't say that I do.

[@bassfan71]

Love this guys attitude!! Killing it doing something he loves.

[@oliviabacon4144]

This is my cousin Eric!! He LOVES what he does and does an amazing job!!

[@grendelum]

Instrument techs are *_not_* roadies, those would be the cats schlepping the stuff from the trucks. The difference in salaries is _massive_ at this level...

[@GOOCHIElicker]

Exactly right i was a stagehand for many bands

[@grendelum]

I was the lighting director for a band... people still think it’s like the MTV image of nonstop partying rather than the long and hard work it is. Still a lot of frelling fun tho ;-)

[@simonhouel1984]

Yep ! Backline tech is all about reading manuals, hours of work, lot of soldering and never eat anything at noon :-) Nothing beats the sound of the truck doors closing after a flawless show !

[@theredbaron057]

Wow, this was really entertaining and educational. I respect people that are thankful for what they’ve earned, down to earth

[@russell_szabados]

I wasn't a 311 fan until I saw them live in 1999. One of the best shows I've ever seen. The bassist did Kung fu kicks through a whole song and didn't miss a note. Linkin Park would never have existed if 311 hadn't done it all first.

[@mtadams2009]

You can learn a lot from this man. He has a great attitude and that goes a long way in any career. If you have ever worked with negative person you know what I mean. If you don't like what you are doing move on and find something you do enjoy. Life is short, don't waste it.

[@joelrickards2315]

True story thank you I've toured with many of the still famous prehistoric acts . This is one super human He knows he's good and he is worth his weight in gold.

[@excelerater]

do what you love,love what you do

[@gregoryh9442]

Remember he’s only getting paid while he’s on tour. Then don’t forget that 1099 at tax season, using your own credit card for hotel deposits, health insurance, etc.

[@chipblock2854]

I know you guys work your tails off to get the show on, but the fans of any group sure thank you. You make the stars either look great or sound great. Thanks.

[@jacquelinerodriguez4430]

That’s my brother tho!!! Super talented amazing human. ❤️🤙🏽

[@SoCalRobb]

Nice to put a face to the behind the scenes guy with cousin Eric and to have Nick Hexum vouch for the guy is awesome! Love 311! 🔥

[@esuohdica]

What a positive guy! Wish i was more like this :-)

[@Builtdifferent007]

Guy is living a dream job I never knew I wanted until I say this! Incredible!!!

[@bpooboi]

This dude is one of the most responsible roadies I've ever seen. Hope he makes more than 5k a week

[@Drum4Life_36]

You rock cousin Eric!!

[@hugocerda7573]

Wow!!! Dream job and as the cherry on the top of the cake….works for 311…..dam!!!! I would trade any job in the world for yours!!!! Congrats!!!

[@nathanbrownmolotov8697]

Seen the Dirty Heads a couple of times. They are AWESOME. If you ever get a chance to seen them, you'll be glad you did.

[@markesertalkink8723]

I have NO idea who these bands are, but this was a well done piece.

[@messemphanger]

Seems like a super cool guy. The kind you definitely want as your wing man.

[@aaronfrazier524]

Respect ✊🏻

[@mapp4751]

a very nice look behind the scenes,seems like he enjoys his gig and is a good person also!

[@wilfredjbrimley]

For the “I don’t think so” crowd…. Tour pay isn’t as straight forward as other jobs. $5,000 per week (only weeks the band is on tour) is at the high end of a someone touring with a band that plays the places 311 plays, but definitely in the range. A brand new tech for 311 might make between $2500 to $3000 per week, plus per diem. Someone like this who has been around for years and getting a raise every year is making more. Someone taking care of more then one musician is making more because they are saving the band part of another paycheck, and hotel/flights costs. As is someone with pedalboard cues during the show, and is handling social media responsibilities. Bands like 311 have a loyal following and can count an decent audience (of the same people every year). They are also probably the kind of band that can sell out a 2500 person venue 2 night in a row (5000 tickets) but not a 5000 person venue for one night, because of people going to both shows. If they tour smart and efficient they are making a lot of money and can pay the techs accordingly. Read the book “The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More.” It’s a good time to be in a band if you are talented and motivated.

[@spudski100]

Not to mention when we think of a weeks wage we normally compare them to a regular 9-5 mon to fri. These guys on larger shows can start loading in say 8am and loading out after the gig say 1am (could be earlier or later start/finish) they obviously have some chill time and food through the day but its a bloody long working day and the good ones cirtainly earn it doing 4-5 show days over a seven day week and the rest usually travel days... all away from home and family!!! and i must say pretty much all of them i meet are great people. Each crew who work regularly on tours together develop their own cliq and inside humor that works to help them deal with being away from loved ones and is very interesting to see.

[@RusstafaB]

After I left Uni. I was going to go on the road in mid 1970's with the Rolling Stones. Fortunately I did not, as I would most likely not be writing this today. Went off with RCA Broadcast and travelled the Middle East, met quite a few of the "notorious despots" out there who were actually quite nice folks and learnt some Arabic and managed to learn to write some as well Later I worked in music recording studios and realised what a bunch of ego driven maniacs musicians actually are so no regrets about not becoming a tech on a road crew thank goodness.

[@craigpoole1868]

Roadcrew guys don't get paid anywhere near what they did in the 90s early 00s. You used to get 3k-5k to take care of one guy. Now it's 1k-2k to take care of 3.

[@pasta1us]

Awesome someone did this! Nice job

[@theguitargeezer878]

I have known a few roadie's and some say its very stressful. I imagine at times it can be. :)

[@cc_1983]

You have to be ridiculously good at this job full stop - to even get close to earning this you would need to be the best

[@jaautre7482]

Great piece! Love the instagram content this guy gives the fans.

[@testingmyaudioaddiction3452]

To talk about the thumbnail: not all roadies make that kinda money. Rank the Tech did a great video on this.

[@markorollo.]

I can't be a roadie due to being one of those wheelchair using types but the other thing he said he does , running their social media, is a thing I've been considering, social media management can be a pretty goid line of work to get into, I'd love doing that for bands and other things. I'm always on things like that so might as well put some money in my pocket when I'm doing it!.

[@simonhouel1984]

One of my favourite time of anyday on tour : The huddle before and/or after the show with the musicians. Pump any bad day up ! If I remember correctly I met the guy a couple of times in Europe when he was touring with Kravitz (or was it Rodrigo Y Gabriela ?) That said, that guy was nice. Be safe on the road Sir.

[@signsofthetimessignsofposi9030]

Roadies make the world go round baby! Awesome video

[@Ziontrainism]

Just saw Slightly Stoopid and 311 at the Okla Cannabis Cup. Im guessing this dude set it up. It sounded great!

[@michaelw.4434]

Great mini doc,love to see a lot more,such a great attitude, big 311 fan also,,Thanks for letting us in!!!

[@uscitizen3252]

I really loved this! Thanks for the insight!

[@DanielDwightMusic]

I was a Guitar Tech for Saliva in 04-05 at 17 y/o and my first job

[@MartinMartin-yi9to]

I'm a production manager / technical director on international tours and a backliner (like this guy in your video) does NOT make 5K/week on a regular basis. Never. Maybe 3K/week on bigger shows like U2 and Metallica. 5K/week........is simply not true for a backliner.

[@DarkfireTV]

Yeah, these numbers are mental and especially a lie in 2019, even with improved rates, it's still nowhere near 5k a week in most roles, especially not backline/playback tech

[@chuckdriver8269]

Congratulations brother, hard work does pay off. 🙏🏼🇺🇸

[@prism_sight5982]

Cousin Eric is the man! Love this guy 💙 2019 summer Unity tour🤘🤟

[@PCP-ov7nj]

That's how a person with passion looks like

[@HoddosMince]

Good for him. Im Happy for him

[@reyybarra390]

Great piece!! 👍 You're doing it brother. Such a free and creative gig to the max.😀😀

[@letsbehonest4221]

I work as a roadie, sometimes its fast and hard work but 1 of the best jobs i have ever had.

[@cachildress46]

Eric is the man!!!

[@bearzalski]

After seeing he’s a dad.. it totally made it possible for me..

[@RudieObias]

"Yo P-Nut, Beat That Thing!"

[@SharpEdgeStandardOfficial]

Man if I wasn’t a married family man with a wife and kids that have this crazy idea of food and shelter, I’d run off and would SO be doing this kind of work!!! Amazing

[@psiklops71]

i thought they did sound check at 311 great work

[@timboslice1378]

What an amazing job to have!

[@jorgeu111]

he is like the blood keeping the show running. I agree its a dream job. keep it up!

[@XChristianNoirX]

Switching all the parts on cue... Screw that. Dude must be a total beast with a photographic memory... Or at least very easy songs with little switching. Mess up once and.. Fired! 😂

[@dominicsandoval52]

In 1995, I saw 311 perform with the Butthole Surfers, Cake, and several other bands. This roadie was not there, but 311 still sounded great.

[@brownsfanlarry1340]

Would have loved to done something like this for a living

[@hektorlinko]

Much love and mad respect! A+++ Thumbs UP!

[@TJ-eq6dl]

Birds of a feather,you ooze rock n roll Brother.

[@wallyirallac9433]

Super cool dude...you earned what you got bro.

[@SlapChop1000]

I could easily do this job and I would absolutely LOVE IT.

[@theblackestvoid]

Props to this guy for still dressing like it's Warped tour 98

[@realboltfan]

Dream job!

[@kellyrsmith9011]

Dream job! 🤘😎

[@billebner9185]

He is doing 4 jobs...so he should be compensated as such. Lots of hours and very little gratitude. The only people who notice are the musicians themselves. When it goes bad all eyes are on you. Had a entire guitar rig drop out during an outdoor festival in front of 45k+. Scariest moment of ever working for a band. Never could find the problem. The rig worked perfectly for the rest of the tour.

[@stevejackson2986]

Ghosts in the machine. One time I had a guitar amp work fine at the house, but it was dead at the gig, and then worked fine again the next time I turned it on. I borrowed an amp from another band on the bill, used the same power source and my pedals, so it wasn't the power outlet or something else in my signal chain. The only thing different was the amp I borrowed. I never did figure out what happened.

[@kyled4132]

He must be really good if p-nut let’s him take care of his bass’. He is an extremely talented bass player.

[@bardknight]

Edit: Holy crap, 5K a week!?? That’s a dream job.

[@bardknight]

@Brian Karabats Right! I was so impressed I got that mixed haha

[@jdaunt8]

311 is the Best!!

[@TheGregWallace]

It's a hard life, it's not all glitz and glamor.

[@denisebecerra82]

Congratulations 🎈 awesome setup!

[@marcusv985]

Eric's the homie! Super cool down to earth dude. CA 559 wussup! 😂

[@EdwardStrong-r2f]

Nice I am a Stagehand and love it to last big job I did was Taylor Swift it's was great Thurs night I did 5 Seconds of Summer

[@Paul_Aderoju]

Great guy!!

[@ftbs]

Eric, please adopt me long enough for a "take your kid to work day" 🙏😎

[@heatherae]

Eric is the man!!!! :D

[@bloosorangebox7497]

Very cool man

[@MrSnuffian]

Oh wow he actually just controls the whole pedal board for him

[@markd3641]

I think a lot of guitar musicians do this !! Saves them the hassle especially if their all over the stage most of the time!!

[@Viper-dz2kw]

Yep, most high level musicians have a pedal guy

[@simonhouel1984]

It tends to get automated with all those backing tracks running on computers nowadays. It clearly depends on the musician. Some just want to play and move freely, some want to keep control on their sound and do whatever they want whenever they want.

[@markd3641]

Simon Houel yup! Totally up to the guitarist. I'm old fashioned so I just run my own pedal board ! This way I know when I can change my sound without warning and feel!! But I get it!

[@PeteV80]

@@simonhouel1984 That would feel reeeeeally weird to let someone control it.

[@wickedcrypto6004]

dream job for sure

[@Ohio_Greg]

The highest paid roadie. Much respect.

[@visionop8]

Eric: "I'm a guitar tech for 311" CNBC: "Is that like a roadie? Roadie works better in the headline. You're a roadie. Road. Nice woody word. After the break, Happy Birthday Pac Man! Yeah you're Street Fighter, but happy birthday Pac Man! CNBC. fake it.