TRANSCRIPT
In Episode 7, we speak with Misty Roberts, a veteran tour manager for a look beyond the stage.
Managing logistics are integral to operating a tour, but according to Roberts, protecting mental and physical health need to become an above the line item when restarting tours.
Managing logistics are integral to operating a tour, but according to Roberts, protecting mental and physical health need to become an above the line item when restarting tours.
|
|
CRACKS APPEAR ON THE ROAD
On the other side of all the lights, music, pyro and parties is an exhausted, living on the edge, production team. It is reported that an alarming percentage of out of work roadies have suicidal thoughts and Roberts shares her transparent thoughts on the subject of mental health on the road as well as steps she has taken while grounded during the pandemic to make a difference. She sees potential for a new, humane mode of touring and lays it out with passion. |
|
LIVING NEXT DOOR TO A MUSIC VENUE
Roberts love for live music was fostered at The Bottleneck, a music venue in Lawrence, KS. She lived right next door so that she could attend concerts every night. For the first time ever, she felt like she "belonged" and its also where she realized that she wanted to be in the touring industry. She observed the crew and musicians and in no time, she was managing a few local mid-western bands. |
|
WORKING WITH ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, JAMES TAYLOR & METALLICA, BRUNO MARS & HAIM
Roberts learned to sleep on a tour bus, complete with greenhorn gags, while managing 2 months of nothing but Christmas music. Fast forward to a trek to Antarctica to rock out with Metallica and a bunch of scientists in an IGLOO! North Pole to South Pole, this tour manager has a resume to die for….and she thought she might on that boat trip through the Drake Passage.
Roberts has worked with a diverse group of musicians and also shares with us memories of working with Iglesias and Taylor and how their distinctive personalities left an impression.
Roberts learned to sleep on a tour bus, complete with greenhorn gags, while managing 2 months of nothing but Christmas music. Fast forward to a trek to Antarctica to rock out with Metallica and a bunch of scientists in an IGLOO! North Pole to South Pole, this tour manager has a resume to die for….and she thought she might on that boat trip through the Drake Passage.
Roberts has worked with a diverse group of musicians and also shares with us memories of working with Iglesias and Taylor and how their distinctive personalities left an impression.
BACKLINE.CARE
At a time when industry professionals need mental health and wellness support, please consider donating to backline.care a non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.
At a time when industry professionals need mental health and wellness support, please consider donating to backline.care a non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources.
SHOW NOTES
Produced by Good To Go Studios in Ellsworth, Maine
Resident Mastermind is Mark Tekushan
Edited and Engineered by Pete McGill
Supervising Producer: Heidi Stanton-Drew
Special thanks to: Misty Roberts
Little things that go a long way:
Donate to: Save our Stages
Support Backline.Care
A non profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with a trusted network of mental health and wellness providers
Resident Mastermind is Mark Tekushan
Edited and Engineered by Pete McGill
Supervising Producer: Heidi Stanton-Drew
Special thanks to: Misty Roberts
Little things that go a long way:
Donate to: Save our Stages
Support Backline.Care
A non profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with a trusted network of mental health and wellness providers