5 Ways to Make Your Band’s Tour A Success

Heading out on the road is always a fun and exciting time for a band. You get to visit new cities, discover new artists and play to new audiences all over the country. While it may be fun and new for the most part, there are some stressful events that could occur while being on the road.

Below are 5 tips to remember when you hit the road for your next tour.

Have Plenty of Merch Printed Beforehand

One of the most important things to do before hitting the road is to have plenty of merch. Your band merch is what will help you make money while on tour. Be sure to print shirts, hats, stickers and anything else that your fans may want.

If you don’t have much merchandise, be sure to create a few designs that will be popular among your fans. You can also sell LPs, flags and other unique items that showgoers will want to take home.

Create a Setlist Ahead of Time

It’s always important to have a setlist ready before each show. This will ensure that you know what songs you’re going to play and in what order. Having a setlist will also help with the flow of your show.

If you’re not sure what songs to play, consider your audience and the venue. You want to make sure that you’re playing songs that everyone will enjoy.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Before heading out on tour, it’s important to practice as a band. This will help ensure that you’re tight as a unit and ready to take on any challenges that may come your way.

Practicing also gives you a chance to work out any kinks in your songs and have a smooth set. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a song that doesn’t sound right. Seasoned audience members will be quick to know when something is off, so practice as much as you can before hitting the road.

Know Where You’re Going

You never want to be the band that shows up to the gig late. For this reason,  it’s important to know where you’re going ahead of time. Be sure to map out the route and plan for any traffic or construction delays. You’ll probably come across some long stretches of road, so leave each city with plenty of time for driving and stops along the way.

It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case something happens and you can’t make it to the gig on time. Have an alternate route mapped out and be sure to communicate with the venue ahead of time. They’ll appreciate the effort and may even give you a chance to play a longer set.

Be Professional

When you’re out on tour, it’s important to remember that you’re representing your band. Be sure to be professional at all times, both on and off stage. This means being respectful to your fans, the venue staff and everyone you come in contact with.

You want people to remember your band in a positive light, so be sure to leave a good impression. People will be more likely to come see you play again if they had a good time the first time around.

By following these tips, you’re sure to have a successful tour. Be sure to enjoy the time on the road and make the most of it. These memories will last a lifetime.