Backstage Pass: 10 Things to Consider When Becoming a Touring Music Tech

‘Backstage Pass’ is a solid guide to getting a touring concert tech/ road crew job. The author maps out the steps you need to take, from basic research into local production companies and unions, getting some stagehand work, showing up – on time and willing to work hard – and then progressing to getting work directly for bands.The book is based on the authors own experiences, and he is from near Atlanta, GA, and so all his references are US-based.The book is a quick, but comprehensive read and will introduce you to some industry terms, conventions and associations you would not find out easily elsewhere. Recommend.

A very informative read ..a must for anyone planning a career as a touring music tech .

I purchased this book, (as I am a touring tech with over 20 years experience,) as I was curious to see What the author had to say on a very closed doors and hard to get into job field.I was very pleasantly surprised at how open and informative this book is, it's like a how to manual for being a touring tech and it's written by a genuine professional, with years of experience out in the field, not just a reporters view. The author writes the book like a good friend who is passing on valuable information and tips to you and it's a quick easy read.If you are serious about doing this as a profession, do your self a favour and get this book , I wish it had been around 20 years ago when I was starting out

As a touring musician, I can say that the things written are very true, from the business etiquette to the way people handle their day to day affairs and networking. Even though I have been around tours, television shows, and local gigs for years I learned a lot more useful information about the people and their positions that work around me on a daily basis. For people who are considering this career, I definitely suggest this book because it will help you figure out if you have what it takes to get into this type of career, and how to successfully maneuver your way up the ladder and make good career choices for yourself along the way.

This book is written and organized very well. It's not too long or too short either. Consider it a survival guide to the music touring industry. Kenny covers seemingly every aspect of the industry, with what to do and what not to do. He uses many first hand examples and explains why things are the way they are. A helpful read for anyone interested in working in the touring music industry or anyone who is interested in how music tours work. I would definitely recommend this book.

Backstage Pass is one of the few guides that I've read that actually makes it seem like anyone who follows the steps will actually succeed in the music industry. It wasn't just arbitrary advice that may or may not work. It was insightful, too. I feel like I could take the advice from the book and go out into the industry confidently. On top of everything, the writing was engaging and entertaining; I didn't feel like I was reading a pretentious lecture from someone on a pedestal. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to start a career in the music tech industry!

An excellent take on getting into the entertainment business. This book provides concise tips and advice on breaking in and gives some refreshing reminders to those who may already be established in their road careers. A great read for anyone interested in a career as a touring technician, a seasoned road warrior, and those who may just be curious as to how the big shows roll down the road...