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Bands on the run |
added Oct 19th, 2011 |
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The annals of rock are filled with tales of acts that, having a couple of huge hits, have managed to squander their equity – both real and theoretical – through bad decisions and irresponsible living. It is part of the mythology of music. But it’s not completely accurate. Most acts, out of necessity, actually choose to celebrate those first flushes of success with the most responsible investment a business dependent on being in a different city every night can make – logistics. Every band begins its touring career in a van – the well-used Econoline of uncertain vintage and dependability seems to be an industry favorite. But as soon as he or she can afford it, the touring musician gladly trades up, progressing from van to van-and-trailer to RV to bus to tractor trailer. Some have even been known to add a globetrotting jet to the fleet. And it doesn’t end there. Road crews are hired to ensure the safe passage of instruments and amps. A management team is assembled to ensure that the next venue in the next town is properly prepped for arrival. The truth is, every act the succeeds on the road does so not because it can entertain an arena full of fans, but because it has invested in logistics. That rocks. |
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