Bronze Radio Return – TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the indie band, Bronze Radio Return, give you their tips for being on tour. You can check out the feature, after the break.

The most important thing I can stress is being prepared. There is nothing more frustrating than needing or wanting something crucial out on the road and not having it at the ready. So instead of tips, I would suggest gathering the right things to make the days go smooth.

The backpack is crucial to touring life. Mine is basically a small extension of my suitcase, office, locker, fridge (don’t ask). Don’t skimp on a backpack…spend the extra money on a good one that will stand up to the pressures of touring. I learned this lesson early on and had my bag blowout late at night leaving me with all my stuff in 7-11 shopping bags…brutal. That all being said the right things in the backpack are just as crucial. To help drive this point home I made a little list of what is mine in no particular order….

1. Laptop – No explanation necessary.
2. Sweatshirt – No matter what the season you will find a use. Also, makes a great makeshift pillow.
3. Headphones
4. iPhone chargers – Always have more than one. They go missing quickly.
5. ADVIL – I use caps because this has saved the day more than once.
6. Leatherman – Something always breaks…always.
7. Extra jeans, socks, shirts and, of course, undies – It adds bulk but very crucial.
8. Emergen-C – We are in close quarters. Every cough or sniffle could lead to big things. No one likes being sick on the road.
9. Pepto Bismol – Sometimes the nights off get away from you on many levels.
10. Deodorant – Again, in close quarters, no one likes to stink.
11. Water bottle – I keep a, just in case, water bottle at the bottom of my backpack. I have spent too many nights in a hotel parched and not wanting to get up and fill the glass. We have all been there.
12. SNACK – Another crucial item to have. It’s not always easy to convince 8 people to stop if one person gets hungry.

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