Eric Dodd – TOUR TIPS

In this Tour Tips segment, the country artist, Eric Dodd, gives you his tips for being on tour. You can check out the feature, after the break.

Tip 1 – Tour Manager – Once you are in a good spot and the budget allows for it, find a great tour manager. The TM is such an important part of the team. In the early stages, the TM wears many hats. If trained properly, he or she can be your roadie, merchandise guy/gal, help with running sound, advancing the show, driving the van, etc. They are worth the investment, and they work their tails off. You will need to be very honest with them in as to what their responsibilities are. Early on, be your own TM. Having done it myself for years gives me a great appreciation for this job. The TM can save years on your life and take that unwanted stress away so you can focus on your music and performance. The TM is truly the “sixth” member of the band.

Tip 2 – Healthy hobby – This is a tricky one, and took me some time to really master and commit to. Whether you just want to run 50 laps around the venue, or bring your golf clubs on tour, this is something worth pondering and planning on most days. It is very easy to sit around the venue all day looking at social media or playing games on your phone, but that becomes mundane and boring quick. Exercise/some activity is an absolute must on tour. Most gyms will only charge like 5 bucks per visit and most have showers. So, there you go; you can kill two birds with one stone, and everyone in the band will appreciate the fact that you didn’t shower in gold bond.

Tip 3 – Reliable transportation – I will never forget my first road van. We called her Old Blue. It was a 1994 Ford Club wagon with 250,000 miles on it. This thing was a real piece of you know what. I paid $3,000 for it, and it wasn’t very easy on the eyes. I am sure the fans at the shows didn’t think we were very cool either. Of course, we still talk about Old Blue because of the memories made, but it sure did cost us a lot of time, stress and additional money for its upkeep. I recall several flat tires, a corroded serpentine belt, a bad alternator, the A/C going out (not fun in July in Florida), and it goes on. The serpentine belt went out and left us stranded at 7 a.m. somewhere between Charleston and Atlanta. That was one of those moments when you really question your own sanity. I really like the Ford E-350 passenger van with a nice trailer. Don’t forget to have new tires on that trailer too. It is totally worth saving to buy something new so you know what you are getting. The last thing you want to do is to miss a show due to not having reliable transportation.

Tip 4 – Explore the city – There is so much more out there. I know I have written countless songs based on my experiences from getting out of the club and walking around. There is so much to appreciate and learn in towns large and small. Believe it or not, the small towns usually have some of the best people watching, hidden gems and stories. Get curious. Ask the bartender about the best local spots. I remember being with Matt VanZant in the Quad Cities and found a great BBQ spot for lunch. After getting to know the locals and cooks, we ended up borrowing a guitar from the waiter, and playing a pre-show, unplugged for like 45 music lovers that will be friends and fans forever. I think half of the people there ended up coming to the show that night. We go there every year now.

Tip 5 – Fast food is the devil – This is last on the list but certainly not least. Don’t be tempted by the quick and easy stop at Bojangles, Wendy’s or Mcdonald’s. Of course, it’s going to happen from time to time, but try and plan your meals ahead. If you are in a town where you have a friend, ask them to cook a healthy meal for the band. They will love hosting you. Also, It may worth investing in a yeti or something to have PBJ’s kept cool or a salad in some tupper ware. Your heart and waistline will thank you later.

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(Photo credit: Katie Kauss)