Have Mercy – TOUR TIPS

This set of Tour Tips was written by the alternative/indie band, Have Mercy. You can check out their five tips for being on the road, after the break.

1. Rest. Nothing like going on stage with a tired ole grumpy geezer, you’ll need all the energy you can get. Not to mention the more sleep you get, the more clearly one can think, and the interactions with the crowd will be more lively. Seeing a tired band can be extremely boring. Look at it as you’re always playing your last show, no matter how hungover you might be.

2. Optimism. Always keeping a level head no matter how difficult things can be on the road. Believing that the good ultimately predominates all of the negative bullshit that can be thrown your way, just remember that you’re with your best friends doing what you love most in the world, millions of people would give anything to be in your shoes just for a day. If someone cracks a joke on you in the van, don’t be a panzee about it, laugh it out and come up with a comeback. If its lame, it’ll still be funny. Don’t take anything personal. Its all about love.

3. Hygiene. Take care of yourself you smelly asshole. When you’re able to get a hotel room or a floor to slam chill on, don’t be that guy that takes a 30 mins shower and hogs all the hot water. If you feel the need to pull your pork, do it elsewhere. Not in the shower. Where you might ask? Who knows…. You’re an artist, figure that shit out. Brush those yellow ass teeth, you’ll eventually be taking pics with fans. Don’t be smiling looking like you have banana laffy taffy covering your chompers.

4. Girls. Whether it’s your love back home, or some broad you hook up with every now and again. Don’t get depressed about the absence of their presence or get jealous for what ever actions they might be getting into while your gone. Remember though, It works both ways. Be faithful. If you have doubts, 86 that shit. This is your job, leave your problems back home. If you can’t shake any thoughts that might bring down your mood, talk to your boys, they love you and want to help. Don’t keep it buried. If its embarrassing, who cares, they won’t put it in an interview. Whether or not its regarding a significant other, stress, what have you…. Get that shit out like you just ate too much Taco Bell, before you explode and things get messy.

5. Food. If you haven’t heard, the food you ingest on the road is typically the cheapest and quickest. Vier away from gas station burritos, they’ll kill everyone. Eat healthy as possible when you can. It’ll keep that horrid stench from being a consistent thing in your humble house on wheels. Just make sure you eat. Especially breakfast. Just like mommy and daddy always told you, it’s the most important meal of the day. Free meals are the best meals. Any way to save some dough should be a huge priority. If you’re a picky eater, you’ll be the skinniest one at the end of tour. Sucks to suck. Some Chipotle’s if you call ahead and let them know you’re a touring band they’ll hook you up with free meals, or buy one get one free coupons. Just ask to speak with a manager. Be polite, you’re hungry on a budget, not an annoying bum. Just remember Neutons law of motion when eating chipotle. I’d suggest not eating it while in the mid west, a lot less rest stops. It’s not a test to see who can reenact the scene from Family Vacation first.

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Do you think these tips would be useful while touring? Let us know in the comments below!