Skip to content
Music-Tour

What is a Tour Manager in Music

Every successful artist knows that touring is essential to an artist’s career. In fact, some would even say that touring is a vital part of promoting your music as an artist. But touring is not just about showing up to a venue and performing for your fans.

It takes a lot of coordination, organization, and planning in order for everything to run smoothly. This is where tour managers come in.

Here, we’ll talk about who a tour manager is, the duties of a tour manager, and how you can select a tour manager to ensure the success of your tour.

What is a Tour Manager?

A tour manager is a person who is responsible for coordinating all aspects of an artist’s or band’s tour, from booking venues and arranging transportation to handling merchandise sales and managing the budget. They also serve as a point of contact for the artists and handle any unexpected issues that may arise during the tour.

In short, a tour manager ensures that a tour runs smoothly and successfully. Without them, it would be nearly impossible for an artist or band to successfully navigate the hectic world of touring.

What Does A Tour Manager Do?

The duties of a tour manager vary depending on the size and scale of the tour, but some common duties include:

  1. Arrange travel plans. Tour managers handle everything related to travel for musicians so that the artists can focus on their performances. This includes tasks like booking flights, arranging transport and accommodation for the entire band, and managing background singers, guitarists, merchandise sellers, etc. Tour managers also ensure that everyone has the right visas and other required documentation before departure.
  2. Coordinate logistics. Tour managers handle the logistical tasks of a tour, such as booking venues, setting up sound and lighting equipment, negotiating contracts with venues, and coordinating catering for musicians and crew members. They also handle merchandise sales and make sure to budget accordingly for each show.
  3. Handle unexpected issues. No matter how well-planned a tour may be, there will always be unexpected issues that arise. Tour managers serve as the main point of contact during a tour and are responsible for handling unexpected issues, such as canceled shows or sound problems at a venue. It’s their job to find solutions quickly in order to ensure the smooth running of the tour.
  4. Manage the tour budget. Tour managers are also responsible for managing the tour’s budget and ensuring that all expenses, such as transportation and equipment rental, are accounted for. They also handle merchandise sales and distribute profits accordingly to the musicians and crew members.
  5. Oversee tour staff. Tour managers oversee the tour staff, including roadies, sound engineers, and merchandise sellers. They may also hire additional staff if necessary and make sure everyone is doing their job effectively.
  6. Serve as a point of contact. In addition to managing the tour staff, tour managers also serve as the main point of contact for the musicians, venues, and other parties involved in the tour. They handle communication between all parties and ensure everyone is on the same page.
  7. Handle press and media. Tour managers also communicate with press and media outlets during a tour, handling interviews and ensuring the artist or band has a positive public image. They may also handle social media promotion for the tour.
  8. Ensure the safety of musicians and crew members. Lastly, tour managers have a duty to ensure the safety of all involved in the tour, including musicians and crew members. They may coordinate security at venues and handle any potential safety issues that arise during the tour.

How Do You Select a Tour Manager?

When selecting a tour manager, it’s crucial to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about the music industry. In addition, they should have a strong understanding of the logistics involved in planning a tour and also be able to handle unexpected issues effectively.

It’s also important to choose a tour manager who understands your vision for the tour and can work well with both musicians and crew members. Good communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are crucial traits for a successful tour manager.

Overall, selecting the right tour manager can make or break your tour. Finding someone with the necessary experience and expertise will ensure a smooth and successful touring experience for you and your band.

So before hiring a tour manager, be sure to thoroughly interview them and ask for references from past tours they have managed.

Selecting The Best Tour Manager For Your Trip

Choosing an experienced tour manager can make all the difference to the success of your tour. However, it can be challenging to find a tour manager who is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also a good fit for your band or group. That’s why we highly recommend partnering with us for your tour management needs.

At GUIÓN PARTNERS, we have over 15 years of experience managing tours for some of the biggest names in the music industry. Our team comprises dedicated professionals with expertise in all aspects of tour management, from budgeting and logistics to handling unexpected issues and press.

But beyond just managing the logistics of your tour, we also take the time to understand your vision and ensure that we are a good fit for your band or group. We prioritize clear communication and work closely with you to ensure all your needs are met, including the safety of you and your team.

When it comes to tour management, trust the experts at GUIÓN PARTNERS to make your touring experience a success. Contact us today for more information.

Share: