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issue altogether is how the band gets along. Little things that bug you about each other are going to become huge things if you're not careful. You'll be spending 24 hrs. a day together. Also does anyone drink to much or have a drug problem. This could and probably end the tour in a bad way.
Do you really think you can baby sit someone and monitor their alcohol intake before every single show? Do you want the entire band to end up in jail because one selfish member has drugs in the van. You could end up in some county jail in Tennessee or Kentucky where the cops or the other inmates don't take to strange Rock n Roll types.

No matter if you're leaving in a brand new Winnebago or a 1989 Ford Econoline van you need to have it gone over with a fine tooth comb. If one or more of the members in your band are mechanically inclined that is very fortunate. If not get triple A, actually that's a good idea anyway. Triple A can save your lives, and for Gods sake have a good map, with your shows mapped out and your route highlighted.
while packing everything to take you better think about something to entertain yourselves and occupy the long hours between shows. A CD player is a must, books are a must, a TV helps as does comics, video games, a deck of cards, and absolutely take plenty of paper and writing utensils. An acoustic guitar is great but everyone has to learn to be polite with it. Someone might not want to hear your rendition of Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison Blues at 2am after a show. Also remember the radio, while most stations aren't much for music you'll need weather reports, traffic reports and sometimes late night talk shows are just what the Dr. ordered. Try art bell or George Norey, whichever is on Coast to Coast. It can be a kick listening to callers tell stories about aliens and Big Foot.
Another very important thing is a cooler. You absolutely can not eat at restaurants everyday. Put sandwich meet, soft drinks, milk, hot dogs, bread, bagels, jelly and of course peanut butter. Also get non-perishables such as ravioli, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Soups, Hot pockets, macaroni and cheese and much more. Dinty Moore Heaven! You can eat just as well out of your cooler as you can doing fast food or Denny's for a fraction of the cost. . Many rest stops have microwaves you can use for free. A hot meal is sometimes a must when on the road.
About Safety. As mentioned before have your map highlighted exactly where you want to go. Try not to stray much. Everyone knows you can be in the middle of the city on second and in crack town, carjacking corner the next. So be careful, if you end up in hell, don't stop, keep going. Sometimes it's not a bad idea to have a couple ball bats with gloves in the back, a tire iron, and other legal ways to protect yourself.
When you arrive at the venue it's a good idea to stay there. Make friends with the patrons, bartender and other band (s) you're playing with.
The very most important thing is have fun. That's why you're out there, if not you'd stay at work. Don't take anything to seriously. It's Rock n Roll, Like it!

Learn more about this author, Christopher Scum.
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