kuilo Countdown to 200 - #9 Don't Be a Gherm - hotamboyan

This week we look back at the first post that truly blew up in popularity thanks to both the topic and our new friends: The Gherm Guys. This post was almost a year into the blog and we were still playing with animated gifs and embedded pictures on a regular basis. I also learned, thanks to the aforementioned Guys, that I had been spelling 'gherm' wrong (we won’t talk anymore about that). Aunt Ida from Boise made an appearance, this was also the first of many BDB PSAs.

And now, Number 9 in our countdown to 200: 

Don’t Be A Gherm: A PSA from the Dimmer Beach Blog

One of the really neat things (and one of the most pain in the ass things) about being on the road is being able to acquire tickets for friends and family. I never had a problem with getting people tickets for a gig I was on. It is one of the perks of our job, and most people truly are amazed at what we consider common place (which can be a nice shot in the arm on a bad day).

I liked seeing my family proud of what I had accomplished, and have them meet my road family. As we move closer to the one year anniversary of Bandit Dimmer Beach, I decided to do a post that you, the roadie who makes the show happen every day, can share with people so they know a few of the do’s and don’ts of getting tickets and passes. It’s got me this far, so, in no particular order…

A sure sign of a good time. Photo credit: Rhys A.

How many tickets can I get?

Most tours have comp tickets set aside for their crew, but that doesn’t mean thousands of them. Unless it is immediate family, I never asked for more than two at any given show. Do not text your roadie friend on tour, and ask for “Me + 3.” Bad form for sure. At your roadie’s hometown show he can usually get a couple extra tickets, so Great Aunt Ida can go.

When should I ask for tickets?

This varies depending on the tour. The more time the better on a bigger tour, but usually your roadie will tell you to remind him as the date gets closer. I found that two weeks out seemed to work well for me. It didn’t make me rush my Production Manager, but wasn't so far out that it slipped through the cracks.

Can I get meet and greet or backstage passes?

Do NOT ask for that. Ever. Ever ever. Your roadie friend knows you like the artist, and knows you think it would be cool to be backstage. If he is on a tour where that is possible, he will make it happen. In many cases, a person without a pass can be escorted backstage for a quick tour. Again, if that is possible,your roadie will make it happen for you.

Get there when doors open.

For the love of everything, be there when the doors open. I understand it may be early, but your roadie has a job to do (that’s why he is able to get tickets). If there is a problem, it will need to be taken care of, and set change of the first act is not a good time. Your friend has done you a huge favor by hooking you up: help them out by making it easier if there is an issue.

NOTE: Two important things to remember!

1. Show days are busy, sometimes tickets don’t get sent up or missed at Will Call. If your name is noton the list, get ahold of your roadie and let them handle it. This could take a bit of time depending on what is going on. Do not freak out and yell at building people.
2. Send a courtesy text when you get your tickets. This lets your roadie friend relax just a bit. When I was on the road, I would then go find my people as I had time.

Calm. Down.

OMG! I’m backstage! Now what?

Nothing, that’s what. There is a saying in sports: Act like you’ve been there. That’s perfect. Yes, it is cool. Yes, you may see your favorite pop star. But… it is a job. People are working. Those people dressed in black pushing cases around? Stay out of their way. You move for them. Pay attention and be alert. Your roadie will tell you if you can take a picture here and there, but it will usually only be of their gear or a quick selfie backstage with them.

Don't be this person backstage. 

Mr. Pop Star is right there!

I’m sure he is. He is doing a show tonight. Do not take pics of him. Do not run over to him. Do not jump up and down and giggle. Remember, been there, done that.

No! You cannot meet the Pop Star.

On bigger tours, the Pop Star probably doesn’t even know what your roadie’s name is. Sure, he may know your roadie’s face but that’s it (Personally, I was ok with this. If the Pop Star knew me, it just put a target on my back). On smaller tours when you are all on one bus, it may be possible to meet him, but even then, don’t ask. Trust your roadie is making your experience the best he can.

Be cool, man. Be cool.

My friend got me a backstage pass, and I’m hanging out after the show. Holy crap!

Look at your pass. In almost every case there will be initials on it; your roadie’s initials. If you do anything stupid, like get drunk and make an ass of yourself or get thrown out by security, they will be getting in trouble. If your roadie got you backstage passes, that means they trust you. 

Don’t break that trust.

ALSO: Just because there is food and drink doesn’t mean you can have it. If you can have something, your roadie will tell you. Trust your roadie will take care of you (sound familiar?).

Still want some tickets to a show? Here’s the cheat sheet:

DO: 

Be there when your roadie asks.

Be respectful.

Pay attention.

Act like you've been there.

DON’T: 

Act a fool.

Take pictures backstage unless you are told it is okay.

Act a fool.

Get drunk.

Act a fool.

Until next time, Remember, this is your roadie’s job. You wouldn’t want him drunk and making an ass of himself at your workplace. Don’t be at his.

To check out more Gherm goodness check out the guys who know it so well, follow The Gherm Guys on Twitter. 

Until next time, “We secure our friends not by accepting favors but by doing them.” Thucydides

Mark