A guide for the inexperienced booker or the booker's guide to the galaxy : PART 2

during our last tour i had a few new ideas to mention, some are very basic really, but i thought they're still important enough to point out -


no detail is too small to mention - ask whether they'll feed or lodge you.

send them your technical requirements - otherwise you'll find out the venues is missing mics or even a sound system - yes, even a PA and speakers!

try to make an easy course - make sure the distances are not too far, the roads in Poland for instance are very narrow and slow, you'll pass through villages and farms - and it'll take about 12 hours to finish a 700 kilometers long ride.
we had to learn the hard way - we were late twice, one of the gigs had been cancelled. they start early, at 20:30.
(you can use GooggleMaps in order to calculate the distances between cities), you can even check the prices for gas in different countries online.

oh yeah, of course! make sure you know when's your sound check!

ask for an emergency phone number of the gigs' promoter, just in case. you never know whether there's a tornado coming up or killer bees heading your way. or well, you know, you might just get lost on the way, it's a new town and a new language and all.

you should also check the local currency's value, just to make sure you know how much you're spending on a local sandwich... it might surprise you later, unless you learn in advance.

you'll need visas to enter certain countries - or at least a transit visa, to pass through. especially in Eastern-Europeans countries. ask your embassy or check it online.

a day without any gigs is only good if you're not worried about money,
otherwise it'll be extra expenses - car rental, sleeping places, etc...

always make extra cash by selling merch - cd's are absolutely necessary.

try to research about the local press, ask your promoter or the booker whether you can send anything to the local magazines/radio stations. yes, usually, it's not your job, but when you're completely on your own, it's just one of those things that you can take care of, not all places promote their own gigs.


hey, good luck!