Today’s Crew Q&A is with Andy Dunlop, an Event Manager who has been Tour Manager for Twin Atlantic, worked with Blink 182 and more.

Andy has almost 15 years event management and marketing experience working on everything from international music tours to local talks and training sessions.

We grabbed 5 with him to chat about life as a Tour Manager….

What was your first ever job in live event production?

When I was a student I worked in an ice rink, and eventually they asked me to DJ for some of the public skating sessions (probably to keep me off the ice and terrorising kids). From there I then started working at the Students’ Union at Paisley Uni (I only went there so I could DJ in an actual club!), but from that I started working in other events.

In all honesty I had zero interest in “live music” as I was more into dance music at that time, but I worked a few gigs and enjoyed it. It took a while before I “properly” worked in the industry though!

O2 Academy Glasgow

We realise the job is not 9-5 and you need stamina and to keep well – do you have any wellbeing tips for crew?

That’s a tough one. I think it’s just important to realise the job isn’t rock & roll or easy. Stress management is important, but everyone deals with it differently. You need to learn not to panic at all as it never helps. 

When it comes to touring, it’s important to slowly get “back to normal” when you’re home – it’s very easy for friends and family to want to hang out, socialise and go on holiday as soon as you’re home – but when you’ve just spend 6 months living in very close quarters with 15 other people, that’s usually the last thing you want, so make sure those around you realise that!

You’ve been TM for Twin Atlantic and been out on tour with artists such as Blink 182. How did you get to work with certain artists?

Pure luck – which is something I’ve been blessed with a lot in all honesty! But, when opportunities arrive, you have to be willing to take them!

I was working as the events manager at the QMU in Glasgow when I heard Twin were looking for a TM through a friend. I chucked my name into the hat, and that was that. I enjoyed a great 6 years with the guys touring the world and loved every minute. We were lucky to get on some great support slots which led to work with other artists too.

Party at the Palace

What’s the one item on tour that you can’t live without?

My phone, but that’s probably just as extension of my life! Being able to stay in touch with friends and family back home was very important, especially as my very understanding girlfriend (now wife!) was pregnant towards the latter stages of my touring life!

Other than that, I do love a gadget, so my mobile printer and very flashy stapler are still mainstays in my peli case!

What would you say is the key to being a great TM?

Not panicking, under any situation. If something is broken, fix it. If you can’t fix it, don’t worry. I’ve worked with a lot of TMs and still see some panicking and worrying about stuff that is completely out of their control, which just makes situations worse!

That, and being personable. Your job is to speak to as many people as possible, and that can be the CEO of a record label or the cleaner in a venue. They’re all there to do a job and can help you in many different ways – without everyone in the chain, the gig doesn’t happen!

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