Per diems can be a major expense in your tour budget. They also tell your crew exactly how much you value them. (In case you didn’t know: the term comes from the Latin “per diem,” meaning “per day,” and in touring it refers to the daily cash allowance you give each band and crew member … Read more
A guide for UK-based artist managers on the ‘dark arts’ of using the ATA carnet for musical equipment This guide is for UK-based artist managers who are responsible for getting their artist’s equipment in and out of the UK. It assumes you already know broadly what an ATA carnet so I am not going over … Read more
A brief guide to the essential elements of both. What is an Input List? An input list is a document that lists every single sound source from the stage that needs to be connected to the main sound system (also known as the Public Address or PA system). Its primary purpose is to allow the club … Read more
Illegal and Dangerous – the Overweight Splitter Van The splitter van is the workhorse of UK/European touring. And its probably overweight. This has legal and financial implications for you and your artists. The title says it all – you’ve done a quick budget, booked a splitter van, and your artist is ready to hit the … Read more
The certificate for National Insurance Contributions (NIC) is taking six-eight months to arrive. I applied for an A1 certificate in June this year (2025). The screenshot shows the latest response from HMRC – I can expect my certificate in January 2026 (!) In the meantime, I completed two European tours and had to assure the … Read more
The How (and Why) of Hiring a Concert Tour Manager – by a Concert Tour Manager When to bring in a concert tour manager and how to pick the right one – a guide written for artist managers based in the UK. So, you think you need to hire a concert tour manager. You have … Read more
Learn how to effectively communicate with monitor engineers during live performances. Master sound terminology, hand signals, and troubleshooting tips for perfect stage sound.
Everyone who is important will want the AAA pass. How do you decide who gets all access – and where exactly does all access get them?
The contract rider and the contract for a concert – what is the difference? This article, written by a tour manager, shows you the difference with an example rider.
A quick guide to using expiry dates and version numbers on input lists, stage plans, catering riders, and other docs for concert touring. Written by a tour manager.
The contract is between the artist and the concert promoter, but is issued by the booking agent. This article explains the process and key clauses.
For music artists – what is a carnet? A guide for musicians on getting and using a carnet, by a concert tour manager. What is a carnet? A carnet (pronounced ‘kar-nay’) is a kind of passport for musical equipment. The ATA Carnet (to use the correct name) permits tax- and duty-free import and export of … Read more
