Roadie
Help to stage concerts and other events so that the audience have a great experience.
Also known as: technical support staff, technical support crew
About the job
What it's like
You would help to stage concerts and other events so that the audience have a great experience. You would set up before each gig, look after the instruments during the show, and pack away afterwards. It would be your job to make sure that everything is in place for the show to go well.Â
You might work alone or as part of large crew.
Your tasks might include:
lifting and carrying equipment and sets
driving, loading and unloading vans, trailers and tour buses
acting as security for equipment and band members
setting up and look after sound equipment
setting up video equipment and screens
rigging up wiring and lighting
setting up firework and laser displays
tuning the instruments during the show
You may also have other duties like booking travel and caterers or issuing backstage passes.
You would be working with a lot of electrical devices and heavy equipment, so you would need to follow health and safety rules carefully.
Hours
You would often work late into the night. During a tour, you may need to work seven days a week for a few weeks at a time. There may be rest days between gigs and long breaks between tours.
Environment
Concerts can be anywhere from clubs and theatres to sports arenas and outdoor festivals. The work is very physical. You would have to lift and carry heavy equipment, and may need to work high up on ladders and rigging. Venues are often noisy and working spaces may be cramped.
Travel
When touring, you may travel around the whole of the UK and also possibly overseas. You would have to live away from home for long periods.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Like the sound of this career?
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Roadie'
Select qualification level(s)
Other careers that you might like
Stagehand
Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- attention to detail
- time management
- reliable
- resilience
- adaptability
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Music Technology
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Although you do not need formal qualifications to work as a roadie it can be useful to have experience in areas such as:
electronics
electrical work
sound production
music technology
To get into the industry it is important to make contacts in the industry.
A qualification in music technology, audio visual technology, music and audio technology or sound production or engineering could be useful.
You'll need to:
be over 18 years old to work in licensed venues
have normal colour vision, if you are doing electrical workÂ
be fit and healthy
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Roadie'
