Dealing with the Unexpected: When Your Tour Job Falls Through
The first time you lose a tour, especially when it’s last minute, it can really throw you off. You might think you’re all set and ready to go, but a good lesson to learn is: you’re not actually on tour until your feet are on that bus or plane, or you’re loading in that show.
I was always told, “You’re not on tour until you’re on tour.” Just because you’ve been asked to join a job, or they’ve started making arrangements, doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Tours can get cancelled halfway through for all sorts of reasons, and it’s a blow no matter how seasoned you are.
It’s easy to understand losing work when you’re a freelancer in other industries, but for some reason, roadies often get blindsided when a gig falls through. It could be anything that cancels a tour—budget cuts, or even just plain old disorganization on their end. Like in any industry.
It can sting even more when you’ve turned down other work for that tour. Some folks handle it differently. I’ve seen roadies include clauses in their terms and conditions, stating they’re entitled to a certain percentage of the payment if the tour gets cancelled after they’ve been booked. This can be a smart move, but it’s not without its risks. Some production managers might see that as a dealbreaker and decide not to hire you at all.
The reality is, some roles are easier to replace than others. That’s just the way it is. If you’re not irreplaceable, you might want to consider protecting yourself with those clauses. But it’s a gamble - will it save you, or cost you the job in the first place? The frustrating part is that this work is seasonal. Losing a tour in the middle of festival season could mean missing out on other gigs too, and by the time you start looking, it might be too late to find anything substantial.
On the flip side, when one tour falls through, so do other people’s gigs, which means something might open up unexpectedly. The key is to make sure people know you’re available. Keep yourself in their minds so that when they need someone, they think of you. Networking isn’t just about landing jobs; it’s about staying top of mind for when things go sideways.
One thing to remember is that not everything in this industry is written down. A lot of the time, it’s all verbal agreements and handshakes. If you’ve been told you’re on a tour but haven’t heard anything for a while and another offer comes along, don’t hesitate to follow up. It’s okay to ask what’s going on and whether you’re officially booked or not. You’re a freelancer, and until they’ve booked you, you’re free to take on other work. It’s a fine balance between being assertive and being available, but it’s a necessary part of the gig.
Sadly, there’s no easy answer to losing work last minute. It’s just part of the freelancing life. Hopefully, it’s a rare occurrence, but if not, it’s something you’ll have to navigate like the rest of us. In the end, it’s about protecting yourself, staying flexible, and keeping an eye out for the next opportunity, even when things don’t go as planned.
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