Drum Beats Online definitely trying to find a place to poop and shower (especially with long hair) were the worst but did end up making some of the funniest and most memorable moments. Van rides were tough especially in the pre mobile internet days but meeting new bands and getting their CDs got you from City to city. The best was definitely networking. Meeting people and talking music with folks you'd never meet in normal life was amazing.
Past band con : bass player blowing $400 band money on coke the 4th day on tour Current band con. Better gear, More members, more gear = better gear that you worked hard to upgrade to getting beat up without your consent either while piled up in the trailer or oops from the careless stage hands Past band pro: traveled to more states had more time to have fun between shows Current band pro: plays 2-3 shows a week and actually makes enough money to maintain gear and even eat regularly 👏🏼 If you’re reading this and you dream of the day of touring with your band, and actually like your band I encourage you not to. “Never meet your idols” It’s not glorious, you will probably hate your bandmates the first week in. Stuff will definitely go wrong✅
I have played in many bands and DAMMIT, musicians are a quirky bunch!! It's hard AF to find 3 or 4 that A: can get along, B: Are on the same page musically, C: Are close to the same talent level, D: have schedules that can accomodate regular practice times, E: Don't have head swelling egos, F: Don't have GF's or spouses that are intent on causing problems!! G: So many other issues!! Feel free to add to this list!!
At this point in my life, all I want to do is play music for people everywhere. Anything else on top of that is a bonus:). One day I’ll be out on the road!
Love it dude! I’ve experienced many of the same things. It’s the down time that kills me on the road. Staying busy with something productive day to day when I’m not working has been key. Seeing new places is my favorite part. Stay well!
When I toured Europe with my band it was in a station wagon . So we had to load all the gear on the racks on top of car and strap the drums on top every night. And after show we sometimes had to drag all the gear upstairs to someone's apartment and then drag it all downstairs the next morning . And most of the time we slept sitting up in the station wagon . Or when it was cold we slept under the car . Or on a park bench. No showers and no laundry . It was rough and I felt and looked like I was homeless. But that was when I was young . I couldn't take that ruggedness now in my 50s,. But all and all it was a life changing experience .
As a former touring musician/drummer ( back in the 70's) the biggest con was definitely the downtime! We spent an average of 10 hrs a day on the road driving to the next gig. There were no computers, iPads, video games, cell phones or even TV on the bus. So listening to music, the lost art of handwriting letters, chatting with the group and sleeping was about all there was to do! We did meet lots of people but 90% of the time, we were back on the bus right after the show and headed to the next gig. No real time to develop relationships, hence the letter writing! Pros were playing to the large crowds, seeing the country(mostly out of the bus window at 70 MPH), honing the show to perfection and feeling somewhat like a "star" It was far from perfect, but created priceless memories and some lifelong friendships. Oh, yeah, CON: Denny's and Truck stop food!
When band mates replace your IPA with Coor's light. When the house sound tech is constantly hitting on you (and you're not gay). When the bus driver is tired (drunk/high) and now you have to drive while everyone else sleeps.
I totally feel you on the being stuck in not so great places. I did an out of town gig with a tribute band once in a small town in Nebraska. There was absolutely nothing for miles AND no phone signal. (This was before smartphones) so I couldn't even call or text friends back home. I was stuck there for 2 days.
I spent a lot of time on the road! It’s a lot harder than people think it’s not all fame and glory! Having a good roadie is everything!! Nothing better than not having to haul, set up and tear down and haul all your gear! Being away from family is really tough! I really miss my wife/ kids on the road! Also bandmates can be really annoying or really awesome! Annoying being higher! Lol! Gigs are fun travel is exhausting! Fans are fun too, but often they don’t understand how much work tours are!
I did too and gotta say; You gotta LOVE LIVING out of a suitcase. We toured our asses off for the simple reason we could and didn't care what happened the next year. Success is like a hollow tree. I'm lucky enough to teach percussion now as my career. Never the less, its the best job in the world. If you're young, go for it. Just have a back up plan.
This video really applies to any musician actually as Im a bass player and learned from it. Im much older than you and at this stage in my life Id probably not enjoy sleeping in bunk beds and smelling sweat after a gig. But for a young strong guy this seems perfect.
I went to a concert yesterday and told my friend who went with me "I would love to know how it feels to be a tourdrummer, playing everyday, having a crowd that loves what you are doing, sleeping in the nightliner, traveling...". So this video popped up and gave me a short introduction to it. I still want to go on tour one day =D! Thanks for that :)! Really good video!
Toured back in the 90's and loved every damned minute!! We always booked venues that provided either a hotel or other housing. We stopped for laundry twice a week. If we were travelling and between hotels, most larger truck stops have surprisingly clean shower facilities. Our rules were simple; no drugs, bathe everyday, be a team, eat good food, and have a damned good time. It was the best time of my life!!
Pro: Networking Con: Sometimes I wish I had the oportunity to play these shows with that crap punk band I had made by friends who really liked the same stuff as I do and that would love to play, party and tour with me (maybe that's why it never got that far), instead of some other people that have different hobbies and tastes. Sometimes I find myself having better connections with the other bands' members than with mine
The biggest pro was seeing and meeting so many talented bands and musicians; it was humbling and very inspiring at the same time. Con was no budget with little pay, and equipment sponsorship wasn't in the cards for the indie market. This was late 80's early 90's no cell phones, no Googling it, pre-internet......no tour bus, no planes just a Ford van, a lot of gas stations and you better know how to work on a V-8 and change tires. Timing is everything.
My dream is to Tour and drum and make music for people, you and iprevail inspire me!! Keep up the good work Gabe!! Your lessons “to be a rock drummer” are going great so far!!
when im on tour (short-med run), i take a rucksack/backpack with me that contains the following: wet wipes, dry shampoo, anti-persp deo, fragrance, hairbrush, detangling brush (for knotted hair), and frebreze/fabric spray to get my clothes smelling hlf decent if i can get to a washer. longer tours i buy clothing every few stops, and buy wash stuff on the road, its easier and cheaper. and if you're sharing space in van, dib in for an air-freshener, its always a good lil thing. and occasionally a rim block for the toilet just so it smells a bit better.
This is my last 1 because I know you are replying to so many people, but you are giving me info that I have always wondered about every since I was a little boy. I'm 55 years old now so i go all the way back to the 70s during years of the big band era and every since I was a little boy and I still do to this day love watching drummers who have really mastered this thing, like yourself perform. For me, that is the ultimate entertainment. Me myself, I'm a decent drummer but I could never come close to what you guys do. There is nothing like the sound you get from the drum kit at a professional setting. I always thought that when you are touring that you didn't have to use your own kit. I thought the production company or who ever is sponsoring the tour would pay for those things, shows you how much I know. I've always notice that it's seem like the drum equipment y'all seem use was the best equipment, for example, I never seen a drummer with any cracked cymbals or using thin cheap cymbals stands at a concert. But I have witnessed this in the some clubs or even at some churches. I know that can be expensive. I think this is my last one. Thank you so much for this extremely interesting topic. It was very enlightening. Thanks again and keep em coming.
I'm currently on tour right now and I agree with every one of these. The hardest part to me is Burn out is a big thing when the people you are touring with aren't your best friends. I love the people I your with, but it just makes burnout a big more rough when it hits. I also think that bonding is escalated more when you are on tour. You get so many opportunities to see so many cool things in places and cities you have never been to before! I couldn't give up touring for anything in the world haha. One thing for me that you did not mention is that touring and school gets tough. Being in college can make things a little hectic on the road. Since my band is through my university, they do what they can to schedule shows around my time, but boy oh boy it's rough sometimes
This video was super sick bro! It's always exciting seeing people like you live out my (and every other drummer out there) dream. Obviously the best part has to be PLAYING DRUMS EVERY SINGLE DAY ❤
The worst part about touring for me was always the time in between. You are right about the no transportation thing, sometimes you get stuck somewhere and just have to wait hours before the show. It is an amazing experience though and I hope everyone gets a chance to do it someday!
Pro: u get super good, in the pocket with energy and u become a great listener. Ur playing reaches an entire level above when u started. Con: most venues did not have great monitors and sound guys can careless if your opening for the main act to accommodate. However, this Did not keep me from having fun and playing my best. This gives u another tool to take with u or makes u an experienced drummer. This made me a solid drummer. Every note I played was heard and in time. Great Video!
This has been a dream of mine. Lord willing. Knowing the pros and cons is going to help me. But I want this to be my MAIN career. That can pay the bills, put food on the table for me, the family, and retire off of. Excellent video. Appreciate the tips!
Great video! Great footage and useful tips! Pro- varied nightly cuisine from 4 corners of the globe! Con- varied nightly cuisine from 4 corners of the globe and the bathroom rule.
It is my dream ever since i play drums, im a fan from yours all the way from philippines and i listen to i prevail also. I wish i can experience touring in many places and experience what you've experience.
Very good video and info. I learned - you need to get along with your "team mates" and after a while it can get very boring between gigs. You start to look for anything to do during the day.
I'd say you really hit it on the head on this video. Those were most of the things I have experienced too. Besides the drinking and lack of sleep is say you hit all the important things
I was a touring guitarist for almost 10 years lol the best part is definitely seeing new faces and new places the worst part is definitely the six month stretches on the road and then taking like two weeks off then going back out because after a while even when come home you still feel like your alone lol it’s fun out on the road I’m not gonna lie but after awhile the loneliness sets in and that’s the worst feeling ever
I imagine that along with hygiene, health habits are a big key. Sometimes restless nights, or stuck in places that don't have good food options can drain you really fast. I've done small weekend touring gigs with my bands, 3-4 shows, and I can only imagine doing 15+ can really start to wear on you if you don't keep up with good sleep, being active, and eating right.
I have never been in a band long enough to tour, haha. I play at home in my drum room and make drum covers. I played in a few bands, but mostly fell through after a few months, also played in a few churches.
my dream is to play in front of people that all feel connected together from my music.. i play a large range of instruments but i hope to be a bassist & vocalist
Man id say that depending on if you’re actually in a band or a hired gun can affect a lot out on the he road too. If your tour Mgr uses master tour then try and research the cities on the schedule. Nowadays you can use social media to link up with fans if you don’t have a runner at the venue. Great vid man and see y’all on warped tour
Thanks for the information man. I have never been on tour as a drummer but I have been on tour before and I can relate with just normal non drumming touring, but In being a touring drummer, thanks for the info. Now I will know in the future :)
on our first trip out of state my band already accepted the fact that theres gonna be some wood shitting. we pack a shovel and tonnes of toilet paper on out of state trips now.
Nice video! Hey, I noticed you banging the edge of your crash at 8:39 - this may be contributing to your cracked/broken cymbals. Just a thought. Cheers!
Really glad to know that given that I dream of going on tour with a famous band, so really useful content dude 👌🏻(sorry for the mistakes, I’m a French subscriber) I’d like to know if you will play with I Prevail in France one day 😁
I said last one. I guess I unintentionally lied. But I also thought that you guys never had to worry about carrying or even setting up your own kit. It seemed like the roadies would handle that. I've even seen situations where other people would even handle the tuning. Question....is it as fun as it looks while on stage? I am a true amateur and I only play friends that I grew up with. If I get too off into it and start to enjoy it to the point where I'm almost dancing to my own beat, than you can expect an error is right around the corner. But if I get to concentrating too hard, then most the time I'm error free, but I don't enjoy it as much. Man..it must be really nice to be able to do both at the same time. I can't thank you enough for covering one of my most entertaining thing to do and watch.
Hey Willie, honestly it totally depends on the night. Often times It's a blast, other times you could be walking on stage after having a horrible day and you have to fake it a bit. But yeah I totally hear you, sometimes I'm able to live in the moment and other times I'm analyzing everything that I'm doing.
Thank you for this. The video really helped me. I am wanting to be an Instagram drummer and hopefully end up where you're at! I have no social media and I have my reasons why, but I would totally get them back for drumming!
That’s awesome Connor! I’m so glad you are connecting with this. I’m going to be dedicating an entire portion of my website to help drummers become better online/gigging/pro drummers. I’m sure they will help you a ton!
Interesting video and a good outline of what it's like to tour on a big tour with nice established venues. I'd like to add a con: getting your gear you've paid thousands of dollars for our of the venue quickly mid set when you find out the illegal show you're playing is being shut down by the cops.
You know, you would crack less cymbals if you didn't have most of them set on the level, but angled a bit. I know it looks cool to have them all level but cymbals aren't made to be played like that. Hi-hats, of course are a little different but you still shouldn't hit the edges directly with your sticks.
Probably the biggest pro would be since I'm a teenage boy would be getting to play in front of other teens and even better, teenage girls so they can see how awesome I am at drums (I'm single). The con would be keeping enough money to be able to pay for meals while on tour.
The hardest parts for me were 1) the down time. So much down time. And 2) the transition of coming home. Your home life and friends are still going on as normal. When you are gone for long stretches of time they move on without you. For me it was always hard getting back in to that circle again. Especially when everyone knows you have to leave again in a few weeks. I often feel like nothing is concrete.
Nice Video....I would suggest Home Depot bags (double up) and extra rolls of toilet paper/wipes if you got to take a BM... and if your traveling in a van and not a bus, bring a pee jug, you can always "mark your territory" by throwing it out at various stops along the way (insert laughter here)...Also, LYSOL for all shoes coming back in the van or bus, club bugs are no fun in cramped quarters.
travelling oh god ! i hate it , i have been a full time touring session drummer for 30 years this year and the main con is the travelling it drives me nuts , the biggest pro is when you can get to the stage where you are playing because your getting paid to do something you like how many people in the world get paid to do what you love its the ultimate job satisfaction ,a crowd going home happy , i enjoyed your video
Best things about touring: bonding with people, only having a very specific set of responsibilities and everything else being taken care of, travelling all over the world and getting paid well to do something you love. Worst things: people that snore, it can get tired very quickly and you realise you've still got three months to go. For me it was always about the team, the people I was working with. (I've only toured as the video guy on the technical crew, not as a musician).
Hey Gabe! Great vid. Caught your show in Bay Area, Ca... It was awesome. What kind of ear plugs are you using?? I drum everyday and have been using the orange foam disposables. Recommendations? Later!...
Hey Neil! That’s awesome! Generally I just use old in ear monitors like the Shure 215’s. But anything will do the trick. You can always try out the silicone reusable ones as well.
What do you think would be your biggest pros & cons of touring?? Let me know below!
Drum Beats Online touring
Other People Breaking your stuff Or them Being unprepaired. Great vids dude :)
Haha that’s definitely one to look out for!
Drum Beats Online definitely trying to find a place to poop and shower (especially with long hair) were the worst but did end up making some of the funniest and most memorable moments. Van rides were tough especially in the pre mobile internet days but meeting new bands and getting their CDs got you from City to city. The best was definitely networking. Meeting people and talking music with folks you'd never meet in normal life was amazing.
Past band con : bass player blowing $400 band money on coke the 4th day on tour
Current band con. Better gear, More members, more gear = better gear that you worked hard to upgrade to getting beat up without your consent either while piled up in the trailer or oops from the careless stage hands
Past band pro: traveled to more states had more time to have fun between shows
Current band pro: plays 2-3 shows a week and actually makes enough money to maintain gear and even eat regularly 👏🏼
If you’re reading this and you dream of the day of touring with your band, and actually like your band I encourage you not to.
“Never meet your idols” It’s not glorious, you will probably hate your bandmates the first week in. Stuff will definitely go wrong✅
The amount of work you’ve put into this video really pays off, its really great
Dude this is one of my favorite comments ever. Thank you!
I've been playing for 16 years now and I've never been able to find a stable group of musicians. That's a con on it's own.
Definitely, I’ve been there that’s for sure.
Well if you ever feel froggy, feel free to send some people my way haha. Play dominantly metal music.
Stable metal musicians? Lol
I have played in many bands and DAMMIT, musicians are a quirky bunch!! It's hard AF to find 3 or 4 that A: can get along, B: Are on the same page musically, C: Are close to the same talent level, D: have schedules that can accomodate regular practice times, E: Don't have head swelling egos, F: Don't have GF's or spouses that are intent on causing problems!! G: So many other issues!! Feel free to add to this list!!
Same here man! I may have luck on a guitarist though 🤘🏻
At this point in my life, all I want to do is play music for people everywhere. Anything else on top of that is a bonus:). One day I’ll be out on the road!
That’s the mentality of a successful musician right there!
Mind, Body, Music Join us 518-732-5729
You and me both man!
Love it dude! I’ve experienced many of the same things. It’s the down time that kills me on the road. Staying busy with something productive day to day when I’m not working has been key. Seeing new places is my favorite part. Stay well!
Thanks dude!! Haha I try to stay productive on the down time as much as possible, but the distractions make it difficult!
When I toured Europe with my band it was in a station wagon . So we had to load all the gear on the racks on top of car and strap the drums on top every night. And after show we sometimes had to drag all the gear upstairs to someone's apartment and then drag it all downstairs the next morning . And most of the time we slept sitting up in the station wagon . Or when it was cold we slept under the car . Or on a park bench. No showers and no laundry . It was rough and I felt and looked like I was homeless. But that was when I was young . I couldn't take that ruggedness now in my 50s,. But all and all it was a life changing experience .
If you’re not a touring drummer this video is called “20 pros about being on tour.” 😬
HHAHAHAHA I KNOW RIGHT!! Fuuuuck I wanna tourrr
When you're a drummer, everything is drums. Proof: 3:47 - the shadow of your weight is a cymbal on a stand.
Haha heck yes
I'm going on my first tour as a drummer in two weeks and loved this video!
That’s awesome Ryan! Good luck dude!
How did it go?
As a former touring musician/drummer ( back in the 70's) the biggest con was definitely the downtime! We spent an average of 10 hrs a day on the road driving to the next gig. There were no computers, iPads, video games, cell phones or even TV on the bus. So listening to music, the lost art of handwriting letters, chatting with the group and sleeping was about all there was to do! We did meet lots of people but 90% of the time, we were back on the bus right after the show and headed to the next gig. No real time to develop relationships, hence the letter writing! Pros were playing to the large crowds, seeing the country(mostly out of the bus window at 70 MPH), honing the show to perfection and feeling somewhat like a "star" It was far from perfect, but created priceless memories and some lifelong friendships. Oh, yeah, CON: Denny's and Truck stop food!
When band mates replace your IPA with Coor's light.
When the house sound tech is constantly hitting on you (and you're not gay).
When the bus driver is tired (drunk/high) and now you have to drive while everyone else sleeps.
I totally feel you on the being stuck in not so great places. I did an out of town gig with a tribute band once in a small town in Nebraska. There was absolutely nothing for miles AND no phone signal. (This was before smartphones) so I couldn't even call or text friends back home. I was stuck there for 2 days.
Heck yeah, happens all the time.
I spent a lot of time on the road! It’s a lot harder than people think it’s not all fame and glory! Having a good roadie is everything!! Nothing better than not having to haul, set up and tear down and haul all your gear! Being away from family is really tough! I really miss my wife/ kids on the road! Also bandmates can be really annoying or really awesome! Annoying being higher! Lol! Gigs are fun travel is exhausting! Fans are fun too, but often they don’t understand how much work tours are!
I’m totally with you!
I did too and gotta say; You gotta LOVE LIVING out of a suitcase. We toured our asses off for the simple reason we could and didn't care what happened the next year. Success is like a hollow tree. I'm lucky enough to teach percussion now as my career. Never the less, its the best job in the world. If you're young, go for it. Just have a back up plan.
Bro you deserve way more than 100K subs. This video is SICK!! Bless up
Thanks so much for the kind words John! Feel free to spread the word 🤟
This video really applies to any musician actually as Im a bass player and learned from it. Im much older than you and at this stage in my life Id probably not enjoy sleeping in bunk beds and smelling sweat after a gig. But for a young strong guy this seems perfect.
I went to a concert yesterday and told my friend who went with me "I would love to know how it feels to be a tourdrummer, playing everyday, having a crowd that loves what you are doing, sleeping in the nightliner, traveling...". So this video popped up and gave me a short introduction to it. I still want to go on tour one day =D! Thanks for that :)! Really good video!
This is brilliant to watch especially for guys like me who can only dream to go on tour would have loved to experience this!
I'm so glad you liked it!
Toured back in the 90's and loved every damned minute!! We always booked venues that provided either a hotel or other housing. We stopped for laundry twice a week. If we were travelling and between hotels, most larger truck stops have surprisingly clean shower facilities. Our rules were simple; no drugs, bathe everyday, be a team, eat good food, and have a damned good time. It was the best time of my life!!
You’re spot on with all of these! Touring with guys you don’t want to kill after 3 shows is always a gift!
That boxing ring set looked pretty sick my guy.
Haha yeah that was a fun tour for sure!
Pro: Networking
Con: Sometimes I wish I had the oportunity to play these shows with that crap punk band I had made by friends who really liked the same stuff as I do and that would love to play, party and tour with me (maybe that's why it never got that far), instead of some other people that have different hobbies and tastes. Sometimes I find myself having better connections with the other bands' members than with mine
The biggest pro was seeing and meeting so many talented bands and musicians; it was humbling and very inspiring at the same time. Con was no budget with little pay, and equipment sponsorship wasn't in the cards for the indie market. This was late 80's early 90's no cell phones, no Googling it, pre-internet......no tour bus, no planes just a Ford van, a lot of gas stations and you better know how to work on a V-8 and change tires. Timing is everything.
That makes a lot of sense!
My dream is to Tour and drum and make music for people, you and iprevail inspire me!! Keep up the good work Gabe!! Your lessons “to be a rock drummer” are going great so far!!
when im on tour (short-med run), i take a rucksack/backpack with me that contains the following:
wet wipes, dry shampoo, anti-persp deo, fragrance, hairbrush, detangling brush (for knotted hair), and frebreze/fabric spray to get my clothes smelling hlf decent if i can get to a washer.
longer tours i buy clothing every few stops, and buy wash stuff on the road, its easier and cheaper. and if you're sharing space in van, dib in for an air-freshener, its always a good lil thing. and occasionally a rim block for the toilet just so it smells a bit better.
This is my last 1 because I know you are replying to so many people, but you are giving me info that I have always wondered about every since I was a little boy. I'm 55 years old now so i go all the way back to the 70s during years of the big band era and every since I was a little boy and I still do to this day love watching drummers who have really mastered this thing, like yourself perform. For me, that is the ultimate entertainment. Me myself, I'm a decent drummer but I could never come close to what you guys do. There is nothing like the sound you get from the drum kit at a professional setting. I always thought that when you are touring that you didn't have to use your own kit. I thought the production company or who ever is sponsoring the tour would pay for those things, shows you how much I know. I've always notice that it's seem like the drum equipment y'all seem use was the best equipment, for example, I never seen a drummer with any cracked cymbals or using thin cheap cymbals stands at a concert. But I have witnessed this in the some clubs or even at some churches. I know that can be expensive. I think this is my last one. Thank you so much for this extremely interesting topic. It was very enlightening. Thanks again and keep em coming.
I'm currently on tour right now and I agree with every one of these. The hardest part to me is Burn out is a big thing when the people you are touring with aren't your best friends. I love the people I your with, but it just makes burnout a big more rough when it hits. I also think that bonding is escalated more when you are on tour. You get so many opportunities to see so many cool things in places and cities you have never been to before! I couldn't give up touring for anything in the world haha. One thing for me that you did not mention is that touring and school gets tough. Being in college can make things a little hectic on the road. Since my band is through my university, they do what they can to schedule shows around my time, but boy oh boy it's rough sometimes
Totally! I can relate to a lot of those feelings! Yeah man, being in school while touring would be tough for sure! Keep up the great work buddy!
This video was super sick bro! It's always exciting seeing people like you live out my (and every other drummer out there) dream. Obviously the best part has to be PLAYING DRUMS EVERY SINGLE DAY ❤
Haha heck yea Steven! I hope this helps all of you guys fulfill your dreams as well!
The worst part about touring for me was always the time in between. You are right about the no transportation thing, sometimes you get stuck somewhere and just have to wait hours before the show. It is an amazing experience though and I hope everyone gets a chance to do it someday!
Pro: u get super good, in the pocket with energy and u become a great listener. Ur playing reaches an entire level above when u started.
Con: most venues did not have great monitors and sound guys can careless if your opening for the main act to accommodate. However, this Did not keep me from having fun and playing my best. This gives u another tool to take with u or makes u an experienced drummer. This made me a solid drummer. Every note I played was heard and in time.
Great Video!
Instantly heard iprevail, and see that you’re a touring drummer for them, instant like. 👏🏼
Heck yeah!
Drum Beats Online I met them and saw them live last year in Knoxville, really really cool guys. Keep living your dream man! 👏🏼👌🏼
This has been a dream of mine. Lord willing. Knowing the pros and cons is going to help me. But I want this to be my MAIN career. That can pay the bills, put food on the table for me, the family, and retire off of. Excellent video. Appreciate the tips!
Great video! Great footage and useful tips!
Pro- varied nightly cuisine from 4 corners of the globe!
Con- varied nightly cuisine from 4 corners of the globe and the bathroom rule.
Haha I feel you on that!
Thanks for posting this. The bathroom stuff is a BIG DEAL (for some of us).
It is my dream ever since i play drums, im a fan from yours all the way from philippines and i listen to i prevail also. I wish i can experience touring in many places and experience what you've experience.
Baby wipes!!! Bring them for sure. Best tip I ever got!
Absolutely!
Loved the Vince Guaraldi song near the end.
Very good video and info. I learned - you need to get along with your "team mates" and after a while it can get very boring between gigs. You start to look for anything to do during the day.
I'd say you really hit it on the head on this video. Those were most of the things I have experienced too. Besides the drinking and lack of sleep is say you hit all the important things
I was a touring guitarist for almost 10 years lol the best part is definitely seeing new faces and new places the worst part is definitely the six month stretches on the road and then taking like two weeks off then going back out because after a while even when come home you still feel like your alone lol it’s fun out on the road I’m not gonna lie but after awhile the loneliness sets in and that’s the worst feeling ever
I totally hear you!
Honestly this taught me alot. This is really gonna help me when one day i start a band and start touring! Thank you Drum Beats!!
I’m SO happy to hear that! That’s exactly why I made this video!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! :)
I imagine that along with hygiene, health habits are a big key. Sometimes restless nights, or stuck in places that don't have good food options can drain you really fast. I've done small weekend touring gigs with my bands, 3-4 shows, and I can only imagine doing 15+ can really start to wear on you if you don't keep up with good sleep, being active, and eating right.
You are spot on!
home - can't wait to tour / touring - can't wait to get home
Definitely!
I have never been in a band long enough to tour, haha. I play at home in my drum room and make drum covers. I played in a few bands, but mostly fell through after a few months, also played in a few churches.
Love the beartooth opening
It's I, Prevail
Had time of my life and some bad times also while touring. Great upload, very truthful!
So glad you liked it!
Getting sic on the road really sucked , I still showed up every gig but getting the flu 600 miles away from home really sucks
2:55 Hey! David Cola !
thanks for this video ........ i really want to see this from you.
My pleasure!
Cool video, dude. I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be out on the road. Hopefully I’ll experience it someday soon!
You got this Luke!
Haha, wish I could be touring in a bus that glamorous ;) van life isn’t always super comfortable.
Keep up the hard work Mike!
that wondering around random alley looked very natural gabe,you got acting skills too .lol
Haha yesss!!
4 days without a day out was already exhausting as hell. My biggest respect to all the bands touring weeks or months.
Excellent video!
Man Gab you make my day every time I see your vids I don't tour but it's nice to know the pros and cons
I’m so happy to hear that Donald! Thanks for the kind words 🙏
my dream is to play in front of people that all feel connected together from my music.. i play a large range of instruments but i hope to be a bassist & vocalist
Man id say that depending on if you’re actually in a band or a hired gun can affect a lot out on the he road too. If your tour Mgr uses master tour then try and research the cities on the schedule. Nowadays you can use social media to link up with fans if you don’t have a runner at the venue. Great vid man and see y’all on warped tour
You are totally right!
bro i love i prevail. i’ve been watching you for months now and had no idea you were their drummer. that’s crazy
Haha that’s awesome dude! Yeah I’ve been with them for a year and a half!
This video is very very well said. Love this so much!!! Hope you're doing well Gabe!
That means a lot coming from you dude!
That is one of my favorite Christmas songs btw
It’s a classic!
Thanks for the information man. I have never been on tour as a drummer but I have been on tour before and I can relate with just normal non drumming touring, but In being a touring drummer, thanks for the info. Now I will know in the future :)
Sick bro, tour life is a dream in my opinion
It can be a lot of fun that's for sure!
on our first trip out of state my band already accepted the fact that theres gonna be some wood shitting. we pack a shovel and tonnes of toilet paper on out of state trips now.
Haha smart!
And I sign up where??? Road ready...Gig ready!!!
That was very interesting. I've always wondered what it was like to be on a major tour. Thank you.
You are very welcome!
Went on a tour of Canada for 14 days with people who didn't care much for me. It was depressing and draining. Hoping for better experiences soon!
Aw man what a bummer! I hope it goes better next time!
Nice video! Hey, I noticed you banging the edge of your crash at 8:39 - this may be contributing to your cracked/broken cymbals. Just a thought. Cheers!
CumulusSkies I noticed the same thing
That's a nice drumset
I spend large amounts of time with my wife.. She's still pushing for me to live the dream though so let the good times roll.
Heck yeah dude!
Pretty accurate
Great, man! Thank you very much for interesting video!
You are very welcome!
I love I prevail. Didn't realize you were their drummer. Great job by the way!!!!!
Yup! I’ve been with them for about a year and a half!
very cool video !!!!!
Thanks!
Really glad to know that given that I dream of going on tour with a famous band, so really useful content dude 👌🏻(sorry for the mistakes, I’m a French subscriber)
I’d like to know if you will play with I Prevail in France one day 😁
So glad you liked it! Hopefully we will, I’d love to go to France!
I agree 100%.
Never seen a video like this .. Thanks !
So glad you dug it Charles!
Con: HEAT!
That's a nice tour bus
I love sleeping in bunks lol bottom bunk is the best
I agree!!
Yeah def baby wipes, used many fast food / gas station sinks for showers, keep it up bro. Touring ip to NY, to Tennessee this summer
You know the drill Thomas! Have fun on tour!
I leave for a two week tour this weekend. Cool video Gabe!
Good luck Liam!!
dude this video is really well made haha
2:54 I see some David Cola and Gabe cuddlin' out there
Always!!
I said last one. I guess I unintentionally lied. But I also thought that you guys never had to worry about carrying or even setting up your own kit. It seemed like the roadies would handle that. I've even seen situations where other people would even handle the tuning. Question....is it as fun as it looks while on stage? I am a true amateur and I only play friends that I grew up with. If I get too off into it and start to enjoy it to the point where I'm almost dancing to my own beat, than you can expect an error is right around the corner. But if I get to concentrating too hard, then most the time I'm error free, but I don't enjoy it as much. Man..it must be really nice to be able to do both at the same time. I can't thank you enough for covering one of my most entertaining thing to do and watch.
Hey Willie, honestly it totally depends on the night. Often times It's a blast, other times you could be walking on stage after having a horrible day and you have to fake it a bit. But yeah I totally hear you, sometimes I'm able to live in the moment and other times I'm analyzing everything that I'm doing.
Drum Beats Online Thank you very much.
Thank you for this. The video really helped me. I am wanting to be an Instagram drummer and hopefully end up where you're at! I have no social media and I have my reasons why, but I would totally get them back for drumming!
That’s awesome Connor! I’m so glad you are connecting with this. I’m going to be dedicating an entire portion of my website to help drummers become better online/gigging/pro drummers. I’m sure they will help you a ton!
And this is one of the many reasons you are the man my friend!
WTF is an Instagram drummer?
Yeah, WTF is an Instagram drummer? I *really* can't wait to hear this ... ;)
No moongel needed on the snare! Sounds so epic! What snare were you using on tour?
Thanks! It’s a 14x6.5 Ludwig supraphonic.
Duuude, I need to get one now :p
Awesome Vid !!
Love this channel
I love you! ❤️
Interesting video and a good outline of what it's like to tour on a big tour with nice established venues.
I'd like to add a con: getting your gear you've paid thousands of dollars for our of the venue quickly mid set when you find out the illegal show you're playing is being shut down by the cops.
Haha dang, that's definitely a con!
You know, you would crack less cymbals if you didn't have most of them set on the level, but angled a bit. I know it looks cool to have them all level but cymbals aren't made to be played like that. Hi-hats, of course are a little different but you still shouldn't hit the edges directly with your sticks.
DrummerGrrrl yes I can totally agree man somebody showed me that and I haven't broken a cymbal in years was gonna suggest it
Buddy Rich would have disagreed with you. Cymbal stands for his kits didn't even have cymbal tilters. You might say Buddy was very level headed.
Probably the biggest pro would be since I'm a teenage boy would be getting to play in front of other teens and even better, teenage girls so they can see how awesome I am at drums (I'm single). The con would be keeping enough money to be able to pay for meals while on tour.
Hawaiian Coasters 325 damn bro ur horny
The hardest parts for me were 1) the down time. So much down time. And 2) the transition of coming home. Your home life and friends are still going on as normal. When you are gone for long stretches of time they move on without you. For me it was always hard getting back in to that circle again. Especially when everyone knows you have to leave again in a few weeks. I often feel like nothing is concrete.
Absolutely!
Nice Video....I would suggest Home Depot bags (double up) and extra rolls of toilet paper/wipes if you got to take a BM... and if your traveling in a van and not a bus, bring a pee jug, you can always "mark your territory" by throwing it out at various stops along the way (insert laughter here)...Also, LYSOL for all shoes coming back in the van or bus, club bugs are no fun in cramped quarters.
Haha well there you go!
travelling oh god ! i hate it , i have been a full time touring session drummer for 30 years this year and the main con is the travelling it drives me nuts , the biggest pro is when you can get to the stage where you are playing because your getting paid to do something you like how many people in the world get paid to do what you love its the ultimate job satisfaction ,a crowd going home happy , i enjoyed your video
This is good to know! I'm doing 3 tours this summer haha
You got this!!
Best things about touring: bonding with people, only having a very specific set of responsibilities and everything else being taken care of, travelling all over the world and getting paid well to do something you love. Worst things: people that snore, it can get tired very quickly and you realise you've still got three months to go.
For me it was always about the team, the people I was working with.
(I've only toured as the video guy on the technical crew, not as a musician).
This is very well said! Totally agree!
That shot of you playing infront of 40k plus people is unreal. I wonder what that felt like for you the first time you got on that stage.
It felt scary! Haha but there was also a bunch of excitement as well.
3:14 i mean, if you get distracted playing Rocket League, it's much more not bc you're distracted, it's a MUST!
I think the worst would be losing myself. The best would be knowing new people.
You better lose yourself in the music.
Kidding! What’s your experience of being in danger of letting that happen?
I wanna be a touring drummer some day :)
You’ve got this!
Drum Beats Online Thank you so much! I'm reading this before going into my grade 5 drum exam :D It really means a lot ❤️
Hey Gabe! Great vid. Caught your show in Bay Area, Ca... It was awesome. What kind of ear plugs are you using?? I drum everyday and have been using the orange foam disposables. Recommendations? Later!...
Hey Neil! That’s awesome! Generally I just use old in ear monitors like the Shure 215’s. But anything will do the trick. You can always try out the silicone reusable ones as well.