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Live music tours are an excellent way for artists to generate revenue and meet fans out on the road, but aspiring artists should know that there’s much more than meets the eye when it comes to organizing and managing these tours.

Whether it’s dealing with legal protections, economics, or logistics, the touring industry has a lot going on behind the scenes, all of which needs to work in harmony if a given tour is to go off without a hitch.

Perhaps one of the lesser known aspects of preparing for a tour is establishing clear legal infrastructure beforehand. If there are injuries, legal professionals like John Foy can help manage liability and compensation, but there are other preparatory measures artists can take to cover liability. Contracts and insurance are two of the most common legal protections, as they clearly lay out terms and costs in advance.

While touring offers artists the chance to see their fans in person, a more practical rationale behind touring is the revenue it brings in. A clear, if not perhaps extreme, example of this is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, which generated billions of dollars globally. Given the sheer amount of revenue they bring in, major artists likely don’t need to rely on touring for their business to survive, but that’s not always the case for smaller groups.

With streaming now serving as the dominant form of listening to music, record sales are declining, resulting in the loss of what was once a fairly reliable source of income. As a result, artists are often forced to go on tour and sell merchandise at events if they are to remain successful in the music industry.

Depending on the size of the artist and the venues they tour at, logistics can be one of the more labor intensive aspects of touring. Components like crew, transport, equipment, and safety planning have to be considered and accommodated every time an artist goes from one venue to the next, making nationwide and international tours something of a logistical nightmare.

For those that can afford it, having a business manager can smooth out many of these processes since they typically have more experience with these matters than the artists they work with. 

Still, as an article notes, “not only do the business managers have to sort through the various tax and labor laws, exchange rates and transportation and lodging issues, they need to make sure the venues can handle the size and the weight of the stage, lights and set dressing.” These tasks are certainly daunting, but if properly managed, artists can avoid potential fines and penalties.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many public spaces, like venues, have implemented policies and regulations influencing health precautions, cancellations, and remote engagements. Adhering to these regulations presents new challenges to touring, sometimes necessitating the help of legal teams to navigate and break down how best to comply with these policies in an efficient manner.

The music industry remains in a state of flux. Streaming services have grown in popularity due to their accessibility, but recent issues concerning unfair distribution of payment have made them less than lucrative for smaller artists. With record sales also trending down, that leaves touring and live performances as many artists’ financial lifelines.

Touring can be extremely rewarding, both mentally and financially, but recognizing what all contributes to a successful tour is the first step in attaining those rewards.

FAQs

Q: What logistical challenges do touring artists have to accommodate for?

A: Transportation, crew, safety measures, and equipment are usually considered the most essential components to plan for.

Q: Why is touring so important for many artists today?

A: Touring and playing at live shows often serve as an artist’s primary revenue stream since record sales are less profitable than in the past.

Q: What role do legal professionals fill for touring artists?

A: Legal professionals can manage compensation and liability for an artist.

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Readers should not rely solely on the content of this article and are encouraged to seek professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.

SPIN Magazine newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.