Touring Industry Glossary

The process of coordinating all logistical details for an upcoming show — venue access times, stage plot, hospitality riders, local crew, and more — before the tour arrives. Typically handled by a Production Manager or Tour Manager. An advancing day is usually compensated at the standard show rate.

A compensation structure where a single flat fee covers everything — show days, travel days, per diem, and expenses. Common for shorter tours or when the artist wants cost certainty. The opposite of an itemized day-rate deal.

The musical equipment on stage — amplifiers, drum kits, keyboard rigs — as opposed to the PA system facing the audience. Backline technicians (or "techs") are crew members responsible for maintaining and operating this gear during a tour.

A cash payment given to a musician or crew member in lieu of a provided meal. For example, instead of catering, the tour might offer a $25 buy-out per meal. This is separate from per diem.

Meals provided by the venue or tour production for the artist and crew. When catering is provided, it typically reduces or eliminates the per diem for that meal period. The rider often specifies catering requirements in detail.

The non-performing staff who make a tour run — including sound engineers, lighting designers, monitor engineers, backline techs, production managers, tour managers, wardrobe, and more. Crew members typically have different show rates than musicians.

A day with no show, travel, or production work while the tour is still active. Day-off pay is typically around 50% of the show rate. Not all deals include day-off pay — it depends on the individual contract.

A day with two separate performances — for example, two shows at different venues, or a matinee and evening show. Typically compensated at 1.75× the show rate to reflect the additional work involved.

Front of House Engineer — the sound engineer who mixes the audio that the audience hears, positioned at the mixing console in the middle of the venue. One of the most senior crew positions on a tour.

A performance at a multi-act festival rather than a headline show. Festival shows may have different compensation terms since the production (PA, lights, crew) is typically provided by the festival rather than the touring artist.

The fixed amount an artist is guaranteed to receive for a performance, regardless of ticket sales. Separate from a backend deal where the artist earns a percentage of revenue above a certain threshold.

Local transport costs — taxis, ride-shares, or car services — used to get from airports to hotels or venues. Often reimbursed as a flat per-trip rate or included in the tour budget as an additional fee.

The section of a performance contract that specifies what the venue must provide for the artist and crew — dressing rooms, meals, beverages, towels, etc. Distinct from the technical rider, which covers stage and sound requirements.

Stagehands and technicians hired in each city rather than traveling with the tour. Local crew typically handles load-in and load-out under the direction of the touring production staff. They are paid by the venue or through a local crew call, not by the touring budget.

The process of bringing equipment into (load-in) or out of (load-out) a venue. Load-in typically happens on a production day before the show; load-out happens after the last song of the night, often running into the early morning hours.

The sound engineer who mixes the on-stage monitors — what the performers hear while they're playing. Works from the side of the stage (stage left or right) rather than the FOH position.

A flat monthly fee covering all touring work within a calendar month. Typically calculated as approximately 3× the weekly rate. Used for long-term touring agreements where day-by-day tracking would be impractical.

The musical leader of the touring band — responsible for arranging the live versions of songs, running rehearsals, and conducting the band during performances. The MD typically commands a higher show rate than other musicians and may also be paid an advancing rate for pre-show preparation work.

A daily cash allowance paid to musicians and crew to cover meals and incidental expenses while on tour. Per diem is separate from the show rate and is paid for every day on the road, including travel days and days off. Standard per diem rates in the US typically range from $50 to $100+ per day depending on the market and deal level.

A day focused on technical setup — loading in equipment, building the stage, sound checks, and rehearsals — without a public performance. Production days are typically compensated at 75% of the show rate. Also sometimes called a "tech day" or "build day."

The crew member responsible for overseeing all technical and logistical aspects of the tour — managing the production budget, coordinating with venues, supervising load-ins, and ensuring the show runs smoothly. The PM typically also handles advancing.

A day spent rehearsing the show, typically before the tour begins or before a run of festival shows. Rehearsal days are usually compensated at 75% of the show rate, similar to production days.

The contractual requirements attached to a performance agreement. A rider has two main parts: the technical rider (stage, sound, lighting specs) and the hospitality rider (dressing room requirements, catering, etc.).

The standard touring workday — a day that includes a public performance. The show rate is the base from which all other day types are calculated. A typical show day involves arrival, load-in, sound check, the performance, and load-out.

The base daily rate a musician or crew member earns for a show day. This is the single most important number in a touring deal — every other day type is calculated as a multiplier of the show rate.

The technical rehearsal at the venue before the audience arrives — used to balance levels, dial in monitor mixes, and ensure everything is working correctly. Usually happens 2–4 hours before doors open.

The person responsible for the day-to-day management of the tour — handling schedules, travel logistics, finances, crew management, and artist relations. The TM is the central communication hub between the artist, management, venues, and crew.

A day primarily spent traveling between cities with no performance. Travel day rates vary by distance and mode of transport: domestic travel is typically 50% of show rate, while international travel can range from 75% (short-haul) to 100% (long-haul, 8+ hour flights).

A day that includes both significant travel and a performance. Because of the combined workload, this is typically compensated at 1.25× the show rate.

A flat weekly fee that covers a standard touring week. Typically calculated as 3 show days + 2 travel days worth of compensation. Used for predictable weekly touring schedules where the show and travel day mix is fairly consistent.