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📞 The Call Log: Aubrey Wright

Today we are highlighting the unsung heroes of the music industry: Tour Managers.

Aubrey Wright, besides being one of the kindest and coolest people in the industry, has one of the most impressive lists of Artists he’s worked with. Wright has toured and worked with Justin Bieber, KYGO, A$AP Rocky, Jack Harlow, GRYFFIN, The Kid Laroi, Grace VanderWaal, Martin Garrix, Swedish House Mafia, Goo Goo Dolls & many more.

He now works with The Beehive LA alongside founders Jonathan Stiegler and Vinnie Ferra - who are constantly building the future., a premier touring company and round-the-clock rehearsal spaces in Los Angeles, and A Wright World, focused on touring, lifestyle management and concierge.

Hear from Aubrey in his own word about the nuances, highs, lows and evolution of the role:

Tour Management: The Highs, Lows, and Realities

Tour management, a vital facet of the entertainment industry, is the unseen engine that drives live shows and performances across cities, countries, and sometimes even continents. It's a high-energy, fast-paced, and incredibly demanding career that takes artists and their teams on the road to connect with audiences in ways no other form of entertainment can. For those behind the scenes, particularly tour managers, it's a role that requires not just logistical expertise but also people management, financial acumen, and the ability to navigate the unpredictability that comes with the road. This essay delves into the journey of a tour manager, exploring the highs and lows of the job, the typical age and career trajectory, and the evolving landscape of this unique profession.

The Role of a Tour Manager:

A tour manager is responsible for organizing and overseeing every logistical and operational aspect of a live performance tour. While the primary task is to ensure that the artist arrives at each venue on time and that every show runs smoothly, the reality is far more intricate. Tour managers are involved in budgeting, scheduling, transportation, accommodations, dealing with vendors, and sometimes even managing the artist’s personal needs. They are the main point of contact for venues, promoters, and production crews, coordinating everything from soundchecks to after-show wrap-ups.

In many ways, a tour manager is a hybrid of a project manager, logistician, and even a personal assistant. The job demands constant communication with various stakeholders to keep the tour running like a well-oiled machine. For example, if an artist is on a world tour with multiple stops in different countries, the tour manager would need to coordinate with local tour promoters, handle visas, deal with customs, and ensure that every aspect of the performance (from sound systems to lighting) meets the show’s technical specifications.

The Highs of Tour Management:

One of the most rewarding aspects of tour management is the sheer excitement that comes from being part of a live performance experience. For those who thrive in high-energy environments, few things compare to the adrenaline rush of seeing a show come together after months of planning. Being on tour offers a unique camaraderie; working closely with artists, crew members, and production teams creates strong bonds that can last a lifetime.

• Travel and Exploration Touring provides an opportunity to travel to different cities, countries, and cultures. This aspect is highly appealing to many in the industry. Not only do tour managers get to visit iconic landmarks and immerse themselves in different environments, but they also gain a more profound appreciation for global diversity. While most people only dream of traveling to multiple countries in a year, tour managers often find themselves in new destinations every week.

• Direct Impact on Success A tour manager’s work has a direct impact on the success of the tour. When things go smoothly, and both the artist and the audience have a memorable experience, it's a source of immense pride for the manager. Being able to troubleshoot issues and keep the show on the road despite challenges is a testament to the tour manager's resilience and skills.

• Industry Connections Tour managers work closely with a variety of professionals in the entertainment industry, including artists, booking agents, record labels, and event promoters. Building relationships with key stakeholders in these fields can lead to career growth and new opportunities. These industry connections are essential for career longevity, as trust and reputation often open doors to bigger tours and high-profile gigs.

• Dynamic Work Environment No two days are ever the same. While some may find the unpredictability of tour management stressful, others find it exhilarating. Every venue is different, each city presents its own logistical challenges, and no two audiences are alike. This ever-changing environment keeps tour managers on their toes and ensures that the work never becomes monotonous.

The Lows of Tour Management:

However, as glamorous as the lifestyle may appear from the outside, tour management is also fraught with significant challenges. The job is highly demanding, with little room for error, and the pace can be physically and emotionally exhausting.

• Stress and Pressure Perhaps the most significant downside of being a tour manager is the sheer amount of pressure involved. With so many moving parts to manage and so many people relying on the tour manager to keep everything on track, stress is inevitable. Time constraints, last-minute changes, and unforeseen crises (like transportation delays, technical malfunctions, or health issues) can quickly derail even the best-laid plans. Tour managers often work long hours, and it's not uncommon for them to be awake at 5 AM for a flight and still be handling tasks after the show ends late into the night.

• Physical Exhaustion Being on tour can take a serious toll on the body. Constant travel, irregular sleeping patterns, and limited time for rest make physical exhaustion a common issue. Tour managers may find themselves juggling tasks such as loading gear, dealing with customs officials, and managing artist schedules—all while coping with jet lag. Over time, this can lead to burnout and health issues if not managed properly.

• Emotional Fatigue The personal nature of the job means that tour managers are often deeply invested in the success of the tour. This emotional involvement can lead to a great deal of stress when things don’t go as planned. When challenges arise, such as conflicts between crew members or an artist dealing with mental health issues, the tour manager is often the person who must mediate and find solutions. Emotional fatigue can also stem from the constant need to be "on" at all times—whether it’s dealing with artists, managing conflicts, or handling business deals. There is little time for personal downtime, and emotional exhaustion can set in quickly without proper self-care strategies.

• Personal Sacrifices The tour manager’s schedule is dictated by the tour itself, meaning long periods of time away from home and loved ones. For those with families, maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be nearly impossible. Relationships may suffer, and many tour managers miss important personal milestones like birthdays or holidays. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of the job for those who crave stability and a more conventional lifestyle.

• Financial Instability Depending on the level of the artist and the size of the tour, pay for tour managers can vary greatly. While high-profile gigs with well-known artists can be lucrative, smaller tours may offer only modest compensation, particularly when factoring in the amount of work involved. Additionally, tours often operate on tight budgets, so financial oversight is crucial. If something goes wrong (for example, a canceled show or damaged equipment), it can have a significant impact on the overall budget and, by extension, the tour manager’s pay.

A Typical Career Path and Age for Tour Managers

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a tour manager, and the ages of those in the profession vary widely. However, it is common for many tour managers to start in their late 20s or early 30s, after having gained some experience in the music or events industry. Some may begin working as roadies or production assistants and gradually work their way up, while others might start by managing smaller local bands or working for a touring production company.

The path to becoming a tour manager typically involves building industry connections and accumulating experience with the logistical aspects of live performances. Tour managers need to develop an array of skills—from budgeting and negotiating to problem-solving under pressure. Many also hold degrees or diplomas in music business management, event planning, or a related field, although this is not always a requirement.

Tour management is often a career people fall into after working other roles in the industry. The job requires flexibility and a willingness to take on various responsibilities. As tour managers gain more experience, they typically take on larger tours with higher-profile artists, which come with greater financial rewards and increased prestige. However, the physical demands of constant travel and long hours mean that some tour managers shift to less intense roles as they get older, often moving into artist management, production, or consultancy roles in the latter part of their careers.

The Evolution of Tour Management

As technology has advanced, the role of the tour manager has also evolved. Digital tools like tour management software, communication apps, and project management platforms have streamlined many of the logistical tasks that once required hours of manual coordination. This shift has made it easier to organize large-scale tours and keep everyone on the same page, even when spread across multiple time zones.

Additionally, the rise of social media has added a new layer to tour management. Artists are more connected to their fan bases than ever before, and many tour managers now have to account for the digital aspect of the tour, including managing social media engagement, press, and fan interactions. The demand for behind-the-scenes content, meet-and-greets, and pop-up events has also increased, requiring tour managers to adapt and become more versatile in their approach.

Sustainability has also become a growing concern in the world of touring, with many artists and their teams seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. Tour managers are increasingly tasked with finding eco-friendly solutions for travel, energy usage, and waste management, adding another layer of complexity to an already demanding job.

Conclusion

Tour management is a profession of extremes, filled with both exhilarating highs and challenging lows. For those who thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, it offers an unparalleled sense of adventure, personal satisfaction, and career growth. However, it also requires resilience, sacrifice, and the ability to handle stress in an environment where things can change at a moment’s notice. As the industry continues to evolve, tour managers must adapt to new technologies, trends, and expectations while maintaining the core competencies that make them indispensable to the success of any live performance.

Ultimately, the journey of a tour manager is not for everyone, but for those who embrace the chaos and find meaning in the music, it is one of the most rewarding careers in the entertainment world. The opportunity to be part of an artist’s creative process, travel the world, and help bring live performances to life makes the job a unique blend of creativity, logistics, and people management—offering both the highest highs and some of the most challenging lows.

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This newsletter is written by Warner Bailey and edited by Riley Furey

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