ALTO PICTURES LLC​

I just returned from traveling the world with Rihanna on her Anti Tour. To those of you who have never experienced the joys of touring I wanted to share my experience with you. First I must start by saying, what happens on the road, stays on the road. This my friends is the roadie creed. Having said this, you must prepare to spend a good portion of your day and night with the same people. If you are lucky, this family will coexist nicely. I was lucky with a great video crew and we all got along well with the rest of the touring crew as well. Of course things will happen and ego's sometimes takes over but a well talented and patient crew can overcome all that may arise. Don't believe for a second that touring is like the Showtime series "Roadies" though! I thought that show was shite to be honest and it's a good thing it was cancelled.

The tour starts with prep. Each department preps all the gear for at least a week. We then get our hotel and meet at the bar - not bad! Next comes rehearsal which is setting up and making sure everything works and is show ready. We work at least 12 hours per day. On the last day of rehearsal, before you tear down and load over 30 trucks, you get to pick your bus bunk assignment. Two ways this works:

1. Work out bunks calmly amongst your crew mates and hopefully everyone will be happy.

2. Most common: First come, first served. It is wise not to drink too much after the load out as you may miss the wake up call and get a top bunk, which is the least desired. There are 12 bunks on a bus. In the U.S. they are stacked 3 high, 6 on each side and one each for the passenger and driver. I always manage to get the bottom bunk because I'm usually the first one in line! This 6' x 3' thin mattressed bed will be your home for the next few months so enjoy the ride. And, oh yeah, bus rule #1: No pooping allowed on the bus so your body better get used to waiting for the next rest stop!

Tom

To be continued...