In the early 90s I was managing a studio (despite being just 19 years old). One day a guy who rehearsed there said that Dio was looking for some hire on help for a show. About a 3,000 seat place. Cool place, medium sort of size. I already had tickets for the show so, sure, I can show up a few hours early and make a couple of bucks. So I went. Just unloading gear etc. it was an outdoor venue and it was hotter than heck that day. We were done doing our work and were hanging out and the band was doing its sound check. After the band was done Ronnie came down and said hello. Like I said it was hot. He said thanks for us working and left and came back with some cold sodas for us. Super humble cool dude for being a legend. Good stuff.
@@westrig180 It was about 30 years ago. Min wage was like $4.50 an hour then. Also, got paid cash, so, no taxes taken out. It was fair pay for a few hours work.
He loves talking about himself when no one asked or cares...he still wears his laminates from old tours cuz he thinks people are impressed by it and he's as unoriginal as his nickname
When I first saw that this video was over half hour, I was like "eehhh, we'll see how this is, watch for a few minutes". But dude, I am in. Your stories, insights, etc are so interesting and this video was incredibly entertaining. Can't wait for round 2!
ACDC was the crazies tour I worked on, I did only one circuit with them and it was crazy. They had different levels of roadies or production assistants if you like. And the if you were like me, you never saw the band. Maybe Brian and Cliff, but that was it. When I joined I was told straight out, do not talk to the band unless they talk to you and if you see ANY band member coming, look busy
I still remember some of your stories about working for Pat Benatar and so many of the other stories you told in this one. The Christian bands story with FK&C was super memorable. Faith No More may have been an incredible tour, but to have her and her husband basically be family? That's not a small connection to have. This is a great video, dude, and I'm so stoked to see how much new content you're putting out. You've grown so much from the original days, and I'm here for it, bud.
While I was working on my bachelor's degree in music I worked as an audio and light tech and engineer. I was also a drummer in the Army National Guard. I did music and audio/light for about 10 years and looking back I would say that my favorite artist and events I worked with was not always the big events. What eneded up being ironic to me is that the academic/jazz/classical crowed that had professors in the mix had the more ego than the super famous ones. Which leads to a phrase I started telling my friends at school, "lf you to give me you bio at the beginning of a concert and that bio says you are world renowned, then you are not world renowned."
Sounds like Faith No More vs. Pat Benatar would've also been as decent final battle. Very cool to hear that such famous people are so kind and great to be with. 😎👍
This is just so next level youtube content. Simply amazing Tank. You have to save this for your daughter. I wish i had this kind of stories from my parents in video.
I was happy to hear that "Faith No More" and Mike Patton are good guys. As I had heard the same stuff you talked about. Mike has always been a favorite of mine no matter what band he has been in, I find him to be quite a genius.
FNM are criminally underrated and Mike Patton is a musical genius no doubt and like most geniuses he has some interesting quirks. I too am glad to hear good things about him and the rest of the guys from FNM. One of the greatest bands around IMO. Great vid Tank, cool to hear about the world that happens behind the scenes and how they treat the people that help make the magic happen. 😊
That was really cool to hear what goes on. I have always wondered how being on the crew would be like and always thought it would be awesome. But when you are in it, it is a different story, sometimes. Thanks for sharing a part that many people never get to see…errr….hear!
Great video, Tank! All these stories shine a light on bands. And the people they gather around them. All these little moments and stories paint the great picture. Some 2 years ago I worked with a guy that I had already met in another factory. (Both as mechanics, both temp-workers.) I found out that he is a walking lexicon of rock music: he was living in a commuity with 3 others guys in Hamburg in the 7ties, who where all musicians. This guy had so many storys in mind! And I know a (very) few things, too. We never ran out of: "do you know" or "do you remember" or "have you heard"? Ever. When my (to-be) daughter turned 8, she came to like rock music. And I became her lexicon. At 11, she turned to metal. And I was still able to send her suggestions. She's australian. I'm german. It's great to talk about things on eye-level!
Wouldn’t it be funny if someone you speak so fondly of would see this? It’s great to hear how much you have grown touring and seeing you here from pretty much the beginning would make a great autobiography.
Love this video! Dad was on the Road crews for The Allman Brothers, Chicago, Doobie Brothers… but his favorite tours were with Led Zeppelin and the 1980 The Wall Tour for Floyd. He had a lot of stories. Subscribed!
Always had the dream of being a roadie for Van Halen back in the 80s. You definitely got to live the dream and survive it. DLR can be hot or cold in person, met him driving the limo. Friendly most of the time.
Very cool vid. The most enjoyable times I have ever spent in my life were when I was on the road. Many miles, many people and many stories. Over 40 years...mostly lighting, drum tech, guitar tech, keyboards, you name it. I quit doing all that a few years ago. Ended up doing stage manager gigs. 75 now, time to relax...
This is is great. I am a drummer and I lived in Nashville in the mid to late 90's to 2003. I played drums for a bunch of Christian bands back in the day. I played for Joel and Luke's sister when they were babies well teens. We did the Winter Jam and Summer Jam tours. Yeah those tours where the biggest money makers back then. So funny. I was a tech too. But I always loved our crew guys and always made sure they were respected. If it's not for the crew we wouldn't have a show. Much respect.
I worked with a band that won a Jim Beam Band sponsored tour opening for Jerry Cantrell and Nickelback when Nickelback was huge. Hawk was Nickelback’s tour manager at the time and couldn’t have been nicer despite his imposing looks and demeanor. Had a great time, food was good, crews where accommodating. Hawk was so cool at Pine Knob which was a home show for us when he allowed me to bring back a person at a time to see things in action after we were done for the night. Great memories.
From what I've heard from my friends in the biz, the artists who've "paid their dues", toured hard in small clubs for yrs before getting recognized, were the best to work with/for. They know what's its like to live that life. The ones who made it quick seemed to be the most egotistical and difficult.
"Pat Benatar" is my favorite to win your playoff. I never heard of them before, but the way how you speak about them, how you meet your wife, how nice they were to you and everyone else... This proves that, like other jobs, this job is also mainly about people and the environment they create. :)
Dude loved this video!! You could've gone through the whole thing for 2 hours and I would've watched. I love hearing "behind the scenes" stuff about different groups and such. I do find it hilarious that you stay away from christian bands and had long time jobs with country bands. Great video, can't wait for the rest of this series! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Interesting take on the WinterJam tour. I did two of the WJ tours as a local tech. Last one I worked I was taken to a room and had to count the offering money. I didn’t like that at all so I never worked another one. The bands and crews were fine (including 4K&C) but dealing with money just felt out of place.
@@TankTheTech I do agree. I worked a lot of Christian festivals and shows but that one was the only one where I just said it didn’t feel right. I actually did a festival that Red headlined in a cow pasture in Alabama. I don’t remember the year, the stage was steampunk factory looking with gears and smokestacks plus some flames that seems like they went 40’ up from backstage. The stage volume as I recall was very loud. Thanks for the videos, peace - Glen
man, the list of friends you made from all these tours must be longer than a CVS receipt. Ha ha. Really cool hearing your behind the scenes stories on roadie life. Looking forward to the next parts!
Nice to see Pat Benetar finally got what she wanted, remember in the early 90's she wanted to put the band and Neil on the record nameplate, but her label insisted she was the selling name and wouldn't let her give them credit
Not only that, but their record label balked when they asked to slow down their recording and touring schedules to start a family. After making all that money for those bloodsuckers, none of them said “oh yes, of course! We understand. Take a break so you can concentrate on what’s most important in life”
Seen a few of your vids and I knew you looked familiar. Was out on a lot of the Winter Jam shows when your were out with FK&C, and remember you running pyro with Red. Small world. Can agree with everything you said about WJ as well. You hear a ton backstage that surprised me in regards to money…
Man, I've been a fan of your channel for a while now but never realized you toured with Parmalee - great group of guys and totally agree on them being some of the most hilarious people you'll ever meet.
Hey Tank, what a cool channel! I was a roadie for over 10 years, so I totally understand what you mean. I didn't work for Van Halen, but I did work for Sammy Hagar. In 2000, I took a break and went to work for Pat and Neil's agent at ICM.
Tank man. I gotta say you are one of my favorite youtubers. Love your content. But need a 3xl tank shirt man! Thank you sir for making my shitty day better
I have watched almost of all the videos you've posted on your channel and this one has been one of my favorites! I always look forward to your information in the reaction videos you do and to hear of all of your experiences so far have been just as exciting! Looking forward to more!!
People really sleep on Red. Had a friend convince me to go to a show they did at a small club in Michigan back about 10 years ago. Incredibly memorable show.
I remember showing them to one of my friends in high school and halfway through the song they were like, "So they're like a Christian wannabe ripoff Linkin Park band?" and didn't listen to the rest. That hurt, man. Glad there are others who realize they're actually really good!
Dude, that hurts me too! Heck, I don’t even think they’re that obvious of a Christian band. To me it’s one of those things where if you know there’s a Christian influence to what they do, you can notice it, but if you don’t know it’s there, it can slip right past a lot of people. They just put out good music.
@@TankTheTech pretty much. GWAR is stillnmy favorite tour ive been out with. The guys and Eddie (dr evil) were just super easy to get along with and chill. Great group of dudes. And they have the pack down and ready to go like 5 minutes after the show is over
Love this video man, so interesting hearing your experiences. As a potential idea, would love to see you talk/rank your favorite tour locations/venues :)
Great content Tank! The insight, experiences- stories-truths- just the honesty. Keep up the great content…. Love hearing the stories n experiences! I’m sure it was fun for you also ( looking back!). Peace ✌️.
Man i can't even stand driving to the store. I can't imagine being on the road like that . Guess you cant be a home body an be a roadie. Awsome video i could listen to these stories all day!
Your story with David Lee Roth is similar to my story with Tuomas (from Nightwish). I'd heard he was an a*hole but I met him once when he was in Argentina (back in 2015) and he was so sweet. He gave me two high fives 😂 and he recognized me at the concert and threw me his bottle of water ♥ (Floor, Marco, Troy and Kai are awesome and super sweet too)
This was a very interesting video. Excellently recollected and very enjoyable to listen to. Also- shout out for Evergrey's "Escape of the Phoenix" album in the top right corner on the wall behind you. 👍👍Great album.
My one and only experience with Nickelback was at Rockfest '98 (I think). They played the 2nd stage back then because they were pretty much unknown, and 18 year old me thought they put on a helluva show. Later, I spotted them walking the perimeter of the venue, and I walked up to compliment them on their set. I had a spare admission ticket since one of my friends had to bail, and I couldn't get the ticket sold. So I pulled it out and asked if the band would sign that ticket. Chad looked me in the eye and said, "Nah, we don't do that". I was dumbfounded. Up until that point I had NEVER had an artist turn me down for an autograph, especially not one that at the time was relatively unheard of and not even playing the main stage. Most people just jumped on the Nickelback hate train because it was trendy. I hated Nickelback before it was trendy, and because Chad was a dick to me, not because I thought their music sucked.
😂 Lifehouse I'm german and I went to a show on the day AFTER Oktoberfest in 2010, before you worked for them. Their singer Jason mentioned during the show in Dortmund that they've been to Oktoberfest the night before. They only performed for like 70 minutes. I had a good time but pure proof that Americans underestimate the power of Oktoberfest. Now you now better when you're with Electric Callboy. Thanks for the video.
@@TankTheTech nice , Nola used to be a fun place.. I live like 2 hours away, haven’t been back in awhile.., I actually took my 8 yr old daughter Halen, to her first ever concert that night …have a good one !!
Damn, I'm not even a big music/music industry guy and I haven't heard of like half the bands on your list, but this was interesting and fun. Great video, Tank
I found this very interesting and I like your fairness, without badmouthing people or spreading gossip, you just talk about your own experience. On the subject of Nickelback, I find some of the jokes around them funny, but I don't think they deserve the hate they get. They do solid music. I don't find them particularly innovative, but I have never thought they are trying to be. I don't count myself as a fan and never really put them on, but I don't turn them off either. I usually find myself tapping along to them and enjoying the song. I feel like people are hating them just because that's apparently the narrative.
My most memorable tour bus experience left out of Nashville at midnight ,like a lot of trips. We soon noticed we were being eaten alive by super nasty fleas!!! We had to pull in to a truck stop to have the bus professionally exterminated!!! We said who in f#ck just had this bus? It was the Julian Lennon Band had brought their cats and dogs along. Thanks Julian.
Not a word I use lightly but this episode is awesome! So nice to hear something of how you got to be such a great (if slightly hung-over😜 ) guy. Thanks, Tank. Looking forward to the next one!
I was in a hardware store with my stepdad last week and their loud sound system started blasting Benatar's "Heart Taker, Muckraker..." I was singing and playing air guitar while he was looking at hand cart wheels. Some heavy riffage.
I just discovered your channel and subbed immediately. I do believe that you have become my new hero. lol, for someone to work in the industry in all the various capacities as you have; really humbles me as what I always felt I should have pursued for a career. If that makes any sense. The experience’s and stories and memories that you share are like gold to me. I’m very envious of your life path but extremely appreciative for your genuine and informative content. Thank you, I’m a fan for life. 🎸🤓🎸☮️❤️🇺🇸🥓
Interesting to hear your take, you covered two of my favorite bands Lifehouse and Dustin Lynch (who i saw back in 2013 in fort Wayne Indiana, wonder if you were there?) And agreed about Nickelback, the hate they get is unfounded, great musicians.
I was with Lifehouse in 2015, and then started with Dustin right after. But if you saw Dustin anywhere between late 2015 and the end of 2022, I was there.
My heart 💔 when you didn't pick Faith No More. 2015 in Detroit I went to see the guys live, very first time seeing them live which is a shame on me as I've loved these guys since the late 80's, but they never played close enough for me to go or I didn't have the means to travel, blah blah. We had to leave the hotel we stayed in by noon and were walking the town after eating lunch (this was hours and hours before the show was set to start). I told my wife at the time that we should go to the venue just to see where it's at. As we're walking there I notice a big bus parked on the side of the venue. I walk by it and I told her that this was probably their tour bus. I took a pic of it, then told her how great it would be if I could meet even just 1 of them. She smiled and said that'll never happen, I agreed it wouldn't and we started walking around the front of the venue. Someone rounds the corner with big dark glasses on and looked somewhat familiar. Sure enough right after we said we would never meet any of them, none other than Roddy was standing in front of me. I couldn't believe it and I was so giddy. I was like "omg I love you, you're in one of my favorite bands, this is the first time seeing you, etc". I was overly excited but he kept calming me and was so damn nice. I couldn't believe I just met him. So skipping sometime we were just kind of hanging outside the venue and out comes Mike Bordin, shoeless, walking to the baseball stadium across the street from the venue. By this time there were other people that showed up so it was a small group of us. Anyway Mike talked to us for a bit, went to the stadium came back and talked more, took more pictures, and was the coolest nicest dude ever. He said he would make sure the other guys came by and say hello to us to....and they did. Billy then Jon came out, both took time and hung out and chatted with us and took pictures. Of course we're all waiting for Patton, the vocal God to grace us with his presence, but they said he was sleeping though there would be a nice surprise for us if we just hung out for a bit. So as we're hanging out they were still coming and going, talking to us, they even ordered us all food and fed us as we're standing out there. Just the nicest most gracious dudes ever, giving me the best concert experience I've ever had in my life. Finally the surprise comes, the surprise...none other than Chuck Mosely. They brought him out to us, I was blown away. We sat and talked to him too, took pictures, again a really great dude. I have the paper ticket with all their signatures but Chuck wrote a lengthy message to me on it. It's my prized possession to this day. I never ended up meeting Patton because doors were opening and I wanted to get good position up front to see them play. It was an amazing show, Chuck came out and performed a song with the guys, it was just magical. About a year and few months later Chuck would pass, but I cherish that interaction to this day.
Man, you really know how to make this interesting. I think I find it so fascinating because it is a profession that is completely foreign to me. Can't wait for the next round! Thanks.
I could watch videos like this all day long. I'm a PM in Navy ship repair and it's the same thing almost, we transport tons of equipment all over the place and fly crews out to places like Singapore, bust our ass for a few weeks, pack everything up and move on to the next job. All the punk rock roadie stuff I did in the 90's with friends still helps me to this day 😂
Type O Negative is a lot of fun to be around & work with. Their dark gothic imagery was a total front & they joked around so much & their sense of humour is priceless! But sadly lead singer/bassist Peter Steele passed away on April.14.2010 of Heart Failure while at home :-/ We lost Ronnie James Dio & Paul Grey in 2010 as well. Anyways cheers from Windsor,Ontario,Canada 🇨🇦 which is right across the river from Detroit Rock City!
Slitzy seems like a handful to be around haha. I have the symphony for the devil dvd with a bunch of their tour shenanigans on tape, Type O is one of the greatest and most unique bands to exist. So mad I never did get to see them live. I actually got dead again 2 weeks prior to official release and was just blown away by it. Unfortunately being a kid without money I missed my opportunity to see that tour, and to this day Pete is the only "celebrity musician" death that I legitimately cried over. Dave brockie was a close second. I did meet Johnny Kelley though on one of the danzig tours
...eye twitches. I was roadie on tour opening for DC Talk and Newsboys....There is no God. Sick Puppies, I've had...issues. But on the other hand, Lita Ford is my Aunt Lita now. Amazing person. Kip Winger, I will never say another bad word.
You need to keep up on the longer videos man. I watch your videos and they seem to fly by haha. LOVE your content and am real happy I stumbled upon your channel a couple months ago. You have the best insights, info, and seem like a genuine great dude. Keep up the great work man!
Just discovered your channel Tank, your content is one of the many reasons my TV has become a 65" paperweight in favor of RU-vid. Keep up the great work!
I worked for Lifehouse for 5.5 years super awesome bunch of guys, I did drum and bass tech for them as well! Cant say enough good things about them and I still talk to the guys to this day!!
So you were out with Dustin Lynch when he opened for Brad Paisley.. I thought you looked familiar, been out with Paisley 17 years, video engineer/playback... Great video, liked and subbed the channel.
Yup, that was me! Also did a tour with you guys in 2015 when I was drum teching for Parmalee, as well! Absolutely loved touring with you guys. Honestly one of my favorite camps of people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. 🤘
@@TankTheTech Thanks man,yeah while I'm not a big country music guy, the camp is great, Brad is great, and I'll probably be out here till he retires or I do...lol. Weekend off, will watch some more of your vids!!
John Rich was in Lonestar before Big & Rich, and I've heard some less than appealing things about him as to the reasons he was kicked out of the band. I met Lonestar and they were absolutely amazing. I just never thought he fit with them anyway.
Great stuff man! I never worked a tour but I used to be an in house electrician for Clear Channel at their amphitheater in west palm beach FL and I got to interact with lots of the touring crews. Much respect for you guys! I was there for 2 years and worked every show during the summer concert series and ozzfest! It was amazing to watch the setup and teardown! I really didn't have to do a lot of work but you have to have a certain number of electricians on site before during and after a show. It was by far the most interesting job I've ever had next to being a performer myself and due to a cancellation, my band got to open for Weezer! They took the front row and watched our whole 40 minutes, cheering us on after every song! Which was great because not too many people were really watching us! Lol! It was the best 2 summers in my life having all access to the whole place. I didn't bother any famous people but was introduced to a couple of my heroes. I'll never forget it. I can only imagine how cool it must be to have a career in the business. Peace!
the thing that i most miss from the road is my face hurting from laughing so much. piratts on a pirate ship. come in, plunder and leave before day break. neworleans + a day off = Trouble. Last time I was in NO on a day off, I got the Scorpions sued. lol awesome hearing about FNM being as cool as you say....I met Mike and Billy, and both were as cool as it gets (uh, how could they not?!) im sure we know a lot of the same folks....good times. \m/
I think i got into the wrong line of work. I'm jealous af right now, dude. lol, i would love to be able to do what you do. At least, i think I'd be able to handle it. I LOVE seeing new places and music and all that stuff
Hi, hope you're doing well. I am a stagehand in Calgary and have been for about 30 years. I'm booked to be a lighting Tech for Nickelback tomorrow. It's nine trucks so just a little bit smaller than it normally is. People can say what they will about their music but they do put on a good show. A ton of Pyro, really good light show. I'm looking at about 18 hour day tomorrow. Not that I haven't done it before quite a few times. I just recently subscribed and look forward to seeing some of your other videos. Don't get me started on kiss. I just want to say thank you very much
I saw Sick Puppies twice, once in 2012 with Shim and once in 2017 with Bryan. Even two years before Shim left, I could feel major tension between the band members when I met them. I was unsurprised when that announcement came out. On a related note, have Sick Puppies disbanded? I know they were working on music when Covid hit, but Emma is now with Evanescence, so?
I never saw Sick Puppies live, but their music got me through some heavy time, and I'll always remember when they were on JJJ Unearthed. Emma's posts from a while back were that SP on just on hiatus, but I wouldnt be surprised if thats it ☹
Absolutely love your channel. As a local/regional artist, I've dealt with SO many "personalities" playing shows but what I find is that if you treat the venue staff with respect and kindness, that's what you'll get back - and you seem like a damn good person.
Idk how ads for RU-vid know what to give me to listen to. But there's a song by this band inverno-hollow. Doesn't matter if it makes to a video or not, but check this song out. It's definitely worth a listen
I really enjoyed watching this video Tank. Was interesting all the way through. I can't say I'm not a bit curious about what you cannot/will not talk about that went on backstage 😁hehehe. Liked and subscribed, because this was a fun watch and will be watching more from you. Cheers!
