February 2010 \ Gigging & Recording \ Tech Tales \ 15 Rules of Backstage Access

15 Rules of Backstage Access

Chad Weaver

How to act, how not to act, how to keep from making a fool of yourself and how to get asked to come back again
Premier Guitar February 2010
This month we're going to discuss a different type of problem—something that I'm sure most people don't think about when they think of live music. This month we're going to discuss the Rules of Backstage Access. In other words: how to act, how not to act, how to keep from making a fool of yourself and how to get asked to come back again.

This was a topic of discussion one day between Dan Boul of 65Amps, Sam Austin of Diamond Amps and myself after some lighthearted storytelling of things we've all witnessed backstage over the years. I know that this might seem a little strict in some places, but please remember it is all for your own good, to help you have the best backstage experience you can possibly have.

Above all, respect the fact that you are about to experience something that less than 1/10 of 1% of the world will ever experience. Do not take it for granted. You are allowed backstage because of someone the artist trusts. Every action you take will reflect on the person that got you into the show, and to assume that you can participate in any liberties they have might come across as arrogant.

Here are the Rules of Backstage Access:

1. Show respect to those who are working. Someone on the crew has taken responsibility for you to be back there and will take the grief and abuse from coworkers when do something you shouldn't have.

2. No, that pass you have does not mean you can do whatever you want or go where ever you want.

3. Never knock on a tour bus door. The bus is 100% off limits unless you are explicitly invited by someone who has authority to take you there. It is our house.

4. Dressing rooms are not for you to visit.

5. Do not assume you'll get catering. Also that table full of donuts, water and coffee is for the local crew, not for you to take.

6. Always ask where you should stand so you’ll be out of everyone’s way. Even if it means you won’t see as well, this is someone’s workspace. Please stay out of their way so they can do their job.

7. Do what the crew and security tell you to do—nothing more, nothing less. Don't take any liberties with your privileges.

8. Do not approach the artist unless you’re invited. This is non-negotiable.

9. Do not go wandering around the venue unescorted. Most places have overacheivers for security who will throw you out if you don’t have an All Access pass. (no, your V.I.P. or GUEST pass will not substitute)

10. Please don't ask for anything to be signed. It's considered tacky and rude coming from a backstage guest.

11. Always ask before you start taking pictures, video or cell phone snapshots. While some artists allow cameras, I don't know of any that like a paparazzi-type scene on the side of the stage. I know of even fewer that allow video to be taken at all, even if the performance hasn't started. Trust me, your memories will be great!

12. No, you may not bring your friends unless they were invited as well.

13. If you are offered alcohol, you may drink it but know your limit! Going overboard is one of the quickest ways to accomplish two things: get the person who invited you in trouble, and banish yourself from ever being a guest again.

14. Never place a drink on any piece of gear or someone’s workbox. I cannot stress this point enough. It’s considered disrespectful and may get you kicked out immediately. People make their living with this gear and you are putting it in danger by placing drinks on it.

15. Please arrive at the time you're asked to. Show days can be very busy and having breaks long enough to come find you aren't very plentiful. Even though most of us have been to these venues many times before, we rarely see anything outside of the stage, loading dock and dressing room areas. It usually takes asking a few venue employees before finding one that actually knows where 'Gate C' is.

Basically, it's a lesson in respect and courtesy. Try your best to respect the backstage area as a workplace, and remember that you are a guest. When you’re at someone’s house or business, you always treat people with the utmost respect. This is both to us.

Now go have fun and stay out of the way!

     

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Comments

 (24 comments) display by
UsernameComment
Stella
on 02/02/2011 		Well, I have been back stage before, but this time I did some research. The artist is a big one, and a friend of a family member, so I wanted to make sure there weren't any new rules and to see if there was any artist perspective on the subject. I only take these to be guidelines though. Thanks for the help.
Rick
on 02/10/2010 		Check this out for what not to do - http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-new s/ci_14369533
Jeremy
on 02/05/2010 		If you are invited backstage, talk to the person who invited you. If they introduce you to someone, then you can talk to them.
Scott
on 02/01/2010 		Unless your a Fire Marshal, they can go anywhere in the entire building and speak to whoever they need to. They control pyro permits and inspections, Overcrowding etc, and egress. My experience is the Fire Marshal has the final say.
Big_D
on 01/31/2010 		I think the general idea behind #8 is to ensure that the artist or group members are not mobbed by a group of well meaning fans who are all insisting on the attention for their questions/requests/comments/needs/etc. Particularly after a show...the artist or group members may want to chill out without all of the afore mentioned scenario which they've gone through at public meet-n-greets/radio station interviews/etc. I think Samuel L Jackson said it best in Pulp Fiction (diner scene)..."Be cool".
Michael
on 01/31/2010 		It's funny how some see these rules as arrogant and blaming it on over blown egos and messianic this and that. This is like it's been described... A work area that needs the flow to be unhindered. Even artists can get over saturated with the demands of time, schedules, managers, VIP's this and that. I've had friends complain about this other world as well, yet till your in this maelstrom as a performer or part of the actual crew your in the way. To feel that your rights are being ignored is actually because your ego is or was bruised by the rules posted. These rules are a guideline and by following them your showing you respect the machine and your participation acknowledging it all makes you a welcomed return participant. People don't understand that at times an artist's time isn't their own. They have to follow a rigid schedule as well so when this artist can't give one the proper attention they feel they deserve because they have paid for this artist's wares and complain loudly afterwards only makes that person even more undesirable to have around. These comments are from the experience of being on both sides of the equation.
drsawbones
on 01/31/2010 		I've worked as a backline tech for a while,and I can tell you guys a few things. First it's not about the artists ego, it's more about staying out of the "flow" of the production in progress. True, without fans to fill the seats and buy the products none of "this" works, but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few(the show must go on on time and in tune). Both the crew and the artists have been there all day, and the tear down must also fall within certain time restraints. After the show things may be a little more relaxed, but none of us involved get to "punch out" "till we're in a bus or hotel room and it can get to be a very long day(in case you were wondering why so many crew and a few artists are a bit on edge). I have also seen artists spend up to an hour signing and taking photos with fans. These people deserve a little personal space, but if you're polite and stay out of the "gears" it can pay off greatly. ;-)
Gail
on 01/31/2010 		@ ER and Anon: I neglected to mention that I'm a journalist, so I am almost always invited by the artist. I've never had that artist ever be upset that I approached him or her to introduce myself and say, "Hey remember that interview we did for Modern Drummer,"or whatever. So, maybe I'm just the exception? Of course, it helps if you have some common sense to begin with.
Jeff Przech
on 01/31/2010 		I can't argue with most of these, it's common sense, but my God, #8 is ridiculous. Why the hell do people want to go backstage in the first place? To see what the bowels of a hockey arena look like? No, to meet the artist they've gone to see. That comment "do not approach the artist under any circumstances" is arrogant and elitist. I understand "Do not feed the bears." I do not understand this one. You're making these people out to be Christlike Messianic figures when without the general public, the FANS, there would be no backstage area for them to protect. Get over yourselves.
Myles
on 01/30/2010 		I think the easiest thing to say here is .... just follow the guidelines as stated above. It is the rational thing to do.

And ... if the ricky B who make a comment here is the Ricky-B-Man that I know well then ... hello :)



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