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Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 12:18 am
by c jury
As some of you know, a little over a year ago I stumbled into a one-off teching gig for Billy Idol's rhythm guitarist for a show in Vancouver. It was exciting, but a super-stressful nightmare of lost and missing gear, 15 band festival logistics, etc. Glad I did it.

Just got a call today. My buddy, who is the lead guitarists' long-time tech is unable to make a gig in April, and he would like me to step in. I was available, so said yes. But holy shit am I nervous. Lots of floating trem, synth, wireless nonsense. Add to that a flight to get there, borrowing a tech tool kit that is not my own.

convince me not to have an existential meltdown.

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 7:10 am
by twelvepoint
Maybe we don’t say his name here, but I follow said guitarist on IG and he seems incredibly cool and down to earth. I’m sure you wouldn’t have been recommended for this gig if the other tech didn’t think you could handle it.

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:44 am
by Dr Tony Balls
Do we not say his name? I want to badly and also post awesome shots of him in the 80s. He seems cool, and lately I think he plays a lot of Les Paul-ish sorts of things....no Floyds. CONGRATS!

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 8:56 am
by seby
This is fucking awesome!!

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:45 am
by ErikG
If it's Steve Stevens I'd gladly say his name here.

He's great. NC wf: 0.

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:59 am
by twelvepoint
This thread kind of got me thinking that it can be easy to psych yourself out worrying you don’t have Every Single Hard Skill, but with so many jobs, once you get a foot in the door, it’s not about the hard skills but about being able to just fucking wing it, and be someone people trust. Granted I don’t know you but I’m sure that’s part of why you got the referral? I mean, you’re fucking making aluminum guitars from scratch right? You got this.

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:15 am
by Garth
^ +1

You didn't get the referral because you're shit. You got it because you have proven yourself. No one with any sense would vouch for you if they didn't feel you were up to the task.

Great job and well-earned! I look forward to the ensuing stories! What an adventure you're about to embark upon - Salut!

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:28 am
by twelvepoint
Don’t fuck up the raygun part on rebel yell

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:43 am
by MoreSpaceEcho
twelvepoint wrote: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:59 am I mean, you’re fucking making aluminum guitars from scratch right? You got this.
Seriously. You're gonna do great.

Floyds aren't actually too bad to work on once you get used to them.

Re: Guitar Tech-ing for Major Bands

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:45 am
by penningtron
twelvepoint wrote: Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:59 am This thread kind of got me thinking that it can be easy to psych yourself out worrying you don’t have Every Single Hard Skill, but with so many jobs, once you get a foot in the door, it’s not about the hard skills but about being able to just fucking wing it, and be someone people trust. Granted I don’t know you but I’m sure that’s part of why you got the referral? I mean, you’re fucking making aluminum guitars from scratch right? You got this.
Yeah.. nobody here should feel a case of Imposter Syndrome. If your name is in the ring it's probably cuz you'll show up knowing like 90% what to do immediately, and as long as they aren't pricks the remaining 10% should come pretty organically. And believe me I've worked with actual imposters and know how to spot the difference.