I did a one-off show with his sons, Nelson twins. To be honest, like many, I don’t remember a damn thing about that show. Many times I just went through the motions, produce quality monitors for whoever, collected pay, and went home, rinse and repeat.
It may be interesting to those outside the biz, to us its just another show with another artist. It just becomes a blur. I didn’t talk up to artist, they either talked on equal level because WE are doing our part to do a show together, or they talked up to me to save their butts. I think AF sought and hired me because I knew how to say the word “no”, when everyone else was a “yes” person. I wasn't even interested in the gig, for her comeback tour, she choked me with money, so I went. I turned down others because either they were going to countries I oreferred not to go to, or they were sending crew home getting sick from being over-worked. Prince, MC Hammer, Allman Bros.
After 30 yrs I was just burned out and lost interest. I’m very far from star-struck and I’m not kissing any butts. So I joined IATSE and did corporate events. It actually pays much more. They pay me $10 more per hr to not do concerts, and no carnie life and dealing with inflated egos. Whatever you read about AF, is true, a true PITA.
For those newbies wanting in, my first advice, do something else, have a plan B. its horrible for family life and relationships. The glory isn’t worth the sacrifice. Pick your poison wisely. The pessure on s monitor engineer is not for weak stomachs. Ugh!
It makes ya mean, i don’t want to be that guy. Good riddance.
I’m ok if I never see another concert. I’m just cooked. But I still love great music.
