Touring in a Band

Although this activity is mainly for musicians, anyone can take a tour. Work out specific destinations for your itinerary and stick to the schedule. The idea is to remove the decision about where to go so that the journey is more important than the destination. This is the whole therapeutic core of touring.

I love to tour, not just because I love playing music, but because it simplifies life for a little while. Drive, eat, sleep, play a gig, eat, sleep, drive. That's about it. It really helps to put you in the present moment, enjoying the freedom of movement, yet being unburdened by the routine of home life.

You begin to discover a groove--it's the groove of being at home wherever you go, at the same time enjoying the diversity and unity of the culture you live in.

Touring also requires that you become more self-contained and reliant--you must, as any conscientious camper knows, pack out what you pack in. I can't leave my drumsticks in a motel room without serious repercussions, nor can I forget my cell phone without creating some inconvenience.

Touring also includes the idea of leaving the destinations better than when you arrived. Some trash in the parking lot at the motel? Pick it up. Grumpy hotel clerk? Tell a joke. A drumset was provided for one of our gigs, but the cymbal stands were missing pads and cymbal nuts (to secure the cymbals on the stands). I had several in my bag of stuff, so I donated them to the kit. The next day I picked up more for myself. It costs me under $10, but made the world more than $10 better.

Most of all, touring makes you appreciate where you've been, and when you do get back home, how great that is, too. You toured all over the world, and arrived home safely. It extends your reach, your confidence, and your appreciation for the world. Plan your tour today!