Loading systems

[musophilr]

Does anyone have a system for get-ins or load-outs? One that ensures there is always one band member with the wagon(s) and one inside with the gear while others are in transit between carrying or trolleying things?

[erictheweary]

It's important to have one band member who slowly drinks a pint of cider whilst you are loading up at the end of the night and then comes out carrying the last mic stand and says something like 'this is the worst part of it isn't it?'

[ESBlonde]

It's important to have one band member who slowly drinks a pint of cider whilst you are loading up at the end of the night and then comes out carrying the last mic stand and says something like 'this is the worst part of it isn't it?'

We had female vocalists that would substitute different drinks but effectively played the same part.

Guitar cases were always the last thing out to the transport. More likely to have someone watching inside than out, especially on a cold evening.

[Not_the_DJ]

It's important to have one band member who slowly drinks a pint of cider whilst you are loading up at the end of the night and then comes out carrying the last mic stand and says something like 'this is the worst part of it isn't it?'

Spot on.

Actually in the two bands I play in the drummers are poles apart.

One is super quick to set-up and then break everything down. He's usually loaded his car while I'm still coiling up my cables. He's got a rack kit which I understand makes it quicker.

The other one seems to hang around a bit, have a sit down and a pint, then think about packing up. By which time everyone else is done so of course he gets lots of helpers to carry his stuff out.

[ICBM]

Does anyone have a system for get-ins or load-outs? One that ensures there is always one band member with the wagon(s) and one inside with the gear while others are in transit between carrying or trolleying things?

When I was still regularly gigging with lots of equipment, yes. A rotation so that everyone did their turn and had a break every few minutes - we didn't need to enforce it, it just happened naturally. I have been in other bands where there have been lazy sods who do nothing or the bare minimum, or at best just carry their own gear, though. It was a contributing factor to one of them getting fired.

Guitar cases were always the last thing out to the transport. More likely to have someone watching inside than out, especially on a cold evening.

And also that instrument insurance usually covers you for theft in the venue, but not from an unattended vehicle.

I've never had anything bigger or more expensive than a guitar lead nicked at a gig, because I've always been rigorous in applying the never-unattended rule - if necessary always being the one who will sit in the back room of the venue with the gear and a bag of chips while everyone else goes out for food. Not much fun, not rock'n'roll, but effective.

[koneguitarist]

We tend to load one vehicle at a time, one stays and loads the others bring gear out.

[RolandG]

Sentry duty by wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands, and on one occasion, children.