Jon Pagano (Sullest, Weak Teeth, Best Practices)
SPB: What’s the secret to a successful tour?
Pagano: Preparation and communication are critical. Plan a route, then plan a secondary route, and honestly for good measure, plan a third route. With so many variables, you’ll want as much flexibility as possible in case something falls through. Make sure you get time off from work. It may sound silly to mention but without fail, SOMEONE WILL FORGET. Packing for the weather is crucial. Are you from Florida and you’re planning on touring the Northeast in December? Maybe consider not doing that. As a lifelong New Englander, that shit sucks. But if you absolutely HAVE TO, buy stuff like a winter coat and thick socks. This is gonna sound so lame, but consider gear insurance. You don’t want to wake up at a Motel 6 in Lima, OH to find that your van is trashed, your gear is gone and now you’re super fucked. Eat actual food. Drink something other than beer. Take turns driving. Make sure everyone’s on the same page, regardless of whether you’re going out for a weekend or six weeks. Your personal space is going to be a literal chair, so be respectful and aware of your needs as well as the needs of your bandmates. Have fun? Tour is supposed to be fun, I think. But maybe you like not having fun. For you, maybe not having fun IS fun. Maybe you’re miserable and suck the air out of the room when you walk in and you love that about yourself. What the hell do I know?
