UKHero 0 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 Leading on from another thread here are some questions. A, Do you use a roadie B, What do you expect of them if you do C, What is the going rate for a roadie in your area (per hour or block fee and any other perks drinks food etc) D, Are you covered to have a roadie (insurance Tax etc) E, How did you come by your roadie Please feel free to add any other constructive comments. Nik Niks Roadshow Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 Good thread http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif QUOTE A, Do you use a roadie Yes, always have done, not only for somebody to help with the loading / unloading but for the comradery. I've had a vast range of roadies come and go over the years, starting with school friends who helped me with kids parties when I was 14, through to those come along on a temporary basis to help out behind the scenes in return for learning the business and gaining experience and who have a view to becoming DJ's themselves. My main roadie has however been with me now for about 15 years. QUOTE B, What do you expect of them if you do Well, I not the sort of person who acts like a boss when we are out gigging, and to be honest, after 15 years he knows the industry as well as me. He helps to load and unload the van and set up the gear. He's more than experienced enough to actually do a gig himself, and has covered for me during holidays etc. QUOTE C, What is the going rate for a roadie in your area (per hour or block fee and any other perks drinks food etc) I've no idea what the going rate is around here, because I don't pay him http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif . At least he doesn't get cash for helping out, but every year I pay for him and his missus to have holiday during Xmas and New Year which, once his bar tab has been paid, costs me around £500. This year i'm paying for a summer holiday for them instead of a Twixmas break which because of the school holidays is gonna cost quite a bit more, but I would still say i'm still in pocket. He doesn't have any expenses, since I pick him up and drop him off at the start / end of each gig. At a large majority of bookings the client will invite us to help ourselves to something to eat from the buffet, and although I don't - Richard eats for both of us http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif QUOTE D, Are you covered to have a roadie (insurance Tax etc) Yes, and he's also covered as a named driver on the Van too. I also pay for his individual membership to the MU, which also gives him his own PLI cover. QUOTE E, How did you come by your roadie We've been friends since we were 11 and have known each other right the way through High School. He's stuck around helping out for the last 15 years or so, and is happy with the work and enjoys what he terms as a "Free night out with somebody else doing the driving". Link to post Share on other sites
tonyj 0 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 never used a roadie...sorry http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif Member of The Musicians Union "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work." Link to post Share on other sites
DJ Geco 0 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 I get £30 when i roadie, i pay £20-£25 when i have a roadie. I expect them to carry 50% of gear from trailer to venue, and help set it up, and then again in reverse. They also have to look professional throughout the evening and they can help select the music. I have a number of roadies which i use, 1 main guy and i am happy to let him do the background music, and if i need a pee i let him do the disco whilst i'm gone, he won't use a mic though! Main reason i have a roadie though is for someone to talk to, as it sounds crazy but i get lonely standing up on a mahosive stage behind the disco. They are also there to help carry the gear and set-up/break down. Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Westcott 0 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 A.) yes, I need a roadie as I was stupid enough to design my gear too heavy for one person to manage. B.) I expect my roadie to assist with lifting, and wire up the lighting. I do the audio myself. During the show I expect him to tidy up after me by putting CDs back in their cases and putting them away. I'm an untidy operator.... I expect him to intercept a good number of the people with requests and write them down for me. I also expect him to act as a sponge for my moaning... "Look out, that blasted fat woman's coming up again!" and " Bloody crap crowd here tonight - I don't think anyone's going to dance!" C.) I've no idea what the going rate is, but depending on the night I would offer a 'gift of thanks' of between 10 and 20 quid. D.) See point 'C'. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif (In other words, no.) E.) I'm very fussy about my roadie and won't work with someone I don't know, and this has been an important limiting factor for me. For years I used someone I met at school, but.... I've moaned about this before.... He's become so darned unreliable! I now use my son, and he's happy to lap up the experience and be bought a chinkey some time later in return for his help! Actually, he's learning rather well and I actually let him wire up the audio side last time out. One day I'm hoping he will host a teenager's disco with me as roadie. My 14 year-old daughter has already done this for our local primary school, so it's looking good! Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Audio Man 21 0 Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 I have a roadie who is so lazy... he only carries the CD's and lights, leaving me to carry speakers, amps, cd players and mixer... the heaviest gear! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/188.gif .....But he only asks for a fiver! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif He is covered on the insurance... Link to post Share on other sites
Kingy 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 I have had a few good roadies, but the usual arrival of females seeking Saturday nights out has meant they are no longer with me, hence, I do most gigs these days alone. I think this is one of the reasons I no longer enjoy the job as much as I used to. It can be lonely being the centre of attention! If I was still club jocking I wouldn't bother. There is no need for one on my opoinion. Link to post Share on other sites
UKHero 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE (Kingy @ Jul 28 2006, 08:18 AM) I have had a few good roadies, but the usual arrival of females seeking Saturday nights out has meant they are no longer with me, hence, I do most gigs these days alone. I think this is one of the reasons I no longer enjoy the job as much as I used to. It can be lonely being the centre of attention! If I was still club jocking I wouldn't bother. There is no need for one on my opoinion. I agree 100% I too am roadie-less and it does make the job that little harder and a little unsafer when loading and unloading kit etc... Nik Niks Roadshow Link to post Share on other sites
BigBen 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE (Kingy @ Jul 28 2006, 08:18 AM) I think this is one of the reasons I no longer enjoy the job as much as I used to. Bang on Kingy. My main roadie packed in when he got a girlfriend and I haven't seen him since - over two years! In that time the role has developed into more of a job than the fun night out it used to be. I plan to move down south ASAP. When I do, my sister and her family are all ready and waiting to take it in turns coming out with me. To be honest, I can't wait. Paula and Bri, amongst others, have suggested that if I don't enjoy mobile work anymore then I should leave it to those that do. I won't pack in just yet because I want to try going out with company again. [insert quirky comment] Link to post Share on other sites
wayne_uk 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 I.m lucky, I have a partner in the disco been working together now for 30 years, so we share the work 50/50, must admit if one of us is ill and can't make the show we have a few guys we can rely on. have fun wayne Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE My main roadie packed in when he got a girlfriend and I haven't seen him since - over two years Oo errr - was she a bit of a bunny boiler, and has she recently had a new patio laid? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fear.gif Good roadies are hard to find, and I must admit that I am very lucky to have somebody to help me, who is is just as interested in DJ'ing as me. I have taken on a lot of trainees over the years, usually the same philosophy applies as above, they stay a few months, get themselves trained to a level where they think that they can do the job, then disappear to start up themselves or get married!. If you need a decent roadie, then advertise the fact. I know that i've had a few emails from people wanting to know if I could help them, in fact it was due to the volume of questions about becoming a DJ, that DJU was started Link to post Share on other sites
Kingy 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Jul 28 2006, 11:53 AM) If you need a decent roadie, then advertise the fact. I know that i've had a few emails from people wanting to know if I could help them, in fact it was due to the volume of questions about becoming a DJ, that DJU was started OK! I NEED ONE! OR TWO (Always useful to have a spare!) Lets see if we have any takers!! Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 I have a vacancy later in the month, what do you pay? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif Link to post Share on other sites
brianmole 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 Sorry to go off topic, but: QUOTE Paula and Bri, amongst others, have suggested that if I don't enjoy mobile work anymore then I should leave it to those that do. I think you misunderstood that bit. I know that if you get stuck in a rut, there's no point in continuing, as I always say that the day you stop learning is the day you should hang up your phones. HOWEVER, I don't mean give up, I mean GO AND LEARN A NEW SKILL to make the job fresh again. I went though the 'doldrums' in the 90's and I got off my fat http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/363.gif and learned a few new skills - namely how to mix. The net result is that I am on the go all night really enjoying most of my gigs again wheras before, I was getting to the stage where I was running out of inspiration, getting frustrated and getting the roadie to take over for extended periods whilst I looked at the scenery. We are in a GREAT industry, immerse yourself in it, learn, enjoy...... I use roadies, pay them 1/5th of my fee, usually about £50-60 on agency gigs, more if I get more. Most of the time they have their own PLI, I double check everything they have setup, so I take responsability for it (bit grey but it'll have to do for now). Link to post Share on other sites
DJ Geco 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE use roadies, pay them 1/5th of my fee, usually about £50-60 on agency gigs, more if I get more. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/drool.gif When do you next need a roadie http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/drool.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif Link to post Share on other sites
brianmole 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE (DJ Geco @ Jul 28 2006, 12:24 PM) QUOTE use roadies, pay them 1/5th of my fee, usually about £50-60 on agency gigs, more if I get more. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/drool.gif When do you next need a roadie http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/drool.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif Tomorrow, Epsom! £50 + drinks, kebab etc... Link to post Share on other sites
DJ Geco 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 Ahhh, too slow off the mark, out with Keith for £30 plus buffet http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wallbash.gif Link to post Share on other sites
brianmole 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE (DJ Geco @ Jul 28 2006, 12:29 PM) Ahhh, too slow off the mark, out with Keith for £30 plus buffet http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/wallbash.gif So you're going to miss out on the far superior sound, and a tiny rig not to mention more money... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fish.gif Only kidding, enjoy your night, and sort out a pay rise from Keith.... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Audio Man 21 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 What is the legal age for a roadie? 16? Is there a legal age? http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/533.gif A young lad who lives nearby has asked if he can roadie for me, and he doesn't want paying... I don't mind sorting him with P.L.I... but is there a legal age limit, with taking on roadies?? Link to post Share on other sites
ollygeorge 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 Dont use a roadie, can manage on my own, but i use to rodie for my uncle who i think gave me £15 but that was back when equipment weighted a ton!! Mobile Disco based in the Chew Valley & South Bristol Link to post Share on other sites
DJ Geco 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE So you're going to miss out on the far superior sound, and a tiny rig not to mention more money... http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/biggrin.gif QUOTE and sort out a pay rise from Keith.... Took me 3 years to get a £5 pay rise!!!! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/fear.gif QUOTE What is the legal age for a roadie? 16? Don't know about legal limit, but i started roadieing when i was 14 http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/smile.gif Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE What is the legal age for a roadie? 16? Technically, you can roadie at any age, although where any payment is made, then its classed (or could be construed) as employment and employment laws come into play. For example, a 14 year old can only work so many hours per week, and not beyond a certain time at night, compared to over 16 where you can basically make those decisions for yourself. Anybody under 16 also needs to have parental approval and consent before helping out, whether paid or unpaid. QUOTE A young lad who lives nearby has asked if he can roadie for me, and he doesn't want paying... Should be okay, better to be doing something constructive than hanging around drinking!. I helped a DJ when I was 13-14, but make sure you discuss this with his parents, and that they are happy for him to accompany you. Remember that as an adult you will have a duty of care and responsibility towards him, and could still be held liable if he gets injured etc. It also depends on his level of maturity, if he's 15 but acts like an hyperactive 12 year old then its probably not a good idea. http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/rolleyes.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Audio Man 21 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 QUOTE (Chris_Pointon @ Jul 28 2006, 01:02 PM) For example, a 14 year old can only work so many hours per week, and not above a certain time, compared to over 16 where you can make that decision yourself. Any idea how many hours? When he is in school, he won't have so much time to roadie, but now the Summer holidays have come, he will be wanting to accompany me most nights... i have spoke to his parents, and have strictly said that I will not take him on any club jobs, only mobile work. I have also said that he is not to lift anything that he cannot manage, i dont want him doing his back in! His parents are more than happy to let him accompany me, they sound very supporting... from what i understood, his father was once a DJ... Cheers for the advice! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/thumbup.gif Link to post Share on other sites
Welsh Audio Man 21 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 It also depends on his level of maturity, if he's 15 but acts like an hyperactive 12 year old then its probably not a good idea. Hes mature, for 14... and very enthusiastic... and his interest in equipment amazes me... most kids buy bikes...etc, at his age.... hes buying cheap disco gear.... I admit, ive been into DJ'ing, since a young age, but never actually went into equipment of my own until i was 14/15... probably because i used my dads! lol http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/tongue.gif Ive just contradicted myself... i WAS his age when i bought my own stuff! http://www.dj-forum.co.uk/html//emoticons/laugh.gif Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisPointon 0 Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 I know that under employment laws, Under 16's are not supposed to work beyond 9pm. However, it's not for me to dictate any arrangement that you and the parents come to, suffice to say that with most discos starting after 9pm in order to learn anything, my parents allowed me to stop out until 12AM and beyond when I was 14 (Weekends and Holidays), safe in the knowledge that the DJ (a friend of My Uncle's and the family) was trustworthy and 100% responsible, but then again this was 1988 and I was paid rarely and so it wasn't really classed as regular employment. But I am just pointing out what is now the law under current employment regulations, so you can make and informed decision. Probably best to actually discuss the arrangements directly with the parents. As far as insurance is concerned, it may be wise to check your policy to make sure that a U-16 is covered. As for Licensed premises, well anybody over the age of 14, can go into a pub as long as they are accompanied by an Adult, but clubs are a different story. Link to post Share on other sites
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