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There has been a perplexing situation emerging over the last few years regarding the Old Road Guy/Girl (ORG).
Presuming that the situation will not be the subject matter of a "Dateline" or "60 Minutes" story anytime soon, we possess the means to divulge the ORG status through this version of Smoke and Mirrors, for our own industry awareness and hopefully, long-term benefit too.
While the idea that ORG is certainly worthy of high media attention, people in general are still far more likely to tune in to celebrity stories and continue their current love affair with sex, image and scandal instead of substance.
Hence, we have a situation. One of the most understated, uncelebrated modern industrial revolutions of our time have been widely ignored the advancement of production technology, the customization of production touring and all of the momentous and far-more-interesting-than-celebrity stories that include sex, drugs and lifestyles of the rock'n'roll touring professional.
Never thinking that a day would come when we would say that rock'n'roll is a by-gone era, it is unfortunately, and we must preserve it. Why? Inform, teach and instill passion from the roots of rock mentality or otherwise be forever lost.
Here's the problem. Most ORG's have desire, passion and attitude, but working in a world with rap crap, reality TV and the likes of Paris Hilton. Eeeuuu! We are living in a distorted culture where music has turned into corporate business, mediocrity is rewarded and instant gratification is preferred above building strong foundations over time.
Think about it. Now is the first time ever that we have had the ORG. Production touring started circa 1968-1970. There hasn't been anyone, until now, for us to compare too. The ORG created the positions. Shouldn't this be recognized and accordingly leave an indelible impression with our following generations?
So, ORG travels the world several times over, works with some of the most remarkable recording artists of our time, developed production stagecraft to a science and left their names carved onto the dressing room walls all over Europe.
They consulted over many years, usually giving the benefit of their rock'n'roll experience for free, to all of the innovative manufacturers. The end result is a hard evolutionary road being used on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and "American Idol". Is there any recognition or royalty check for that? Ah, no.
Through bitter cold, extreme heat, buses with extreme heat and cold (they never could get their air conditioning right), smelly venues, lonely hotels and oily food, the ORG persevered. Is there a secure position waiting at the end whereupon they can use their invaluable experience? - Sometimes and always with bold initiatives.
How about a pension plan or insurance? No, didn't have that. Is there a qualification certificate, outstanding service recognition or doctorate in touring or something that you can hang on your wall? Nope, sorry you're on your own pal.
I started in 1970 with lights made from Hawaiian pineapple cans and installed 150W outdoor bulbs in them. My first tour was in 1973 and I stayed on the road as a career until I ended it as lighting designer for an Elton John tour in 1990.
From my experience, real life doesn't come easy in any case, but after you're given money, an itinerary, constant praise, world travel and the awesome high of the show, expectations of life become ambiguous.
Afterwards, going out into the real world with rock'n'roll attitude is a huge shock. I need freakin' therapy now and I've discovered that I'm not the only one.
Ever since I started the ORG campaign sometime in 2000, with an article that I wrote for PLSN, called "Is there Life After Rock'n'Roll Touring?" I've had opportunity to speak to many ORG's. To my surprise I discovered that this is an identity crisis epidemic of rather large proportion that has left career disorder, on par with a once revered, but now forgotten sports star searching for their niche: Coping and finding satisfaction with kids, shopping and gardening would not be a compelling priorities.
So, what will happen to ORG's?
First, ORG's reading this that relate can pass the concept on. No - must pass it on! Then, we have to all get together to share the experiences, through writing, email, or phone. Make yourself known!
There are single person accounts, but there isn't a book, a video or documentary that describes the lifestyle in harmony among the many that collectively shared it. For those who lived out of suitcases, it was not in their interest as part of their work to openly display their craft for public or industry notoriety. Consequently, diaries and photos are scarce it's only memory.
I will happily volunteer as the conduit for road stories success and failures, unsung contributions, venting and whatever believe me - I can relate. We'll get them documented, start an archive and convert the data into various media.
Next, planning should start for an ORG community. I joked about this for years how we could sit on the porch, pipe in audio bus noises and marijuana scents, serve a cold deli tray at 12:30pm and reminisce with old road glory. Oddly, this doesn't seem that distant an idea anymore and it's not even a new idea.
In 1942, The Motion Picture Home opened in Woodland Hills, CA and houses fifty famous and no-so-famous retired actors. Residents pay between $2,600-$4,000.00 per month to live in one-room cottages, complete with maid service, well kept grounds, and health services in conjunction with nearby hospitals. If they can't afford that much, then the qualified are subsidized by the fund.
The actors that were once the basking in the glory of Hollywood, playing parts in Westerns, Three Stooges movies and I Love Lucy episodes are happy because like-minded people are their neighbors and they're taken care of. We can do that!
Times have changed and now rock'n'roll touring production is definitely an important part of history. We need to capture it and compile it while many of those can still remember it!
So, what happens to Old Road Guys? We form a survivor-type alliance and tell the tales, document them and start a fund to support our illustrious group.
This action will also pave the way for the young freelancers who still think they're immortal until they wake up and realize they're not and need to suddenly invest in their future.
Should you choose to accept it, ORG and the independent stage at large we have a new mission.
It costs nothing but a little of your time to register your interest.
Write to:
paul(at)roadcases(dot)org
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