Amid vast technological change and innovation, one thing that hasn’t changed since the 1950s is the popularity of large-scale, live musical events. The year 2024, in particular, was a record-setting year for big-stage events, with Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Tours chart showing an all-time high gross of $9.5 billion, average ticket prices of $136, and the second-highest ticket sales ever at 69.9 million. When you think of large-scale concerts, names like Jean-Michel Jarre, Coldplay, or Travis Scott often come to mind. These artists may attract tens of thousands to outdoor musical festivals and stage settings alike, but the success of their concerts is made possible by the commitment, technological savvy, and teamwork of the many crew members who often accompany them from city to city and, sometimes, across the globe to bring fans the live experiences they crave.
A Matter of Minutes
By the time the artist sings or raps their first word, hundreds of people have already contributed their work and skill to make the event happen. In the last few minutes before an artist appears to wow their audience alone, a stage manager has likely checked the cue sequence, monitor engineers have confirmed the sound is working, and lighting technicians have prepared automated fixtures. Meanwhile, security and medical teams, located close to the audience, have been trained on crowd movement and emergencies.
Tours as Temporary Cities on Wheels
Big tours are mobile operations involving transport, staffing, equipment, accommodation, food, communications, permits, safety systems, and local suppliers. Buses and trucks don’t just support the main and supporting artists and backup performers, but also transport structural and rigging systems, equipment, and costumes. Crew manages logistics, delivers top-quality sound and production, enhances the audience experience, and prevents last-minute issues and technical failures. They are essential for everything from ensuring seamless transitions between songs to adapting to last-minute changes in setlists or performance elements. The cycle is identical from venue to venue. Teams assemble the stage, install electrical and audiovisual systems, test equipment, remain present throughout the performance, then dismantle everything and move to an entirely new city.
Key Roles Fulfilled in the Industry
Specific roles must be fulfilled for live events to run smoothly. These include tour managers (in charge of daily coordination), production managers (for technical and operational delivery), stage managers (who cue the live shows), stagehands (who build and dismantle the stage), engineers (to monitor audience and performer sound), lighting and video directors, riggers (for suspended items), and road crew (for logistics and transporting equipment). However, many months before events, other professionals are often involved, including creatives who provide corporate entertainment ideas, marketers who promote events, and media who announce them. Indeed, the trail of big events goes back to individuals with business savvy, creativity, and the contacts needed to bring their ideas to life.
Creating a Fair Touring Model
The big concert and events industry may be dynamic, but it also takes its toll on workers’ well-being. Often, employees are hired according to seasonal demand, and irregular employment and long gaps between tours can he economically challenging. Those who work consistently, meanwhile, face long absences from home, physical demands, and pressure to accept work because their reputation affects future bookings. A 2026 Canadian Soundcheck study of more than 1,250 music professionals found that some 94% believed mental health issues were widespread, 86% had personally experienced mental health difficulties, and 84% reported financial strain. Recommendations from workers, unions, and health specialists include providing written contracts before travel, paid preparation time, rest between shifts, clear pay and overtime rules, anti-harassment policies, and monitoring working hours and fatigue. Offering employees clearer pathways from crewing to senior technical roles, along with insurance or benefits, will help bring greater stability to these professions.
Big-name festivals such as Coachella in California or Wireless in London are heavily focused on the talent and creativity of stars. However, countless hours of work go into every show, from ideas to promotion, hiring, and stage management. Artists often travel between cities, especially during peak seasons, which requires even more staff, including drivers. The short nature of some gigs and seasonal hiring mean that staff can benefit from clearer contracts, better pathways to promotion, and consistent safety and anti-harassment policies.
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