Touring Sucks - Sort Of: A Guitar Tech's Journey

Hey, I'm Ben Jackson. For 14 years, I've been a guitar tech, touring the world with bands from heavy metal to acoustic folk. My guitar obsession started at 6, inspired by my grandad who played in the 1930s. My own band tours around the UK in a 9-seater van were my first taste of the road, eventually leading to my first gig as a guitar tech.

Breaking Into the Industry

My journey began with a US band, Army Of Freshmen, needing a van for a side gig. This gig felt like home, driving and setting up, except I didn’t play. This led to a 6-week European tour with them, sparking my love for touring. Staying employed was the challenge, but my trusty Mercedes sprinter van kept me on the road, driving bands and seizing every opportunity to assist on stage.

The Turning Point

A chance encounter with Four Year Strong in London changed everything. Setting up their gear when they were late for soundcheck landed me a job with them. Touring with them introduced me to more bands, including a memorable stint as a bass fill-in for While She Sleeps.

Despite setbacks, like losing my gig with While She Sleeps as they rose in fame, I found new opportunities with bands like Don Broco. Their complex setups pushed my skills to new levels, preparing me for bigger tours.

Warped Tour: The Ultimate Test

2015 brought my dream gig: the Vans Warped Tour. The chaos of setting up and breaking down a festival daily, in extreme conditions, was both a nightmare and an exhilarating challenge. Despite a rough start, it became one of the best summers of my life, solidifying friendships and professional connections that last to this day.

Persistence Pays Off

The years following included tours with Neck Deep, Good Charlotte, Bullet for My Valentine, and more. My story isn’t linear; it’s filled with odd jobs and periods of uncertainty. Yet, persistence and hard work have been my guiding principles.

One unexpected twist was working with Yungblud, whom I met as a teen. My advice to him as he pursued his music career came full circle when he hired me as his guitar tech.

Conclusion

My journey shows that opportunities are everywhere if you’re willing to recognize and pursue them. Despite setbacks, staying persistent and working hard can take you further than you’d imagine. Thanks for coming along on my journey.