Daniel "Dirty Dan" Martin. Photo by Tommy Starr 2009.

What exactly are the responsibilities of a “Roadie”?

Well there’s a lot of prepping for the show and lots of hurry up and wait.  You have to get all the gear onstage, make sure the venue has proper power outlets for the gear, and most importantly, make sure the artist is happy!! There’s a lot of tour crew in different departments that handle each of the needs of the venue and artist.  I’m just a hand to help get the show going.  That makes me happy as long as everyone else is happy; that goes for crowd and crew.

Is there any actual training or is this a ‘learn as you go’ profession?

Well, from my experience, it’s been a learn as you go deal. To get into this biz you should first volunteer to help with local bands and take the time to read up on what you want to do; sound, lights, tour production, management, and on and on. I’ve been into music since I was a kid and wondered what it would be like to do this for a living so I dove in.  I ordered some books, went to the library, and did some studying on my own. All I can say is, if you want to do this type of work then it helps to know a little of what to do already. I’m going to give out a website here to those who would like to learn more about the tech side of things: www.roadie.net

Of the shows you’ve worked; what would you say was your favorite?

There are plenty of faves.  I’m going to give you just a handful: AC/DC, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Down, the 4TH of July Fest ‘07 in Nashville with the Van-Zant brothers in front of 125,000, and lots of great local shows. It’s an awesome feeling that you get when the hard work is done and you see the fans enjoying themselves, and you helped put it all together.

Ever seriously injure yourself while working?

I’ve had a broken ankle, lots of smashed fingers and hands. This is a job that requires a lot of your attention or you will get hurt bad.  I’ve seen a lot of guys get hurt really bad and some do die! R.I.P. for the ones who have passed away.

Have you found anything of particular interest after a show on the floor?

Found a lot of drunk people passed out (hehe), found a 50 dollar bill once, and some things are better left unsaid.

So, you’ve seen that movie “Roadie” with Meatloaf, right?

Who hasn’t, cool movie. By the way, don’t believe that you’re going to fix the P.A. with a beer tab (hahahahahaha)!

What would be the perfect tour to get on (aka your dream job)?

Any tour really, but to do a tour with AC/DC, Metallica, Down, The Kentucky Headhunters, or Black Stone Cherry (they’re a great bunch of brothers) would be a def. dream come true! But I’m game for any tour; it’s what gets you out there on the road. It’s what I love; as most of you would agree. Thanks Tommy for letting me do this – it’s an honor, and thanks to the fans of the music and the Amplifier…

In March: Upcoming guests on Home Cookin’ with Tommy Starr include .44 Magnum, Soulgrass, Cryptic Reality, Sleeper Agent, and 00 the Rabbit.  Visit the Starrchives for Home Cookin’: Black Stone Cherry from January 2009 and From the Vault: a Black Cat Bone track recorded at Picasso’s from 1992-both will be avail. Monday the 23rd in Julia’s office

Tommy Starr is the host of Home Cookin’ with Tommy Starr which airs every Sunday night at 7pm on D-93. Visit him at www.myspace.com/emaheevul