READY, SET, ASK ... Me anything and I will answer... bring your A game, I am ready!

[Zabooka]

How does a tour get setup?

So if a tour goes from NY, PA, FL, TX to CA, how do you select the venues?

Do you call a bunch of venues in that area until you get a date? Is there some database where venues show their availability for tour agents to select?

Do you take into account the money you make? So if you don’t make as much, do you go to venues shorter distances apart to save gas, or if you make more per show, do you go longer distances?

On the last day of the tour, do you lower the price of merch rather than take it home and let it collect dust?

[MattleyCrue]

What is your favorite deep/obscure hair metal song that you wish you wrote? Not a popular song.

Thanks!

[VinnieStJohn]

I realize the answer is $$$ but I will ask anyway

Tuff doesn't seem to play LA very often - any particular reason?
Too much work or cost to fly guys in for a one-off at the Whisky? Been there, done that? Will we get another west coast show?

[MetalSludgeCEO]

What is your favorite deep/obscure hair metal song that you wish you wrote? Not a popular song.

Thanks!

None.

That's like asking if I would have liked to have Fathered someone else's kid.

$tEvil

[MetalSludgeCEO]

I realize the answer is $$$ but I will ask anyway

Tuff doesn't seem to play LA very often - any particular reason?
Too much work or cost to fly guys in for a one-off at the Whisky? Been there, done that? Will we get another west coast show?

""""""""""""""""""I realize the answer is $$$ but I will ask anyway"""""""""""""""""

Not entirely... but... more $$$ is always better for sure and helpful!


""""""""""""""""""""Tuff doesn't seem to play LA very often - any particular reason?""""""""""""""""""""""""""

Well, for a few reasons.

1. 3/4 of the band, in other words, everyone but me, live elsewhere. Chase & Billy in Cleveland, and T or drummer, in Arizona.

So, in order to play here, I'd have to fly all 3 in... or at least Chase & Billy, and T might drive in... but... then that requires housing them for 1-2 or 3 days, Hotels, etc..

2. Venue selection... the only really "go to" gig option in Hollywood for the most part is, the "Whisky" which is great... gut that's only 1 gig.

We've been offered to play the "Whisky" and the "Rainbow" parking lot party a few times as well in recent years, but it has to make sense, and line-up for everyone's schedule, and then also it needs to fall on a weekend, or time-frame, that we can play "Vamp'd" in Vegas, and perhaps another option.

We did a weekend run a few years back, before the pandemic, where everyone flew into Vegas, we did "Vamp'd" on Friday, then drove to play Fresno on Saturday, then drove Sunday early to Hollywood, to play the "Rainbow" event on the Sunday. That night, Billy was already on the way to LaX, to fly home back to Cleveland.

Everyone has a life... Billy married with 3 kids, all under 10. Chase also married, and he and Billy have the Food Truck and Catering business. So sometimes we could get offered, a gig to play in the Summer, maybe the weekend of "Cruefest" at "Whisky", etc... and it might be close to July 4th, which is a HUGE week for their Food Truck business... etc.. dig? Also, our drummer, plays in like 3-4 or 5 bands, and also does tech work for various bigger touring bands, festivals, etc...

3. Lastly... L.A. or So. Calif. in general is just a harder place to play... or get booked at that makes sense. I love the Strip... and playing anywhere down there is a good thing, but these places also don't always pay the best money... or at least, not enough and I have to cover flights, hotels, and more.



""""""""""""Too much work or cost to fly guys in for a one-off at the Whisky? Been there, done that? Will we get another west coast show?""""""""""""""""

Exactly... ALL of this!

It's different for the MORC, as it's in Feb. or March... still cold out in the Midwest, Food Trucks are slow, and everyone wants a get-away. Also... it's a Cruise, in the Bahamas, nice weather, they can bring their wives, and everyone has a good time.

Even if we get offered M3, or Rocktember... which we've played both, I then need to sort a few club dates around it... as I don't want to fly across the country, for 1 30-40 minute set at 3:pm on a Saturday. It has to make sense... for all involved.


$tEvil

[MattleyCrue]

Will you make me a Tuff crewneck sweatshirt? I am ready to buy. Thanks!

[MetalSludgeCEO]

How does a tour get setup?

So if a tour goes from NY, PA, FL, TX to CA, how do you select the venues?

Do you call a bunch of venues in that area until you get a date? Is there some database where venues show their availability for tour agents to select?

Do you take into account the money you make? So if you don’t make as much, do you go to venues shorter distances apart to save gas, or if you make more per show, do you go longer distances?

On the last day of the tour, do you lower the price of merch rather than take it home and let it collect dust?

""""""""""""""""""How does a tour get setup?"""""""""""""""""""

This is hard to answer... as there is not just 1 way to do this...


"""""""""""""""""So if a tour goes from NY, PA, FL, TX to CA, how do you select the venues?"""""""""""""""""

Most touring bands, ie: Warrant, Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P., or even BulletBoys and The Iron Maidens have a booking agent, who does all that legwork.

And, often, there is a promoter, say in the N.E., or Tri-State Area, who might have a lock on 10-15 venues, in 3-4 states. The agent calls him and says, "Hey, I have >insert 8-15 bands here< looking for plays in the spring and summer 2024"

The promoter (buyer) says "I want the 'Skid Row/Buckcherry' package for 3 plays, on a Fri. Sat. and Sun. ... then offers a guarantee, versus door split, or other, for 3 nights. in their region... New Jersey, Philadelphia and a New York area play. The agent looks at their calendar, and says "We have these weekends open in May and June"

The promoter then shoots a set of dates, and a money amount... the agent then takes it to the band & manager, and says "What about this, for these dates, for this money?"

And it goes back n' forth. Same applies for Texas, Florida, Wisconsin/Minnesota or Arizona/Nevada and California.

Once a date, set of dates, or tour is confirmed... a poster is made, a date is set to announce, and they move forward.

Of course, there is a lot more involved for a package like this... and weeks and months of leg-work is in order, to make 20-25 or dates happen... lots of moving parts.

For the fly-in bands, who do weekends, Casinos, County Fairs or random Festivals, often this stuff is announced in spurts.


"""""""""""""""""""Do you call a bunch of venues in that area until you get a date?""""""""""""""""""""

Today... no. And haven't in years.

In the past... YES... but, in the past we've also had an agent, who did some or a lot of this for TUFF. The same applied for us... with offers, dates, and cities, like the above noted SR/BC dates.

I rarely chase dates anymore... as Tuff is not exactly in demand on a regular basis anywhere.

It's also good to have a part-time agent, that throws our name into their pitch, for their roster, when it comes to bigger events, Festivals, the Cruise, etc...

Those buyers then have to put together their lineup, of say 20-25 bands, over 2-3 days... and they need a few "headliners" a few solid support bands, some middle of the pack bands, and then a few openers, like the 1st, 2nd or 3rd slot bands too... Tuff, JetBoy, Vain, Heaven's Edge, etc...



""""""""""""""""""""Is there some database where venues show their availability for tour agents to select?""""""""""""""""""""""

I am not a full-time agent... but... I know there are some forms of info. database, that agents, promoters, etc... likely have access to, that the general public don't see.


"""""""""""""""""""""""""Do you take into account the money you make? So if you don’t make as much, do you go to venues shorter distances apart to save gas, or if you make more per show, do you go longer distances?"""""""""""""""""

This is all pretty self-explanatory... no?

If you're in a bar-band, and a bar offers you $500.00 to play a set, and they're 10 minutes away... well, you might take that.

But... if the same money is offered, and the show is 400 miles away... you're likely going to say..."Ummm... no thanks!" Fair?


"""""""""""""""""""""""On the last day of the tour, do you lower the price of merch rather than take it home and let it collect dust?""""""""""""""""""

Me, NEVER!

Nope... I don't believe in that blow-out stuff... there will be another tour, mail-order, online sales and more.



Your questions are too hard to answer just 1 way.

Let me give you a recent scenario for me.....Re: LIMA PERU!


Promoter contacts me a few years ago via FB, says they are interested to bring me... similarly, the same has happened for Brazil, Mexico, Australia and more.

The Peru promoters and I communicated a few years ago, but it didn't work and then the Pandemic happened. Then they contacted me again, more recently in the summer of this year.

Then... the Peru guys, ALL came to Rocktember in Minnesota, and saw the TUFF show. They immediately came to the merch table after, introduced themselves, and said "We're bringing you to Peru!" And our communication went up 10 fold following that day...in short, they were very impressed, and wanted to bring me.

They then said; "We're doing a show, Dec. 7th, with a few singers, and we want you to be 1 of them!"

I then asked, "Have you done this before, and if so... with who?" and they told me "Cj Snare, Gilby Clarke, FPC, Eric Martin, Trixter" etc... and it's clear, they've done a ton of shows, and they do so, on all levels, the main guy I deal with also sorted stuff for Bhad Bunny stadium shows, arenas, festivals and more... but also do smaller club level rock shows with various 80s and 90's artists coming to Peru.

I then contacted Gilby and Steve Brown... etc... among others, I asked about these guys in Peru, and everyone gave these promoters, an A+ all thumbs-up rating. Which immediately puts me at ease.

We go back and forth, and they're trying to confirm the other artists, and at some point they tell me, it's Ted Poley and Mili from Steelheart, plus me, and a local band or two as openers.

They then tell me "We'll pay you $$$$ and supply you money for the flight, with airport pick-up, hotel, back-up band, dinners, etc..." and we go back and forth, to fine tune some details... and of course, I ask 20 questions and get 20 answers. And vice-versa.

I also go into details, about how long will I get to play, I want to know who the band are, their emails, videos of them, etc... and they tell me "The drummer is the MD, we'll put you in touch with him, and you can coordinate and communicate all with him"

Can I sell my merch, will you help supply a professional person, who can take cc, cash app, or whatever other forms of payments are most prevalent in Peru. I don't want some roadie's girlfriend trying to sell my merch, talk with her friends and worry about her boyfriend on stage... I need a qualified person to sell for me, who can also speak English too, as I will be at the table at some point, and want to be able to communicate.

Especially with a promoter out of the country, you have to be extra diligent, and at the same time, you're having to trust the person... not always easy to do... right?

Especially when you barely know them, but this is where having a point of reference (calling Gilby, Steve Brown, etc..) comes in handy.

Similarly, when Alexx of Shameless emailed me in 1998 and asked me to sing on his debut record, or go to Germany with him... he offered a pair of references, to fact check him, and it was Eric Singer and Bruce Kullick... I called both, and they both immediately said: "Oh Alexx from Germany... he's a good guy... " and it was a go.

I mean, 2 guys from KISS both giving him the "all clear" was good enough for me. I also recall talking to Corabi and Kullick about some guys in other places, and I always dig into whomever is offering, find out their history and reach out to those guys, asking what their experience was.

Same thing with other places... even in the USA... which is why... I have been harsh on promoters, club owners, and the rest, who are not honest, not fair, to the bands, nor the fans, mislead, take advantage and more. Nobody wants to be lied to or ripped off, and that includes from the top to the bottom... big bands, small bands, clubs or rock stars selling their gear on eBay and not being honest about it.

Once the promoter in Peru and I come to an agreement, there is a Pay Pal sent, or wire transfer, and the process begins.

I also will then tell the band, I want to play THESE songs... learn THIS studio version first... and send links for EACH song.. in the order, we will play it.

After a few weeks, I ask the band "Please film a rehearsal, and send me a clip in WhatsApp"... this way I can see, how good it's coming along, and if I need to point out anything good, bad or other... we go back n' forth that way.

"Send us your images, and logo" ... "I book a flight, and forward the info..." - "They supply info on the club, the hotels, and a general itinerary or events for the week"

This remains fluid, for the month(s), and weeks leading up to, and even more so in the final week or days before I arrive.

The same applies for all gigs... MORC, a festival, Thailand, Glam-Fest in Australia, M3 or other.

There is so much back n' forth... and for the most part, it could or would be very confusing along the way to some, but after doing this as long as I have, as a band leader, manager, agent and on a CEO/Owner level (as goofy as that sounds, lol) I can do most of this without issue... same with mail-order, or running the site, my label, etc...

It's a full-time job... but... I love it!

$tEvil

[MetalSludgeCEO]

Will you make me a Tuff crewneck sweatshirt? I am ready to buy. Thanks!

No.

$tEvil

[DemonFilth2001]

Will you make me a Tuff crewneck sweatshirt? I am ready to buy. Thanks!

You might need to ask a few more times!

[Velvis]

It's different for the MORC, as it's in Feb. or March... still cold out in the Midwest, Food Trucks are slow, and everyone wants a get-away. Also... it's a Cruise, in the Bahamas, nice weather, they can bring their wives, and everyone has a good time.



$tEvil

Do band members each get to bring a guest for free?

Is there just one set of techs for all the bands? or are the bands able to bring a guy or two for "crew"?

Do the bands need to pay to get to/from the ship?

I'd like to do one of the cruises, but they just seem WAY overpriced compared to a normal cruise on a larger ship. I understand the reasoning behind it, (smaller number of people, paying the bands, people willing to pay for a specific type of cruise, etc), but for me there just isn't enough bands on the roster I am interested in to spend the $.

That said, they sell out, so I don't expect the price to come down.

[MetalSludgeCEO]

It's different for the MORC, as it's in Feb. or March... still cold out in the Midwest, Food Trucks are slow, and everyone wants a get-away. Also... it's a Cruise, in the Bahamas, nice weather, they can bring their wives, and everyone has a good time.



$tEvil

Do band members each get to bring a guest for free?

Is there just one set of techs for all the bands? or are the bands able to bring a guy or two for "crew"?

Do the bands need to pay to get to/from the ship?

I'd like to do one of the cruises, but they just seem WAY overpriced compared to a normal cruise on a larger ship. I understand the reasoning behind it, (smaller number of people, paying the bands, people willing to pay for a specific type of cruise, etc), but for me there just isn't enough bands on the roster I am interested in to spend the $.

That said, they sell out, so I don't expect the price to come down.

""""""""""""""""Do band members each get to bring a guest for free?"""""""""""""

Yes... each guy is given his own cabin, we've been upgraded to Balcony Cabins the last several cruises... and yes, 1 guest each.


"""""""""""""""Is there just one set of techs for all the bands? or are the bands able to bring a guy or two for "crew"?"""""""""""""""

There is a pro level stage crew, sound-man, light-man, and monitor man (or more) at every show on these cruises, just like all festival stages. They are in charge and running each set, each show... very organized and on time... no rock star sh!t gets pulled... or you won't be playing... simple as that! (See Henry Rollins famous post! It's amazing!)

But... I am sure the bigger level bands, ie: Tom Keifer, Tesla, Ace Frehley, etc... get a longer "list" or "crew list" in addition to the band, their wives/gfs... but the lower end tier bands... it's band only... and we don't get to bring a bunch of extra guys.


"""""""""""""""""Do the bands need to pay to get to/from the ship?""""""""""""""""""""""

No. We're ALL invited guests of the event, with our guests... we're essentially "talent"... and even get to board in a special VIP line... not with the common-folk. Lol

Let me clarify... and I only speak for TUFF... but... I am pretty sure, it applies to ALL bands... we do get a guarantee pay for our appearance, and performances.

But... that does not include flights to get to Miami, or wherever the port is the ship is leaving from. However, the pay we've rec'd always is more than enough, to pay for the band's flights... (we-I, do not cover for ANY wives, GFs or guests).

Our entry onto the ship, for the week, plus our guests, plus our accommodations (rooms), is all 100% covered.


""""""""""""""""I'd like to do one of the cruises, but they just seem WAY overpriced compared to a normal cruise on a larger ship. I understand the reasoning behind it, (smaller number of people, paying the bands, people willing to pay for a specific type of cruise, etc), but for me there just isn't enough bands on the roster I am interested in to spend the $."""""""""""""""""

This will be our 5th cruise for TUFF... I am grateful and then-some! Also, C.W.A. my Packers band did a Packer's Legends Cruise... essentially the same thing, only Packer themed!



"""""""""""""""""""""That said, they sell out, so I don't expect the price to come down.""""""""""""""""""


Correct... this one has been sold out for a few months... and it's still 3 months away.


$tEvil

[MattleyCrue]

Have you done any other Christmas covers besides Jingle Bell Rock? How did that come about? We Wish You A Hairy Christmas is an awesome CD!

[tym]

That's like asking if I would have liked to have Fathered someone else's kid.

$tEvil

Well Mr Rock Star Meets groupie, it is possible good sir.

[MetalSludgeCEO]

Have you done any other Christmas covers besides Jingle Bell Rock? How did that come about? We Wish You A Hairy Christmas is an awesome CD!

To my recollection, that is the only Xmas song I ever sang, at least in the studio.

I think Bruno and Steve from D2 were somehow the guys doing that project... and at some point, my name (Tuff) was put in the hat, I was contacted and offered a set amount of money... which to be honest, was very good at the time... and I said sure... they then gave me a short list of Christmas songs to choose from.

The money offered, also included enough, to record it... which was different than most tribute CDs. Most of the time, the label, or company, would have the track pre-recorded, with a set of studio guys, and I was just hired to sing. In this case, they gave me money for my appearance, etc... plus enough to cover the full recording session of the song.

The version was actually recorded & produced by Nick Nolan, who also did "Dear Jani Lane" for me around the same time. Nick is a BAD ASS! Serious ripper who went to GIT and he was 1 of the guys who got an audition after Jake E. Lee in Ozzy... but he was beat out by Zakk of course.

"Jingle Bell Rock" > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPp7F-4j9vc

$tEvil

[daveg]

I have no more questions for CEO... but the tour stuff you posted was super interesting. Thanks for taking the time to type all that out.

[MetalSludgeCEO]

I have no more questions for CEO... but the tour stuff you posted was super interesting. Thanks for taking the time to type all that out.

Right? Lol...

I was telling myself... this question is going to be a half hour answer!

$tEvil

[Velvis]

It's different for the MORC, as it's in Feb. or March... still cold out in the Midwest, Food Trucks are slow, and everyone wants a get-away. Also... it's a Cruise, in the Bahamas, nice weather, they can bring their wives, and everyone has a good time.



$tEvil

Do band members each get to bring a guest for free?

Is there just one set of techs for all the bands? or are the bands able to bring a guy or two for "crew"?

Do the bands need to pay to get to/from the ship?

I'd like to do one of the cruises, but they just seem WAY overpriced compared to a normal cruise on a larger ship. I understand the reasoning behind it, (smaller number of people, paying the bands, people willing to pay for a specific type of cruise, etc), but for me there just isn't enough bands on the roster I am interested in to spend the $.

That said, they sell out, so I don't expect the price to come down.

""""""""""""""""Do band members each get to bring a guest for free?"""""""""""""

Yes... each guy is given his own cabin, we've been upgraded to Balcony Cabins the last several cruises... and yes, 1 guest each.


"""""""""""""""Is there just one set of techs for all the bands? or are the bands able to bring a guy or two for "crew"?"""""""""""""""

There is a pro level stage crew, sound-man, light-man, and monitor man (or more) at every show on these cruises, just like all festival stages. They are in charge and running each set, each show... very organized and on time... no rock star sh!t gets pulled... or you won't be playing... simple as that! (See Henry Rollins famous post! It's amazing!)

But... I am sure the bigger level bands, ie: Tom Keifer, Tesla, Ace Frehley, etc... get a longer "list" or "crew list" in addition to the band, their wives/gfs... but the lower end tier bands... it's band only... and we don't get to bring a bunch of extra guys.


"""""""""""""""""Do the bands need to pay to get to/from the ship?""""""""""""""""""""""

No. We're ALL invited guests of the event, with our guests... we're essentially "talent"... and even get to board in a special VIP line... not with the common-folk. Lol

Let me clarify... and I only speak for TUFF... but... I am pretty sure, it applies to ALL bands... we do get a guarantee pay for our appearance, and performances.

But... that does not include flights to get to Miami, or wherever the port is the ship is leaving from. However, the pay we've rec'd always is more than enough, to pay for the band's flights... (we-I, do not cover for ANY wives, GFs or guests).

Our entry onto the ship, for the week, plus our guests, plus our accommodations (rooms), is all 100% covered.


""""""""""""""""I'd like to do one of the cruises, but they just seem WAY overpriced compared to a normal cruise on a larger ship. I understand the reasoning behind it, (smaller number of people, paying the bands, people willing to pay for a specific type of cruise, etc), but for me there just isn't enough bands on the roster I am interested in to spend the $."""""""""""""""""

This will be our 5th cruise for TUFF... I am grateful and then-some! Also, C.W.A. my Packers band did a Packer's Legends Cruise... essentially the same thing, only Packer themed!



"""""""""""""""""""""That said, they sell out, so I don't expect the price to come down.""""""""""""""""""


Correct... this one has been sold out for a few months... and it's still 3 months away.


$tEvil

Are you guys allowed to sell merch and does Royal Carribean take a cut?

[MetalSludgeCEO]

Do band members each get to bring a guest for free?

Is there just one set of techs for all the bands? or are the bands able to bring a guy or two for "crew"?

Do the bands need to pay to get to/from the ship?

I'd like to do one of the cruises, but they just seem WAY overpriced compared to a normal cruise on a larger ship. I understand the reasoning behind it, (smaller number of people, paying the bands, people willing to pay for a specific type of cruise, etc), but for me there just isn't enough bands on the roster I am interested in to spend the $.

That said, they sell out, so I don't expect the price to come down.

""""""""""""""""Do band members each get to bring a guest for free?"""""""""""""

Yes... each guy is given his own cabin, we've been upgraded to Balcony Cabins the last several cruises... and yes, 1 guest each.


"""""""""""""""Is there just one set of techs for all the bands? or are the bands able to bring a guy or two for "crew"?"""""""""""""""

There is a pro level stage crew, sound-man, light-man, and monitor man (or more) at every show on these cruises, just like all festival stages. They are in charge and running each set, each show... very organized and on time... no rock star sh!t gets pulled... or you won't be playing... simple as that! (See Henry Rollins famous post! It's amazing!)

But... I am sure the bigger level bands, ie: Tom Keifer, Tesla, Ace Frehley, etc... get a longer "list" or "crew list" in addition to the band, their wives/gfs... but the lower end tier bands... it's band only... and we don't get to bring a bunch of extra guys.


"""""""""""""""""Do the bands need to pay to get to/from the ship?""""""""""""""""""""""

No. We're ALL invited guests of the event, with our guests... we're essentially "talent"... and even get to board in a special VIP line... not with the common-folk. Lol

Let me clarify... and I only speak for TUFF... but... I am pretty sure, it applies to ALL bands... we do get a guarantee pay for our appearance, and performances.

But... that does not include flights to get to Miami, or wherever the port is the ship is leaving from. However, the pay we've rec'd always is more than enough, to pay for the band's flights... (we-I, do not cover for ANY wives, GFs or guests).

Our entry onto the ship, for the week, plus our guests, plus our accommodations (rooms), is all 100% covered.


""""""""""""""""I'd like to do one of the cruises, but they just seem WAY overpriced compared to a normal cruise on a larger ship. I understand the reasoning behind it, (smaller number of people, paying the bands, people willing to pay for a specific type of cruise, etc), but for me there just isn't enough bands on the roster I am interested in to spend the $."""""""""""""""""

This will be our 5th cruise for TUFF... I am grateful and then-some! Also, C.W.A. my Packers band did a Packer's Legends Cruise... essentially the same thing, only Packer themed!



"""""""""""""""""""""That said, they sell out, so I don't expect the price to come down.""""""""""""""""""


Correct... this one has been sold out for a few months... and it's still 3 months away.


$tEvil

Are you guys allowed to sell merch and does Royal Carribean take a cut?

"""""""""""""""""Are you guys allowed to sell merch"""""""""""""""""

Yes!

But there are some restrictions and rules to follow.


""""""""""""""""""and does Royal Carribean take a cut?"""""""""""""""

I am not entirely sure of that... however, there is a "cut" or "percentage" that is deducted.

Also... like most festivals, it's suggested that everyone price matches. In other words, if the standard t-shirt cost is $35.00, it's best to have yours the same.

In the end... selling your stuff significantly cheaper, is of NO help... never was, and never will be. You're just saying: "Our band blows... our sh!t is half price"

I have been vocal to local bands the same, when we play with them... and they wanna selling their CD for $5.00 or something random like $7.00. F#@k that. It's $10 for a CD... minimum, and if someone really wants to support... they aren't going to stress on a few bucks... if they do... F#@k them too!

MORC works with a company called Right Rock, and the main guy Joe, is a long-time friend as well... I first met him in Germany on a Shameless tour in 2000.

They handle a LOT of bands, several cruises and do merch for all kinds of stuff. > https://www.rightrocksportswear.com/

Fun Fact: Anyone recall the Metal Sludge Jerseys, from way back, along with the Trucker Hats, Beanies, etc... all that embroidered stuff. it was ALL done by Joe & Right Rock!

Also... the way the merch works is a bit different than your average gig.

First off, the ship is leaving U.S. Soil, so in short, there is a "customs" scenario that has to be handled... and it's not 1-2 bands, selling 20-shirts, it's 40+ bands, selling hundreds and hundreds, all totaling into the thousands of items.

The way it works, is every band, has to "ship" their goods to a warehouse in the So. Florida area, in advance of the Cruise... like 3-4 weeks... so... for a March 2nd sale date, they will likely give us a Deadline of Feb. 15th... ish... to have all of our stuff, received.

Also, they send you some documents in advance, and we're required to do a "count in", fill out the forms, and note everything from style of shirt (Men's / Women's), sizes, CD or Vinyl counts, and the rest. Dig?

Another thing... is they give you a heads up on how many your band can or should ship. As when there are 40+ bands, artists, who each have 2 t-shirts, and 2 other items... you can't send your whole catalog. In short... most bands get 2 shirts, and 2 what they call auxiliary items. This can be a CD, a hat, headband, dog tag, etc...

Also... you are not allowed to sell your own stuff... it's all done by the Right Rock company and staff. They sort, set all up, and do all sales, and keep track with all on laptops.

For those who have attended the MORC before, you know, the merch area, is massive with upwards of 100 t-shirt choices, all displayed, front and back. And it opens daily at say 12:noon, and then closes at 7-8:pm. So it's not 24 hours, and it's first come, first served, etc...

Then on the last day, you are given (in advance) your collection time. Which I deal with, and go to the main offices for Right Rock, usually up on the top deck, near the Production offices that Larry and his crew and staff are in daily.

For example, they tell me, "Tuff collection time is Wednesday March 6th at 4;-6pm" and I am required to go there in that time frame, at which point they will have already pulled our stuff that afternoon, and will have whatever is left over for me to take with me. Be it shirts, CDs or other.

Also, they will have a print out, with ALL items, that were counted in, as sorted and forwarded from me, and they of course, confirm and re-count all of these items, and log in an inventory sheet for them, and customs, a week or two before the cruise leaves shore.

That same day, I collect the pay, money due for our cut, of said sales, Tees, CDs, etc... and they deduct their fees... again... I am not sure how it works with MORC, and the cruise line, or U.S. Customs... my guess is the event pays or the cruise, pays some sort of tee, or tariffs... not entirely sure.

I grab the box of leftovers, head to my cabin... and sort, to shove into Suitcases, and take home. At the same time, I will give guys and their wives, some of the leftovers... maybe a few other staff and so on.

In the end, we've always done a solid #, and I can't say enough good things about how awesome these MORC events are, organized, and the rest.

$tEvil

[MattleyCrue]

If you made another Tuff album what would it sound like? Classic Tuff or would it sound like a rock album released in 2023?

[ParaDime77]

CEO: thank you for the insider knowledge man, I’m learning a lot!

[MetalSludgeCEO]

If you made another Tuff album what would it sound like? Classic Tuff or would it sound like a rock album released in 2023?

Def harder and more like 2023/24...

$tEvil

[MetalSludgeCEO]

CEO: thank you for the insider knowledge man, I’m learning a lot!

All good....

My Classes are free...and the lessons are free... but the Swag and merchandise is not. Lol.

Feel free, to support, share and spread the word on Tuff, Sludge and Male Pattern Baldness...

$tEvil

[Brainy Lane]

Do you ever consider NYC / Long Island shows?

It seems that most bands avoid the NYC/Long Island area when touring.

Is it just coincidence or is too expensive/ not worth the effort?

Just noticed the Tesla tour dates, the closest they get to NYC is PA.

[MetalSludgeCEO]

Do you ever consider NYC / Long Island shows?

It seems that most bands avoid the NYC/Long Island area when touring.

Is it just coincidence or is too expensive/ not worth the effort?

Just noticed the Tesla tour dates, the closest they get to NYC is PA.

"""""""""""""""Do you ever consider NYC / Long Island shows?"""""""""""""""""""

For the record... the world is all considered... and an option, but hey, it's not our choice.

I never even considered Lima Peru as an option... NEVER not once... but... when a promoter from Lima got in touch, the ball started to roll and now... I'll be back there, for sure.

Simply because... the show did great... they loved me... the fans the same, and the response... (not bragging) was very good for me. I sold more merch than any other club band they've ever brought... they saw the energy I put into the show, the effort, the time I spent with the fans and more. Crazy how that works...

If NO promoter, NO club, NO local or regional person is willing to take on that responsibility to do the show... it's not going to happen. Simple as that.

I can't say "Hey, Joe Rigatoni... book me at the Cat Box in the City, on this date!" ... it just doesn't work that way.



""""""""""""""""It seems that most bands avoid the NYC/Long Island area when touring.""""""""""""""

For good reason... it's not an easy place to perform in, especially when your band, music style, etc... is out dated by 2-3 decades. I know the drill and can admit, that I know my music, my age, and this stuff in general...is NOT the favorite of New York City! #facts

Our type of bands do NOT get attention, or rarely booked in NYC, SF, Miami, and some other spots... it's just not appealing to the locals and for a few reasons.

I have talked about this before... and will do it again...

Detroit... well... what is their history, and base... Nugent, Seager, "Detroit Rock City", midwest location, and in general had (has) a pretty rich music history, with bands, music, rock bands, and others... even some clubs, that gained notoriety for touring bands in the 80's, 90's and beyond. Namely, "Harpos", "The Ritz" and even the "I-Roq"

Also... in general... lower Michigan had a few other places, markets, clubs, that catered to these bands, including "The Machine Shop" in Flint. Back in the day, Tuff would play, 3-4 or 5 shows in Michigan... including Detroit, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and others.

Same with Ohio... "Cleveland Rocks" alone and the RNR HOF put that spot on the map, and clubs from Cleveland to Columbus, to Dayton and Cincinnati, all regularly booked these 80's and rock or metal bands... also... a HUGE factor, that goes with it... is the following..."Is there a local or regional Rock radio station that plays this music?"

In NYC... I would bet your hard-pressed to find a Radio Station who play Warrant, Jackyl, or the others... it's not a New York City thing.

The closest I can think is "Ding Batz" in New Jersey, that have been booking and catering to hard or metal acts for a while now.


"""""""""""""Is it just coincidence or is too expensive/ not worth the effort?"""""""""""""""""

Expense comes into play as well...

How much are hotel or motel rooms anywhere in the NYC area, or close by?

Compared to getting rooms in or outside of Columbus Ohio, Milwaukee Wis., St. Louis or Kansas City and any city or town in Iowa or Minnesota.

Our style, 80's rock... is best served in the midwest... which is also why 9/10 of the festivals are all based in the midwest... Summerfest (wisconsin), Rocklahoma (Okalhoma), Rocktember (Minnesota), Rock On The Range (Columbus) Rock USA (Wisconsin), Rock The Dam (Kentucky) and there are dozens of others, most in the heartland and middle America.


"""""""""""""""""""Just noticed the Tesla tour dates, the closest they get to NYC is PA.""""""""""""""""""""

Exactly... and again... when we toured that region, we'd play Philadelphia or similar, Pittsburgh, and Erie... and have also played odd out of the way cities in PA, like Altoona, Hershey, and others too! On some tours we'd hit 3-4 or more stops in Pennsylvania as well.

Same applies in Texas... Austin a great music city, as was Dallas, and these alone had history.... Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dangerous Toys, Pantera, and Drowning Pool.

Once a city, or region crowns a local hero, it helps establish that area for others the same... Chicago, or Rockford, with REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick, Enuff Z'Nuff, Disturbed and the rest.

The bands do not get to choose where they go... I mean, in reality, we can say "Hey, we wanna play the N.E. or tri-state area" and then try to get the shows... but... wanting to go somewhere, and being in demand somewhere, or having them ask you, is better all around.

If you get offered a raise at work... it's a great feeling... fair? If you ask for a raise at work, and your boss says "Why... what have you done to earn it?"

It's essentially similar in some ways... "Will you book our band?" as opposed to "We want to book you... are you available?"

Also... as noted in previous posts... it's also a timing issue...

If Tesla agent says to the Tri-State promoters, "Hey... we are touring Tesla this summer... and our calendar is partially set... but... we will be in your area, between June 14th and June 20th... any interest for a show."

Meanwhile the promoter looks at their calenders, and sees the following in the same area... already booked "Tom Keifer and L.A. Guns on June 15th", okay... that's an immediate "Nope... can't do that night" then they see the "Journey Heart" tour is 65 miles away on June 16th, that's another "Nope..." then they see "Skid Row and Buckcherry" are playing on June 18th... another "Nope..." and finally they see GNR are playing a stadium 100 miles away on June 20th... another "Nope"

The promoter also says... "Well, the area is saturated with 4 rock shows that same week... and are we going to go against any of these shows..."No" and even though there is an off date or two... the 17th is a Monday and the 20th is a Thursday... and a lot of people will already commit to the 2 bigger stadium shows...

In the end the promoter tells the agent..."Sorry, we're going to pass on Tesla this time..." and it's not always against Tesla, their price, or other... it's simple math and business....

Meanwhile the same offer can be given to a different promoter in another market... and they do ALL of the same... seeing who is already booked, who is not... who is touring... are they competitive to the band you're trying to or thinking about booking.

It's like booking your wedding on July 4th... or December 25th... probably NOT a good idea... dig?

$tEvil

[Brainy Lane]

I dig.
Thanks for the info.

[MetalSludgeCEO]

I dig.
Thanks for the info.

All good...

$tEvil

[Bono Nettencourt]

Do you ever consider NYC / Long Island shows?

It seems that most bands avoid the NYC/Long Island area when touring.

Is it just coincidence or is too expensive/ not worth the effort?

It's not a big college town.

[MattleyCrue]

Today at work I thought of this and I wanted to ask you this question tonight, Stevie. Now this is a hypothetical question.

Safer instance, touring hairband needed a replacement singer for instance a band, like Quiet Riot, or Warrant and you were offered the gig. Would you ever consider taking something like that to be a replacement singer? Would you try to incorporate a Tuff song into the set.

Has this even crossed your mind?

Thanks!

[TeslaFan]

Today at work I thought of this and I wanted to ask you this question tonight, Stevie. Now this is a hypothetical question.

Safer instance, touring hairband needed a replacement singer for instance a band, like Quiet Riot, or Warrant and you were offered the gig. Would you ever consider taking something like that to be a replacement singer? Would you try to incorporate a Tuff song into the set.

Has this even crossed your mind?

Thanks!

Excellent question.