7 (Debunked) Myths About Working At A Concert Venue
I spent two chaotic summers working at my local concert venue, where I sold the artist’s merchandise. While it was an eventful job (especially when dealing with…interesting fans), I loved my experience. However, when I told others about what I did for a job, I was always asked a lot of questions. They assumed it was fun, entertaining, and everything you dreamed about.
I don’t blame you for thinking that’s what a concert job is. It’s depicted in the media as being this way, and I’ve decided that it’s time to debunk these myths.
Disclaimer: You may know which concert venue I worked at if you follow me on social media. I don’t plan on going back, simply because I’m looking for full-time in Boston. Therefore, all opinions are my own and do not represent the venue. Specific bands are also not listed for privacy reasons.
Myth #1: You get to sit back and watch the show.
This is so, so, SO not true. Seriously!
We are always working, even when the show is going on, but it also depends on what your job is. Merch was lucky enough to be slow during the headlining act so we could watch some of the set, but we would still work. And during the rest of the night? We were constantly busy. That’s the thing. You think we get paid to watch a concert, but we’re also working. There were some shows that I would have loved to watch, but I was too busy selling merchandise or organizing the items to make it easier to count out. And if you were security, food service, or maintenance, there was no way you could stop to watch. At least for us, we would occasionally hear the sound check going on (with no screaming fans!).
Myth #2: You get to meet all the artists.
I did not meet any of the headlining acts, not once. Sometimes I met the opening acts because they came by the merchandise booth for a signing after the show, which was cool! But no. There is an extremely slim chance that you’ll meet any of the musicians. We’re working, and so are they. Also, if we were to meet someone, it’s completely inappropriate to ask for a picture or autograph.
Myth #3: You get free merchandise.
Okay, this is a little bit of a lie for me. I got to keep maybe three shirts from the artists, mostly because they wanted us to wear the merch while selling it to boost sales. If you aren’t selling merchandise, you’re not getting it for free, and if you are slinging t-shirts, you MIGHT get one. As sellers, we were sometimes allowed to purchase at half-price at the end of the night, but it depended on the merch manager.
Myth #4: You have your own private entrance.
My venue did not have an employee entrance (but we did have our own parking lot). We drove in with the rest of the concert attendees, and it was sometimes a hassle when you were scheduled in the same time as the lots opened. I got stuck in traffic so many times, both coming in and leaving. Sometimes I was late because of the traffic. Your venue might have a separate entrance, but be prepared to be surrounded by hundreds of cars with excited fans inside.
Myth #5: All the jobs are cool.
Again, I’m biased. My job was pretty awesome, and I’m extremely lucky that I was hired to sell merchandise (especially because it was my dream job). But you may not get hired to work with the bands. You may be hired to clean bathrooms, flip burgers, or deal with drunk and obnoxious patrons in security. Not all of the jobs are glamorous!
Myth #6: You’re only there for the show.
Working in merch, we were usually one of the first crews to arrive and the last to leave, besides stagehands. This happened especially with sold-out shows, where we came in at 11 a.m. and didn’t leave until 1 a.m. because we had to count everything, organize, and display, and then do it all again backwards at the end of the night. Don’t expect to be scheduled when doors open and leave as soon as the concert ends, because 12+ hour days are normal in the live music industry.
Myth #7: Every show is going to be amazing.
Some shows are downright awful if you don’t like the music, and it feels like torture as you’re there all night. Other times, the show would have been good but the fans make it terrible. And sometimes, the band just isn’t as good as you thought they would be. But you have to just power through it. The next show may be the best one you’ve ever seen. That’s the thing about live music: every night is different.
Don’t let this put you off from going to work at your local concert venue. I will never regret my time spent working there because it was life-changing and taught me so much about the music industry. If you’re looking to work in music, do it. You won’t regret it.
