THEY’RE the unsung heroes of the music business, lumping amps and drums across the stage long after concert-goers have left the building and are safely tucked up in bed.
Last year covid-19 scuppered music tours across the globe, leaving roadies in “One- Two, One-Two” limbo, jeans at half-mast at the side of a virtual stage (more than 20,000 live production crew suddenly found themselves out of a job).
One year later things are not much better, with music tours operating at less than four per cent of pre-covid levels because of continual border closures, physical distancing rules and snap lockdowns.
Held in 10 major cities across Australia tomorrow (Sunday April 11), Roady4Roadies will raise much needed funds for roadies in crisis and be an opportunity for them to reconnect with colleagues, friends and families.
“In its first year, Roady4Roadies raised $71,500 from being staged in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth,” says CrewCare co-director and co-founder Howard Freeman.
“The net profit of $62,820 went to the Support Act Roadies Fund to assist crew in crisis.”
The Perth event starts at The Lucky Shag at 11am with the Roady4Roadies Walk (a leisurely 3-4kms) culminating at the pub at 1pm with live music from a variety of artists.
All walk participants receive a free t-shirt and face mask, with sunscreen and bottled water available along the route.
“I’m in endless awe at the professionalism of music crew, how hard they work and the standard they work to,” says Missy Higgins, a Roady4Roadies ambassador.
“Us artists literally could not do what we do without a highly skilled team of men and women behind the scenes making it all happen. But it’s a really tough job, working crazy long hours and away from home months at a time.
“It takes its toll on mental and physical health. Then throw into the mix the past year with restrictions on live events, it’s just been devastating for so many music workers and their families who suddenly found themselves unable to make ends meet. “
Roady4Roadies tix at moshtix.com.au/roady4roadies with children under 16 free.