Nothing like a Switchfoot concert, eh? The excitement, the crowd, the music, the songs, the feeling of unity... it's quite the experience! It's also an experience that could become absolute chaos if it wasn't for tour managers. Tour managers are often the "unsung heros" of bands, people who stay behind the scenes, making sure everything happens like it's supposed to, and everything (and one) gets where they're supposed to be. We like to recognize the people behind-the-scenes, who help make Switchfoot such a success, so I contacted Ike Schaible, Switchfoot's tour manager, to see if he'd like to do an interview with the site. He was willing, so read on to hear road stories, details on Ike's job and what he really thinks about Jon's Yamaha!
A special thanks to the fans who submitted questions for this interview! It was difficult to choose the best ones, and I appreciate all of you taking the time to send them in.
LOBH: First, for those who may not know, what all do you do with your job as tour manager? What are your responsibilities?
IKE SCHAIBLE: This one will be a long answer, but let me try my best to get everything right. First responsibility is to make sure that the band/crew stays healthy, happy, and safe on the road. I also take care of all travel [arrangements] - from booking a tour bus, to flights, hotels... everything that we might need for the tour. If the guys need anything on the road, I'm the first person they ask. I work directly with the record company, band maganmenet, promotors, and venue staff.
LOBH: Wow, so you really have a full plate. How did you get the job with Switchfoot? What's it like working with the guys?
IKE: When Switchfoot changed to Red Light Management, I was working for RLM with DMB and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. [But I was] looking for change.
LOBH: What's a typical day in the life while you are on the Switchfoot tour?
IKE: Tour days start like this: I'm [almost always] the first one up, making sure the bus is parked in the corect spot and that the driver can get into his hotel ASAP. Then it's load in, lunch, working on anything that is needed for that day with press, radio, and interviews. [Then] soundcheck, dinner, doors, show time, meet-n-greets, aftershow food, bus call, rolling to the next venue. [My day] starts around 8AM and ends at 2 AM.
For days off, I find a quite place to do paper work, and deal with the next upcoming shows or ride my bike for a couple hours. Maybe a couple hours more sleep but not much.
LOBH: That schedule is absolutely CRAZY. And that was a perfect lead-in into my next questions... what's the craziest thing that happened on tour? Or maybe something that was just plain funny?
IKE: Crazy things are the dance parties at night. I only get to see the videos though, because they're always at 4 am and I'm sleeping.
LOBH: We had some of our site visitors submit questions, and 1's/0's asked, "How does everyone do laundry on the road?"
IKE: The crew does laundry at the venues if that's available. On days, off [we do laundry] at the hotel, or we send it to a wash and fold place. The band mostly flies home every couple days, so they do it at home, or at the venue.
LOBH: From LCP: "What's your favorite memory from touring?"
IKE: Hanging with crew/band on days off.
LOBH: One of our visitors, Sammy P, submitted this amusing question: "If you were ever in danger, which one of the guys would you count on to save your life?
IKE: I think all of them! (I hope at least)
LOBH: Yeah me too. From LCP: "How do you deal with the panic of Jon's climbing antics...?"
IKE: PRAY!!!!!!
LOBH: HA! Good answer. He scares the crap out of us sometimes. So, what got you into that tour managing line of work?
IKE: I was working on the road for Dave Matthews Band running their backstage lounge for years. Wanted a change.
LOBH: Did you go to college for your job? Or something else entirely?
IKE: No college - for my line of work, it's all about the people you know.
LOBH: Is there something about touring/managing in general that would surprise people?
IKE: You are on call 24/7!
LOBH: Some advice to people who want to follow your path; what are three things you should be sure you do/don't do in this business?
IKE: Never lose the band's money. Make sure you have the correct address to the venue. Always answer you're cell phone when the band is calling!
LOBH: From LCP: "What would you be doing if you weren't a tour manager?"
IKE: Bar tending, running a night club.
LOBH: From JC: "Do you play any instruments yourself?"
IKE: I used to play drums in high school.
LOBH: From Mike: "Who are some of your favorite bands?"
IKE: Sweatshop Union, Swollen Members, Dave Matthew's Band, Our Lady Peace, Pennywise, Old Fuel, MuteMath, Mike Doughty, Kaiser Chiefs... let's just say I like almost everything, but TECHNO is a NO NO.
LOBH: I feel that way about screamo. (Sorry people!) Here's another one from 1's/0's: "What's your most played song on your iPod?"
IKE: This week it;s Alligator Pie from the Dave Matthew's Band.
LOBH: To finish this up, I have 3 questions that we ask to everyone we interview:
1. What's the best advice you've ever been given?
IKE: Treat people the way you want to be treated.
LOBH: 2. What's one question you've never been asked and the answer?
IKE: Were you an eagle scout? YES I'm a eagle scout.
LOBH: 3. How do you REALLY feel about Jon's Yamaha? Ha, okay I cheated there. That's NOT a question we ask to everyone. But seriously dude... the people want to know! Does it drive you crazy?
IKE: I love the YAMAHA!!! Maybe I have a spot in my heart for it somewhere.
LOBH: Ike, thanks so much for your time, it's been a pleasure!
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