Meet Chad Smith | Tour Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chad Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chad, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
If you truly love what you do, giving up is not even an option.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I took what feels like the longest route possible to the top. I began at the starving artist, sleep every night at Walmart parking lots level. My first tour was bars and clubs for a handful of people a night, traveling around in a van that had to be hot-wired with nail clippers. I fell in love with Tour Management immediately and promised myself I’d get to arenas by the time I turned 30. A decade later I’m proud to say I’ve accomplished that goal. The most important thing I’ve learned is while there may have been quicker paths to success, there is no substitute for time and experience. I come from a world where I had to do everything because I was the only crew guy. Nowadays I merely sit in an office and work with a whole team that handles every detail of bringing a concert to life, but having basic knowledge of audio, lighting, merch, etc has proven incredibly valuable and will always keep me a step ahead of those who went straight to the big leagues and only ever learned one job.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best part of my life is it’s a different city every night! But no matter where you go it’s important to get recommendations from the locals and avoid tourist traps. My go-to off day routine is a fancy 5-star dinner followed by a visit to the grungiest nearby dive bar. Best of both worlds, elite combo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Too many to name. David “5-1” Norman (Prince, Green Day, Panic at the Disco) has been an incredible mentor and friend. Saw potential in me and helped me land my first arena-level gig.

Instagram: ChadSmithTM

Image Credits
Daniel Shippey, Matt Le