brian hillman tour manager

The Crimson White

Music enthusiasts go backstage to learn from industry leaders.

Photo courtesy of Ansley Neely

Katie Ingram , Contributing Writer March 21, 2019

Addy Loftin knew she wanted to be a manager for a tour, but after a recent trip behind the scenes of country music star Walker Hayes’ concert, she was re-inspired to achieve that goal.

Hayes stopped at Iron City in Birmingham, Alabama, where University of Alabama Country Music Association Education (CMA EDU) members were able to speak with Hayes’ management team to see firsthand what it is like working on a tour.

Hayes is currently on his 30-stop North American tour. The country music singer rose to popularity with his 2017 song, “You Broke Up With Me,” from the album Boom.

Ansley Neeley, president of The University of Alabama’s chapter of CMA EDU and a senior public relations major, was able to make this event happen for the organization through connections she made from a past internship experience.

“We were able to get a firsthand look at part of Walker Hayes’ soundcheck, tour the venue’s backstage area and learn about what it takes to become a member of an artist’s team,” Neeley said.

Students also had the opportunity to meet with Hayes’ tour manager Brian Hillman and manager Marissa Turk. Hillman and Turk gave tips on how to become successful and make the most of opportunities given in the music and entertainment industry.

The speakers gave out free tickets and meet-and-greet passes for members at the end of the venue tour for the concert later in the day.

One student who wants to work in show photography was approved for a photo pass to cover the event.

Not only were students given perks for attending the event, they were also given tips for networking and the best ways to establish a career in the music and entertainment industry.

CMA EDU is a brand extension of the Country Music Association based in Nashville, Tennessee. Due to this connection, the UA branch of CMA EDU is able to have experiences like this one, as well as being able to work on promotional campaigns, attend award shows and hear from well-known members of the music industry.

“The music industry is extremely relationship-based, and most professionals are more than willing to help out aspiring, young professionals in any way they can,” Neeley said.

The organization is very helpful to students who aspire to be in the music industry.

“Through CMA EDU, I’ve learned about opportunities and career paths that I didn’t even know existed,” said Maddie Hirschfield, a senior communication studies major. “I’ve learned what the music industry is really all about and what it takes to get there and make it. CMA EDU is important to me because without this organization, I wouldn’t have been able to find a way to make my passions into a career.”

The experience also helped some with their goals for the future.

“Being a tour manager is my dream job, so that was really helpful for me to hear tips,” said Addy Loftin, a sophomore public relations major.

Loftin said she was inspired by Hayes’ manager and her accomplishments in the industry.

“Marissa [Turk] really inspires me because she graduated from UA with a public relations degree like me, and she worked her way up to become an artist manager,” Loftin said. “The fact that she is a woman inspires me and shows me that one day, I can do something like that.”

Aspiring UA choreographers display work at new showcase

The culture desk’s favorite study spots

UA mock trial team turns tables and heads as it prepares for nationals

UA organization provides space for women on campus to build bonds and give back

Unite Bama leads students and community in night of worship

‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ is the Monsterverse’s first miss

The Rising Tide Film Festival provides a unique atmosphere of passion and connectedness

‘We are seen, heard and celebrated here’: UA organizations come together to celebrate Holi

Artist Sharon Butler introduces UA to growing art trend

University researchers strive to bring buried LGBTQ+ history to light

Working from home? Switch to the DIGITAL edition of Projection, Lights & Staging News. CLICK HERE to signup now!

• Submissions

The Art of Tour Managing

• By: PLSN Staff
• March 11, 2017

Three Industry Pros Define their Role on the Road

Road manager. Tour manager. Sometimes the titles are interchangeable. Above all, it means this: Make your artist happy. And make the show happen. Whatever it takes.

Phil Kaufman, the industry’s legendary road manager for The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker and more, defined the job through his exploits in his autobiography, Road Mangler Deluxe. His most famous escapade, featured in the movie, Grand Theft Parsons , recounts the bizarre stealing of country musician Gram Parsons’ body in 1973 and burning it ceremonially at Joshua Tree National Park, per Parsons’ wishes. Apparently, Kaufman had no prior tour managing experience. But it was his client.

That was then. Today’s technology and the professional attitude of our industry has transformed the tour manager role. While it still exudes a glamour — of guiding the rock stars through the daily grind — like any other job, there’s always a devil in the details. But we’re pretty sure it doesn’t involve, uh, body stealing.

Wanting an updated job description of these rulers of the road — and asking what it takes to be successful — we checked in with three well-known tour managers: Jim Runge (who has worked with The Road Mangler himself), David “5-1” Norman and John Callahan.

Runge’s first tour management gig was 1996/97 with Jimmie Dale Gilmore, opening for Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris. He recalls that David Anderson, Willie’s tour manager, took him on his first settlement. Emmylou was then tour-managed by Phil ‘The Road Mangler’ Kaufman. Since then, Runge has worked with many artists such as Rickie Lee Jones, The Replacements, Lucinda Williams, Wilco, Ryan Adams, The Black Keys, Empire of the Sun, and, recently, Major Lazer. He will tour with Imagine Dragons in 2017.

A tour manager does “whatever needs to be done,” he explains. “General band needs, tour buck stopper, accountant, babysitter, bus cleaner, life coach, psychologist, guest list.” Every day is different. “It’s getting the band to the venue, general tour business. Guest list. Meet and greets. Make sure needs are covered for the stage and band: food, hotel, bus, stage, dressing room.”

And whatever else it takes to make a show happen, “from dinner reservations to shoveling things out of bus toilets with Solo cups,” he adds. “As far as job descriptions, I don’t really follow one. I might feel demeaned or stupid if I think about it. At the end of the day my job is to keep the artist happy and shows happening.”

While the wild stories must certainly be stockpiled in his memory, Runge says he can’t or won’t discuss them because “In most cases, you can stop ‘wild’ moments by preparing ahead and knowing artist’s needs and desires. I try to avoid drama and situations that may endanger myself or my artist.”

The role hasn’t changed much in his world. “I was a lighting guy, so I come from the days where doubling up was part of it. On some tours there are six people doing the same job I did by myself on another. Every tour is different, with different needs and priorities.”

Best things about the job? “Meeting people I’ve looked up to and becoming friends with some of them.” He adds: “The travel. Eating amazing food around the world. Laughing with my road family. Having relationships with people that others will never know. When you spend 24 hours a day for months with people, you either hate each other or develop a bond like no other. I’m lucky that there aren’t too many people I hate.”

Memorable moments? “Spending time with Willie Nelson on his bus. Having Dan Rather put his arm around me and telling me to drive safely on Election Day 1996 as we celebrated another Clinton victory. Watching Rickie Lee Jones sing Beatles songs on an acoustic guitar at a small cafe in Paris. Seeing the Flatlanders play around a fire at Joe Ely’s house. Exploring small towns in Europe and discovering amazing things.”

While Runge only worked a few tours and one-offs with The Road Mangler, he learned a few things from him, which he offers for those aspiring to the job: ”You’re never bigger than your artist. No matter how big you are you still need to search for work sometimes. Have fun. Respect people you work with, from artists to stagehands to fans,” and finally: “This is one of the few positions that misfits can function in.”

But above all, it’s not just a job. It’s about people. “The people in this business are the best people in the world.”

David “5-1” Norman

David Norman took on the role of tour manager in 1994 with Motown Records group AC Black. Since then, he’s worked with Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Prince, John Legend, Fall Out Boy, Green Day, John Fogerty, Alicia Keys, TSO, Avicii and a slew of others.

Norman defines his role as: “Babysitter, psychiatrist, banker, problem-solver.” He takes care of all of the logistics: travel, hotels, flights and payroll. He’s also the tour accountant.

He’s noticed the title transform over time. “I remember the days of advancing shows with pen and paper as well as a sky pager. With today’s technology, things are much easier in forms of communication and advance work. I’ve also seen that the role has shifted to doing more double duty: tour manager/tour accountant or tour manager/production manager.”

Details beyond the job description? “Way too much of a loaded question!” But he will share this: “I’ve had to resuscitate the lead singer’s wife, who had overdosed, and then called 911 as I was removing all the contraband off the bus!”

Regarding memorable moments, Norman checked off two bucket list items: seeing the Great Wall of China and visiting the Forbidden City. “On the Alicia Keys tour, we played Dubai, and the promoter had a dinner in the desert for us with belly dancers, falcons. We rode camels. But the highlight for me,” he explains, “was the following day. I asked to be driven into the middle of the desert and meditated for an hour surrounded by nothing but sand and silence. It was one of the most amazing moments ever!”

Wanting to get into tour management? Norman advises to get a mentor and read/learn everything about your craft. “I was lucky to have three amazing mentors who I still confer with to this day — Tom Barfield, Bob Ward and Karen Krattinger — who have all worked with everyone from Prince to Iron Maiden to Beyonce. The knowledge and trust they shared with me was enlightening. Marty Hom and Jerome Crooks have also been huge influences.”

Skills required to be successful at it, he says, include “Being patient, organized, a forward thinker, and be proactive to eliminate bad situations beforehand. Above all: it’s not about you, it’s about the artist and the fans. It’s your job to be a facilitator to make people happy, and to feel safe and well taken care of.” Finally, he adds, say thank you to everyone. “Small words mean a lot!”

John Callahan

John Callahan transitioned from stage manager to tour manager in 1977 with the James Montgomery Band in Boston. He also worked indirectly with hundreds of acts as the operations manager at Mountain Productions from 1984-1995.

Over the years, he’s tour managed The Cars, Bonnie Raitt, The Band, JJ Cale, The Beach Boys and Cyndi Lauper, among others. He’s been with Tony Bennett since 2012. In his “off” time, he’s also been the site logistics coordinator for the Presidential Debates (since 2000).

Callahan defines his role as “Head chef and bottle washer — anything within reason for the artist, band and crew.” He enjoys the daily logistical challenges of putting together a successful show, and wears no other “hats” as is typical of tours today. “The acts I am fortunate enough to work with understand the value and scope of my work.”

Being tour manager means being “on” when everyone else is “off.” On a past tour in Texas, while the crew enjoyed a night on the town, Callahan was checking out a jazz club — Tony had expressed interest in popping into the venue after his show the next night. Callahan did his site-surveying, talking with the owner to ensure the artist’s privacy at a dark corner table. He checked out the path from the door, looking for stair steps or any obstacles. Just one of the many things a tour manager does to take care of their artist.

Sometimes the situation involves a catastrophe. Callahan was in Japan with Cyndi Lauper’s tour when the 9.1 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami hit in 2011. “That was a challenge, re-sorting schedules/logistics while other bands touring in the country cancelled shows. We were the only act that stayed, and Cyndi became the darling of Japan after that.”

Other out-of-the-ordinary situations involve flying in a cargo plane with gear, getting the crew through customs after a night of partying in Europe, doing 48-to-72-hour days on site builds, and so on.

But for an enduring icon such as Tony Bennett, routine duties rise to another level. Callahan may find himself riding a freight elevator with Barbra Streisand. Or meeting Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Confirming passes for VIP guests usually means your VIPs are as famous as Tony. When the fans’ meet-and-greet line to talk to Tony includes The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Al Jardine, for example, it’s still just part of the job. But the cool factor kicks in.

“Places I’ve been, you pinch yourself, you ask, am I really here? Especially with Tony. You meet the coolest people. With Tony, it’s highlights all the time. It’s a different gig with Tony because of who he is, the level of the shows, the audiences — we see four generations of people. People still enjoy Tony Bennett after all these years. Everybody loves the guy and he loves them right back. Tony is going to go on forever.”

He’s enjoyed his tour manager role for “the satisfaction of being able to travel the world, meeting many wonderful people and at the end of the day enjoying how so many people go away with a great experience.”

His advice to newbies wanting to get into tour management? “The same guidelines apply today as when I, and many of us ‘old guys’ started out: Be willing to do anything at any time, without an attitude, for the good of the cause. Seek the best mentors. I thank John Conk, Al Dotoli and Joe Baptista (RIP) for their help when I was a kid hanging out at load-ins asking to help where I could. (Those opportunities are not as available nowadays.) Finally, never assume and have a Plan B, C and D ready when Plan A falls apart.” 

The PLSN Newsletter

The latest in industry news and products, delivered every Monday.  Sign Up Today.

" * " indicates required fields

Recommended for You:

The 20th Annual Parnelli Awards: A Brief Recap 

Roundup of New Product Launches at Prolight + Sound 2022

Building a Strong Foundation: Obsidian Train the Trainer Initiative Bearing Fruit

Gateway Studios Elevates Viewing for 500K Tennis Fans

Lightswitch and Elation Transform Morton Arboretum

Robe Selected for Brigada Tech TV Series

ADJ LED-Powered Luminaires Provide Versatile Lighting for Detroit’s Diamondback Music Hall

Arena Vibe Brought to Clubs for Beartooth with Squeek Lights and CHAUVET

• myTU for Students
• Towson Online Services
• OneCard/TU ID Card
• Academic Calendar
• University Store
• Graduate Programs
• Application
• Request Information
• Take a Campus Tour
• Housing & Dining
• Tuition info
• Financial Aid
• Family Network
• Family Weekend
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Emergency Text Alerts
• Tiger Connect
• Alumni Events
• Alumni Benefits
• TU Magazine
• Request a Transcript
• Office of Alumni Relations
• myTU for Faculty & Staff
• BTU-Partnerships at Work for Greater Baltimore
• Entrepreneurship at TU
• Center for Applied & Economic Research
• Center for GIS
• Regional Economic Studies Institute
• Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute
• Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities
• Hiring TU Students
• Calendars & Events
• Directories
• Facts & Figures
• Mission & Strategic Plan
• Rankings & Achievements
• Administration
• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Consumer Information & Accreditation
• Undergraduate Studies
• Graduate Studies
• International Initiatives
• Colleges & Departments
• Off-Campus Locations
• Extended & Professional Education
• Summer Session
• Academic Services & Resources
• Commencement
• Graduate Admissions
• Tuition & Expenses
• Counselor & Advisor Resources
• Visit Campus
• Student Involvement
• Student Services & Resources
• Health & Wellbeing
• Safety & Security
• New Student & Family Programs
• Anchor Mission
• BTU-Partnerships for Greater Baltimore
• Entrepreneurship
• Strategic Partnerships & Applied Research
• Community Programs & Resources
• Arts & Culture
• Campus Landmarks & Features
• Planning Events & Conferences at TU
• Admissions & Aid
• Student Life
• Campus & Community

Information For

Brian Hillman

Assistant Professor

Contact Info

Ph.D., Religious Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, 2021 M.A., Divinity, University of Chicago, 2013 B.A., Philosophy, University of Chicago, 2011

Areas of Expertise

Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah) Modern Jewish thought and philosophy Religion and popular culture The history of scriptural interpretation

Selected Publications

• “Lion Taming: R. Yitzhak Isaac Ḥaver’s Kabbalistic Defense of The Jewish Tradition,” Jewish Studies Quarterly
• “The Oneness of God in Modern Jewish Thought” in The Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Receptions, 2023.
• Book Review of Jewish Comics and Graphic Narratives (Bloomsbury, 2023) by Matt Reingold, Reading Religion, 2023.
• Book Review of Ruth: A Migrant’s Tale by Ilana Pardes (Yale, 2022), Jewish Book Council, 2022.

The Rolling Stones Announce ‘Hackney Diamonds’ North American Stadium Tour

By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

The Rolling Stones are hitting stadiums across North America in 2024 to celebrate the release of their new album, Hackney Diamonds . The 16-city tour (which includes a headlining slot at Jazz Fest in New Orleans) kicks off April 28 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, and wraps up July 17 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Ticket sales begin December 1 at 10:00 am.

Hackney Diamonds is the first Rolling Stones album of new material since 2005’s A Bigger Bang . Produced by Andrew Watt and featuring guest appearances by Paul McCartney, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga, the album was met with near-universal acclaim. “A collection of bangers (old-school division) that nobody in their right mind had a right to expect in 2023,” Rolling Stone ’s David Browne wrote, “Hackney Diamonds isn’t just another new Stones album, but a vibrant and cohesive record — the first Stones album in ages you’ll want to crank more than once before filing away.”

Future and Metro Boomin Tap J. Cole for 'We Still Don't Trust You' Despite Apparent Diss

Norm macdonald was the hater o.j. simpson could never outrun, the battle over classic rock band the guess who just went nuclear, watch paul mccartney, the eagles perform 'let it be' at jimmy buffett tribute concert.

Here are the dates for The Rolling Stones ’24 Hackney Diamonds tour.

April 28 – Houston, TX @ RG Stadium May 2 – New Orleans, LA @ Jazz Fest May 7 – Glendale, AZ @ State Farm Stadium May 11 – Las Vegas, NV @ Allegiant Stadium May 15 – Seattle, WA @ Lumen Field May 23 – East Rutherford, NJ @ MetLife Stadium May 30 – Foxboro, MA @ Gillette Stadium June 3 – Orlando, FL @ Camping World Stadium June 7 – Atlanta, GA @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium June 11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Lincoln Financial Field June 15 – Cleveland, OH @ Cleveland Browns Stadium June 20 – Denver, CO @ Empower Field at Mile High June 27 – Chicago, IL @ Soldier Field July 5 – Vancouver, BC @ BC Place July 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ SoFi Stadium July 17 – Santa Clara, CA @ Levi’s Stadium

Dua Lipa, Future, Metro Boomin', Girl in Red, and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week

• By Rolling Stone

Solar Eclipse Skyrockets 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' Streams by 480%

• Solar Flare
• By Ethan Millman

'I Can't Blame Myself:' Tini Finds Peace After Grappling With Mental Health and Child Stardom

• By Tomás Mier

Inside Jimmy Buffett's Tribute Concert: McCartney, Margaritas, and One Hell of a Parrothead Party

• Back to the Island
• By John Lonsdale

Sabrina Carpenter Gets Sun-Kissed and Pampered With a Pretty Boy's Gold Card in 'Espresso' Video

• Is It That Sweet?
• By Larisha Paul

Most Popular

Jodie foster pulled robert downey jr. aside on their 1995 film set and told him: 'i’m scared of what happens to you next' because of addiction, where to stream 'quiet on set: the dark side of kids tv' online, sources claim john travolta is ‘totally smitten’ with this co-star, angel reese signs multiyear agreement with panini america, you might also like, ‘balomania,’ about brazil’s ‘balloon mafia,’ boarded by cargo, trailer debuts (exclusive), marni’s francesco risso talks working in a ‘cave,’ students’ limitlessness and pratt honor, the best running water bottles according to marathoners, ‘family portrait’ trailer: a surreal drama somewhere in the bermuda triangle between ‘hereditary’ and ‘l’avventura’, michael phelps’ coach bowman will earn over $400k at texas.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

• Business Tips
• Digital Archive
• Test Drives
• Sustainability

Armour expands reefer unit with Hillman’s acquisition

MONCTON – Atlantic trucking powerhouse Armour Transportation Systems has acquired 40-truck fleet, Hillman’s Transfer of Sydney, N.S.

A 100-year-old family fleet, Hillmans was founded by E.J. Hillman who, with a horse and wagon, established a signature dry goods transportation business.

Three generations later, Eddie Hillman operates as one of Cape Breton’s strongest reefer carriers, with 40 trucks, 70 trailers, and 60 employees.

The company specializes in the long-haul movement of perishable goods such as fish, meats and fruit.

Brian LeBlanc, of Armour’s temperature-controlled division, Triple B Trucking, has been promoted to the General Manager of Hillman’s Transfer.

The acquisition will significantly increase Armour’s reefer fleet as well as their penetration in Newfoundland, the company stated in a press release. 

Have your say

This is a moderated forum. Comments will no longer be published unless they are accompanied by a first and last name and a verifiable email address. (Today's Trucking will not publish or share the email address.) Profane language and content deemed to be libelous, racist, or threatening in nature will not be published under any circumstances.

Your Name *

Your Email *

Save my information for next time

Thank you for visiting truckandtrailer.ca!

We have changed the way we showcase trucks and trailers available for sale – and now send the details right to your email inbox.

Simply click here  to subscribe to our bi-weekly HD Hotlist for the listings.

We use cookies to make your website experience better. By accepting this notice and continuing to browse our website you confirm you accept our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy .

read more >>

site categories

Paramount ceo brian robbins jokes at cinemacon that distribution chief chris aronson “has a kickstarter” to buy studio as skydance deal looms –, breaking news.

Paramount Distrib Chief Chris Aronson Ribs AMC’s Adam Aron Over ‘Smile 2’: “Looks Like A Concert Movie We’re Going To Distribute!” – CinemaCon

By Anthony D'Alessandro

Anthony D'Alessandro

Editorial Director/Box Office Editor

More Stories By Anthony

• Blumhouse & Universal’s ‘The Woman In The Yard’ Adds Russell Hornsby
• ‘Civil War’ Secures Near $3M In Thursday Previews – Box Office
• ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Trailer Shows Origin Tale Of Big Cat “Born Without A Drop Of Nobility In His Blood” – CinemaCon

The trailer for Paramount ‘s Smile 2 came as a surprise Thursday morning during the studio’s session at CinemaCon .

Alhough not introduced, when the images first hit the screen, it was easy to assume Paramount was distributing a Lady Gaga concert movie (it truly felt that way). But as it continued, it was clear Naomi Scott was playing a pop star who encounters a number of terrorizing smiling fans and associates (including Lukas Gage) in the Parker Finn-directed and -written sequel to the $217 million-plus global grossing 2022 horror hit.

Related Stories

Damien Chazelle Sets Next Film At Paramount

‘Gladiator II’ First Look Gets Thumbs Up & Loud Cheers From Exhibs At CinemaCon

RELATED: CinemaCon 2024 Photos: Henry Cavill, Halle Berry, Michael Keaton, Ariana Grande, Robert Pattinson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth & More

When it came to Aron, Aronson joked, “Adam, it looks like a concert movie we’re going to distribute!” as a smiling freaky person sat behind Aron at Caesars Palace’s Colosseum Theatre. The quip was in reference to the major studios’ envy — and snark– over No. 1 exhibitor AMC getting into the theatrical distribution business with Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour ; it was Q4 2023’s highest-grossing movie with over $180M stateside) and Renaissance: A Film by Beyonc é .

RELATED: Transformers-G.I. Joe Crossover Movie Made Official By Paramount – CinemaCon

Smile 2 comes out October 18. The first film was greenlit and destined to drop on Paramount+ before Robbins changed its course and sent it to movie theaters after it tested through the roof.

Must Read Stories

Chris farley biopic starring paul walter hauser in works with josh gad directing.

CBS Eyes ‘Cold Case’ Reboot From Series Creator Meredith Stiehm

Justin lin to direct black list script ‘stakehorse’ for amazon mgm studios, ‘civil war’ offensive begins with nearly $3m in thursday previews.

Subscribe to Deadline Breaking News Alerts and keep your inbox happy.

Read More About:

No comments.

Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. All Rights Reserved.