Re: Getting the gig. Where did it all start?
Interesting perspective. As a matter of fact there were more than several local national act providers in the So. Cal. area at this time. I know as I built one.
Interesting as well is the fact that some of them are still around today doing well. They all, our company included, had one thing in common. We all started from scratch. Some in garages and some more fortunate in small warehouse spaces. The Big Boys were also here Electrotec, A-1, Shubert, Sound Image. One thing we learned the hard way, and the reason for the success of co's like Rat, was their ability, however crude, to run things as a business. We competed with each other for shows on a weekly basis. Even though IMHO our gear was better, our chops as good, our prices were about the same, we failed to treat it as a business. Bad habits and figuring the ride would never end, insured a reasonably quick demise. All the while the others were developing, reinvesting, and pushing to get to the next level, Which you would say is the touring market. Guess what, a few made it. Once there, they continued the business model that got them there, and eventually end up as a major sound company rivaling the Big Boys so to speak. My point is, I think the environment now is not that much different than then. The same ethics and business sense can propel you to success. The same pitfalls and stupidity can lead to quick failure. The idea that a pile of money will get you touring is pretty misguided. You can hire the best talent out there to drive your gear, but the best don't stick around long without some sense that the company they work for rivals their skillset.
