Summer gig checklist for musicians

Five ways to protect your instruments on stage, backstage, and on the road

As a gigging musician, you know there’s much more to a live performance than simply playing the music on the day. From the logistics of travelling, loading in and taking down, to storing your belongings safely while you play – there are plenty of practical risks to think about.

From festivals to pub gardens, orchestral performances and late-night load-outs, the more your instruments travel, the more they can be exposed to knocks, heat, theft, spillages and crowded venues. Whether you’re touring professionally or playing the occasional paid gig, here are five simple checks that can help keep your instruments and equipment protected.

2. Be vigilant during load-in and take-down

Once you’re at the venue, both the load-in and take-down can be prime times for potential accidents or theft. Try parking as close as possible to where you’ll be playing – preferably within eyeline. This minimises the distance you need to carry heavy equipment like sound systems – helping reduce the risk of tripping or dropping valuable gear – while also enabling you to keep a constant eye on your vehicle to prevent theft.

With the best will in the world, sometimes it can be a long trek to load-in and take-down. So always make sure there’s someone to keep watch over your equipment at both vehicle and stage end – never leave any equipment unattended, especially your musical instrument. If you’re a soloist, perhaps see if any staff at the venue can help keep an eye over your equipment while you set up.

Another good tip is to use a checklist when you’re unpacking or re-loading – in the rush of taking down, it can be easy for items to get left behind, or for stolen items not to be missed before you reach home or the next tour stop. Check off everything on your list before you leave so you know you have everything, or you can take prompt action if something’s gone astray.

4. Manage the crowds

There’s nothing like the roar of a crowd when you’re performing. In summer, crowds can get even rowdier as the hot weather causes dehydration, and people enjoy a few drinks. With people out of the house and ready to make the most of the summer weather, managing your audience is an important part of gigging safely.

From drink spillages over expensive instruments, to stage invasions that result in broken equipment at a private party, to members of the public tripping over cables or gear in crowded spaces – often it’s the very people you are playing to that may accidentally cause the damage.

Try to restrict any access to the stage or area where you are playing to keep your instruments protected from people stumbling over cables, or spilling drinks over valuable instruments or electrical gear. Arrange cables neatly and signpost where there are any trip hazards. Likewise, keep an eye on audience numbers – the busier the venue, the more likely it is that equipment can get stolen.

Don’t forget to take the summer weather into account and encourage your audience to stay hydrated throughout your performance.

Note-perfect musical instrument insurance for your summer gigs

Whether you’re on tour with your band, making wedding music with your ensemble, spinning the decks at a party, or playing in your local orchestra, make sure you’ve got the right insurance to protect your treasured musical instruments when you’re performing.

At Lark Music, our policies are designed for musicians. You can view what you’re covered for before you buy, and you’ll get proof of insurance immediately after purchase. If you need to make a claim, you’ll deal with a specialist team who understands musical instruments and repairs.

After more than 35 years protecting musicians, our straightforward and cost-effective policies reflect the realities of gigging, touring and performing – so you can make music all summer long with complete peace of mind.