Tour Schedule/Planner
Tour Schedule/Planner Commentary
This tour is for Huddersfield-based Hardcore band GLASSED with the intention of promoting their upcoming debut album. The fanbase of GLASSED is largely student-based due to their consistent collaboration with the University of Huddersfield’s student union. The choices I have made in terms of venues and locations are to secure engagement from all areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland to create successful future tours. Furthermore, this tour will expand GLASSED’s fanbase from its Huddersfield bubble to a wider area.
The venues on this tour have a capacity between 100 and 200, which is due to GLASSED being an up-and-coming band and having yet to gain the fanbase to support larger venues. Another reason I have considered venues around 150 capacity is that in the metal and hardcore scene, fans will partake in different types of expression, such as mosh pits, circle pits and walks. Taking this extra room is important as it allows fans to have room to express themselves while also reducing the possibility of injuries. I chose these venues after viewing what similar artists were playing in, while also factoring in other considerations such as potential ticket sales. The larger venues have been reserved for Huddersfield at 200 capacity, as there is likely to be a high turnout.
The tour begins with the band travelling from Huddersfield to Dublin and then onto Belfast. I made this decision to begin the tour in Dublin because if there were any complications before the tour, the band would still be able to continue, as they could start in Glasgow instead and later return to Dublin and Belfast on a rescheduled date. I have chosen for the tour to run from October 18th until the 31st, with the Halloween show at Huddersfield, as that is where the largest turnout is projected to be. There are 9 dates on this tour, and the route of the tour is Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Sheffield and Huddersfield. (appendix 1)
Having the tour in October is a good time, as festival season has just passed, meaning people are more likely to engage with their local venues. Furthermore, the tour and release of their music may make the band prospective candidates for next year’s festivals and reaching all main areas of the UK and Ireland allows the band to gain visibility and a reputation outside of Huddersfield.
For promoting the tour, a mix of physical and digital media will be used. In terms of digital media, GLASSED will primarily use social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. The physical media aspect, which has been budgeted for, involves distributing flyers in the venues they are going to cover. (appendix 2). Digital media will include short videos of the band featuring behind-the-scenes footage and tour updates. Furthermore, the band’s close connection to the University of Huddersfield could help promote their gig through pages such as the Society for Contemporary Music Huddersfield, with which GLASSED have collaborated before. I would also be in touch with local publications such as Leeds Living, which cover cities close to Leeds, too, to increase engagement from surrounding areas. Other interviews with publications include the likes of the alternative press. GLASSED could also reach out to other universities to see if they can advertise due to their fanbase being largely students. This would include having their gig flyer in student areas or being able to promote their gig on online forums such as Leeds Conservatoire’s Life.
Cash Flow
Financial Commentary
To ensure I got a rough idea of whether the tour turned out at a profit or a loss, I created two sheets that detailed if 20% ticket sales were made across shows and if 80% was made. This was to have a clear understanding of how each potential could affect the band. I have chosen the ticket price to be £12 as this is similar to the ticket price of shows they are playing in the coming months and to other artists of a similar size. (Appendix 7)
For accommodation, I have selected for the band and tour manager to stay in a hotel for all dates besides Manchester, due to being able to stay with family for that date. All hotel stays include breakfast to ensure that the band is well fed for the day. Furthermore, I chose not to stay at a hotel after the Sheffield show as the band could travel back to Huddersfield to eliminate extra costs. (appendix 3)
If the tour was to sell 80% of the tickets, there would be a profit of £12,366.80. However, if there are only 20% ticket sales, there will be a loss of £10,883.20. I have budgeted for each member to have £25 per day in per diems, £330 for fuel over the entire tour which was calculated through a fuel calculator (appendix 4) and £150 per day for the tour manager and driver as according to Venus Grrrls Grace Stubbings is the usual rate for a tour manager. The 6-seat splitter van costs £1,170, which gives the band room to store their gear in the back. I have decided to have a flat fee of £150 for the band, with the total being £1,350.
All venues ask for PRS, which is 4.2% of all ticket sales. This totals £544.32. Venues need to have PRS as it allows them to legally play music at their business (PRS for Music, n.d).
Merch and Licensing
All the venues that the band goes to do not require merch cuts when asked about it. This means that the GLASSED can take 100% of the profits. I have budgeted for the purchase of posters, patches and one t-shirt design. Patches are popular within the metal scene, and I will have these selling at £5 each to entice people, in case they do not want to spend a lot but want to support the band in some form. To reduce personnel and potentially increase sales, the band members would be responsible for the merch stand. This could have a positive effect too, as they can meet people who have come to watch their gig, further bonding with potential fans. The patches from Made by Cooper quoted 1000 patches for £948. 500 T-shirts would be ordered at the price of £3,610 from Vistaprint (200 of each size from XS-2XL), and Instant Print quoted 1000 posters for £287.88. The total merch expenditure totals £4,850, and if 50% were sold, the profit would be £11,250. To ensure there is coverage in case of emergencies, I have budgeted £500 towards the contingency fund and £511 towards insurance cover in case any equipment is broken on tour.
Technical & Logistics
Stage Plot
Channel List
Logistics
The tour personnel include me as tour manager and driver, and then the band consists of Alex (Lead Vocals), Aidan (BV + Lead Guitar), Ad (Rhythm Guitar), Jack (Bass) and Ash (Drums). As I can drive, I would be the driver as well as tour manager for the tour; this would also mean the band does not need to stress while on the road. With such a small team, it elevates the cost of hotels and transport. Nearly all of the venues do not provide a full backline; therefore the band would need to take their own equipment, which includes a full drum kit, two guitar amps, two guitars, one bass guitar, and one pedalboard. The bass guitar will be DI’d to reduce the amount that needs to be taken.
A 6-seat splitter van would be hired from vans for bands, which would provide space for the band and their gear. (appendix 5) For the stop outside of the UK, I selected Dublin, as citizens of Ireland and the UK enjoy the right to work and travel freely under an agreement known as the Common Travel Area. As a result, visas are not required (Citizens Information, 2025). This exemption from visa requirements also helped to further reduce costs for the band. The band would travel from Holyhead to Dublin via ferry, which allows vans to be taken on, which can be disclosed when booking. Merchandise for both Dublin and Belfast must be shipped to avoid crossing the border with it. A carnet is required for the band to take their gear with them. “The ATA Carnet is a temporary admission document which acts as a passport for goods” (LCCI, n.d).
Projections
A contingency fund has been allocated, and I have planned the tour in the hope that there is a decreased possibility of pitfalls; however, that is not a guarantee. I have made plans to ensure the wellbeing of the band throughout the tour in several ways. Firstly, to prevent burnout and vocal strain, I have scheduled a few rest days to allow the band time to unwind and recharge. After the Manchester show, the band will stay with family members to foster a sense of support during the tour. Additionally, following the Sheffield performance, the band will return to Huddersfield immediately to ensure they can rest well in preparation for their final date in Huddersfield. According to mind ‘Research has shown that people working in the music industry are more prone to mental health problems than the general population, with musicians being up to three times more likely to suffer from depression.’ (2019)
Maintaining their health is crucial, as illness could lead to rescheduling the tour or necessitate finding last-minute replacements, which could incur additional costs. However, relying on replacements is not ideal. Each band member has their own preferences for relaxation. To accommodate this, I have allocated an extra £200 in the budget for those who may wish to engage in paid activities, such as bowling. Others may prefer more downtime, like catching up on sleep or enjoying games on a handheld console. I have made it a point to avoid pressuring anyone to participate in activities that could disrupt the group’s dynamic.
The designated rest days are intended to support the band members’ needs for adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and their individual approaches to downtime. The vocalist will also prioritise vocal rest whenever possible. In the event that any member other than the vocalist falls ill, we may need to consider last-minute replacements or, unfortunately, rescheduling or cancellation.
As mentioned, I have chosen Dublin to be the first stop in case of bad weather. If it is known before the tour or on the first day that it is likely the ferry will not run, the band can instead begin their tour in Glasgow and Dublin, and Belfast can be rescheduled. I have selected the ferry times to be for the earliest time, within reason. The Dublin crossing occurs when there is no show in the evening, and the Belfast crossing happens when the Glasgow show is in the evening. The contingency fund is there to book any last-minute needs, such as ferries or accommodation. (appendix 6)
All gear is insured and will be stored in the black 6-seat splitter van. Parking locations will be upon recommendation of the venue. If there are any issues regarding gear, then help can be sought from local musicians or the contingency fund.
Funding and grants geared towards touring musicians could be available to meet the initial capital needs essential for the successful implementation of this tour. The emergency fund will cover any unexpected issues while on the road. If needed, ticket prices will be raised from £12 to £15 in hopes of generating more income.
In conclusion, if GLASSED was able to reach 80% ticket sales, it would allow them to go on further tours and the aim to reach a wider audience would have been reached creating connections and longevity in the music industry. However, if GLASSED was to do poorly on the tour, the loss would be irreparable and it is likely they will not be able to come back from such a loss, ultimately ending any future prospects.
Appendix
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
Appendix 5
Appendix 6
Supporting Documents
Bibliography
ATA Carnet FAQs | Trade Documentation – LCCI. (2025) Londonchamber.co.uk. Available online: https://www.londonchamber.co.uk/international-trade/trade-documentation/ata-carnet/ata-carnet-faqs/ [Accessed 6 May 2026].
Citizensinformation.ie (n.d.) Common Travel Area between Ireland and the UK. www.citizensinformation.ie. Available online: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/government-in-ireland/ireland-and-the-uk/common-travel-area-between-ireland-and-the-uk/ [Accessed 6 May 2026].
Live performances licences (2018) Live performances licences. Prsformusic.com. Available online: https://www.prsformusic.com/licences/live-performances [Accessed 6 May 2026].
Music sector guides | Organisations and employees | Mind. (2019) Mind.org.uk. Available online: https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/mental-health-at-work-commitment/resources/music-sector-guides/ [Accessed 6 May 2026].
