Next week on The BACK LOUNGE, it’s ‘MISDEMEANORS’ with guest Matthew Kushner, US immigration lawyer specialising in the entertainment industry. If you’re worried about how a past offence might impact a visa application, whether you’re applying from the US, heading there for work, or navigating the petition process, this session will help break it down. We’ll also look at group applications, if you regularly apply on the behalf of others. Most importantly, this is a non-judgmental call, having a history isn’t uncommon, but it can bring uncertainty. We’ll look at the practical realities, answer common questions, and help you better understand your options. Wednesday 8th April 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT. Email info@thebacklounge.org to register for the Zoom link.

This week on The BACK LOUNGE, how are you? Simple question that deserves more than ‘oh I’m ok’. Things are quite frankly a bit weird, and as the world continues to rock on its axis, there’s us, trying to make sense of it all, and find meaningful work, pay the bills and keep the passion. Whatever you do in music and events and at whatever stage of your career, join our call with like minded souls, whether you are finding a way to stay positive, or the doubts are creeping in. All welcome. Email info@thebacklounge.org for the Zoom link. All welcome to listen in and to join the discussion. 1st April 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EDT / 10am PDT

Next week on The Back Lounge, we’re joined by Michelle Sabolchick, award-winning audio engineer, mentor, industry disruptor, and one of the founding members of SoundGirls. Want to know what it really takes to build a career in this business? It’s as much about attitude as anything. Michelle will be sharing the hard-won lessons that helped her make it happen. Whatever your ambition, if you want to get ahead, don’t miss it ✨ Email info@thebacklounge.org for the Zoom link. All welcome to listen in and to join the discussion. 25th March 6pm London / 7pm CET / 2pm EST / 11am PST (note a little less time difference as UK clocks not changed yet)

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we’re talking EXPERIENCE 👀 CV honesty, overselling your skills, and what happens when you fake it…til…you can’t. Whether you’re climbing the ladder or have years in the game, join the conversation. With guests Aubrey Wright (AWrightWorld), Josh Barnes (Production Director), Daithi ‘Pinky’ Farah (Audio Engineer), and Maria Porcaro (multi skilled Touring Professional). Email info@thebacklounge.org for the Zoom link. This one could get lively! All welcome to listen in and join the discussion. 18th March 6pm London / 7pm CET / 2pm EST / 11am PST (note a little less time difference as UK clocks not changed yet)

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we’re talking CLEVER PACKING. Whether you’re heading out on your first tour or you’re a seasoned road pro, we’re covering it all from the must-have bag, adapters and geeky essentials, to smart ways to make life easier as you cross the globe. Guest hosts Nick Gosling (Production Manager & Luggage Enthusiast), Nikki Edmonds (Backstage & Wardrobe Coordinator, Purveyor of Packing Cubes), and Makeila Estelle (Production Coordinator & Promoter Rep, Aspiring Minimalist) will be sharing the tips you wish you’d known ahead of your first tour, and offering a space to share some of the ingenious things you’ve picked up along the way. Email info@backlounge.org for the link to join our zoom discussion. No pressure to speak, welcome to listen. 🗓 Wednesday 11th March 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.

This week’s BACK LOUNGE is a check in. How are we? Here’s hoping the Year of the Fire Horse – if you’re into that kinda thing – or the prophecy of your old pal backline tech with dubious teeth down the pub/local gig who says it how it is, even when it isn’t – that a shift we all need is coming and this year will be a little easier and a little busier across the board. Enough of the woowoo! If you work in music and events, and you sometimes struggle to keep the faith, and want to connect with a global community who do the same, email info@backlounge.org for the zoom link discussion. We’re here to talk about the passion we have, and the issues we all face working in an uncertain industry. No pressure to speak, welcome to listen. 🗓 Wednesday 18th Feb, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.

Unsettled by world events? It keeps on coming. If you’re currently home from work, it can be hard to listen and not feel affected by the news, and if you’re on the road, when the news gets to you it can be hard to take it in and find time to process. This BACK LOUNGE will be a space for anyone feeling overwhelmed and powerless. This is not a call to vent about politics, it’s about finding support from each other. For the zoom link for this session, email info@thebacklounge.org no later than 30 mins before the meeting is scheduled to start 🗓 Wednesday 11th Feb, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST. We will not be recording this call.

Uncertain start to the year? This Wednesday’s session on The BACK LOUNGE is for the anxious and the apprehensive. Has January left you feeling a little deflated and it’s an effort to stay upbeat (whilst waiting for the phone to bring news of that role that’s going to make this the best year ever) Our call is a safe space to share some of the issues this way of life can bring up for us. Who said freelancing in music/events is easy? Like… no one… ever. Wherever your career is at and however advanced your years, we all get this. To join us email info@thebacklounge.org any time from now until 30 minutes before the call starts.
🗓 Wednesday 28th Jan, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we’re diving into sobriety in all its many shades, from sober curious to long-term recovery. Expect an open, honest space to ask anything you’ve ever wanted to ask, from trying out sobriety, 12-step, where to seek help, and how to support recovery. We’ll be joined by Joanne Croxford – Tour Assistant & Artist Tour Support, David Sherman – Addictions Professional, Ronnie Traynor – Tour Manager & Trainee Therapist, Hannah Eakins – CEO Production Futures, Matthew Kushner – Immigration Attorney, Nico Golfar – Tour Manager, Lynne Maltman – Marketing Specialist AND the illustrious Roadies in Recovery, who’ll be sharing real stories from life on (and off) the road. No judgement, no shame – just camaraderie, insight, and inspiration, wherever you are on your journey. To join us, email info@thebacklounge.org anytime from now ‘til up to 30 mins before the call starts. 🗓 Wednesday 21st Jan 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.
PS The Roadies in Recovery sober table (No. 126) at the TPi Awards is back for a 3rd year. We’re raising funds for a second sober table to keep challenging stigma in an industry that still faces high levels of addiction. To support the mission click here www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/sponsor-a-seat-at-the-sober-table-tpi-awards26

For our first BACK LOUNGE zoom of 2026, we’re wishing everyone a smooth, gentle ease into a lighter, positive year ahead. This meet is less new year, new you resolutions that are forgotten by week 2, and more shared intentions for kindness, community and resource sharing together, for anyone working across live music and events, at whatever stage your career might be. Our meets are to support each other and connect with like-minded souls across what can sometimes feel like a tough and isolating place to work. To get the Zoom link and join, email info@thebacklounge.org anytime from now up to 30 minutes before we start.
🗓 Wednesday 7th January, 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST. Come along, bring your lovely self, and let’s look ahead to 2026 together.

It’s nearly that time of year 💫🎄so this week on The BACK LOUNGE, we’ve got a very special guest swinging by on their whirlwind world tour 👀 So … have you been naughty or nice? And what’s on your wish list for Santa this year? To join us, get the Zoom link from info@thebacklounge.org, bring your fabulous self, a little bit of tinsel, and your beverage of choice. Let’s make merry for our last session before the holidays ✨ Wednesday 17th December 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST 🧑‍🎄⛄️

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE, no theme, me hosting, come as you are, and bring whatever topic is pressing, the good, the bad and the ‘I should never have agreed this.’ We’re a community for anyone working across live music and events, whatever your role and level of experience. To get the zoom link and join the conversation (or listen, no pressure) email info@thebacklounge.org (any time from now up to 30 minutes before the call begins). Wednesday 26th November 6pm London / 7pm CET / 1pm EST / 10am PST.