Next week on The BACK LOUNGE, without wanting to put a cheesy spin on it, we’re looking at ‘SELF CARE’ ????To quote a recent BL participant “I tour manage the shit out of everything. But I have never tour managed myself“ Is this the acceptable face of workaholism? We’re too busy taking care of everyone else? Or is it always being at the back of the queue when it comes to priorities? I’m co hosting this one with Debbie Taylor, high profile PM Asst & Prod Coord (GnR, KPop, ACDC, Black Sabbath) We’ll be looking at why this is so common & how we can look after ourselves better. DM for the link to join the zoom discussion. Wed 1st March 6pm GMT London ????#healthytouring #touringcrew #touringmusicians #tourlife #worklifebalance #selfcare

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE it’s ADHD with guest Tristan Hunt ? specialist coach for neuro-diverse clients in the music industry https://www.tristanhunt.co.uk/ ?What is ADHD & how is it diagnosed? And what about adult diagnosis, is it becoming more common or has it gone mostly unrecognised ‘til now? Whether or not you have this or another neuro diverse condition, you will have worked alongside others who have, whether you know it or not. Join the zoom for an open discussion on how to bring awareness, understanding & better practice ❤️DM for the zoom link, everyone welcome. Camera on or off, talk or listen & plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Wed 15th February 6pm GMT

Next week on The BACK LOUNGE we’re back to our usual Wednesday slot ☺️ No theme this week, just a catch up. We’re a peer support group for anyone in live music & events. This is a place to connect with like minded co- supportive colleagues who understand the lifestyle & what it means to work in an industry without HR or somewhere to go when the uncertainty gets to you. DM for the zoom link ✊ Wed 8th Feb 6pm GMT London ?

This Monday The BACK LOUNGE is meeting Music Venue Trust ? & championing grass root venues. Where would we & upcoming talent be without them? Our guest is Clara Cullen, MVT’s Venue Support Manager – and we’re looking at their recent annual report. Post pandemic & in the midst of a crippling economic crisis, survival is harder now more than. How can we support them & help ensure their future? Pretty much everyone can name somewhere their journey into live music began which isn’t there anymore ?DM for the zoom link ? Next week Monday instead of our usual Wednesday = MONDAY 30th January 6pm GMT

With ‘Blue Monday’ this week- Next week on The BACK LOUNGE it’s #OwnLessDoMore?

with guest Ruth Robinson – many years in music, backstage manager from Glastonbury to Standon Calling alongside being a highly experienced A&E nurse – and having survived front line through festival all nighters & a pandemic in the NHS, you could say she’s earned her colours ? Advocate of finding joy in simplicity & stripping back what you don’t need, Ruth will be sharing what’s worked for her. If you sometimes wonder what you’re doing with all this stuff, & life has become weighed down, join us for the zoom ?Wed 25th Jan 6pm GMT London #musictouring #musictouringcrew #healthytouring #worklifebalance #ownlessdomore

With ‘Blue Monday’ this week- officially the day in the year when we are the most depressed – this Wednesday’s session on The BACK LOUNGE we’re taking a look at anxiety & depression. I’m back in the chair & having suffered with both, I know for me & for many, high stress & poor sleep are significant triggers = so how do you cope when you tour or keep odd working hours? This is about sharing our lived experience. Whether you talk or just listen, have your camera on or off, know you are not alone. This session will not be recorded. Wed 18th Jan 6pm GMT

On The BACK LOUNGE next week – THE EVENT VACUUM – with Joanne Croxford, production coordinater for Duran Duran and mental health & recovery advocate amongst many other hats ? We love & loathe it in equal measures – the 3 phases of working in a business that is both exciting & excruciating. Pre, during, post tour. Phase 1 – trying to keep one foot in your ‘home reality’ & simultaneously in the future as you try to orchestrate the best scenario for your upcoming days/weeks of work ? Phase 2 – on site, reality becomes pressured & heightened = you wonder how you have a life outside the event vacuum & just as you start to settle in this alternate galaxy, you find yourself in…? Phase 3 – you are suddenly back to the very homelife you started out in – but you’ve changed somehow & how will you ever explain to those at home just how … and which day was it again that the bins need to go out ? Join The BACK LOUNGE Wed 11 Jan 6pm GMT to swap stories & share solutions of navigating all this & more as we launch 2023 ?

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE it’s a catch up

As we edge towards Christmas & the end of 2022, how are you?

I mean really – HOW ARE YOU ?! For those who ask that question & really want to know the answer ie more than just ‘Oh I’m OK’ then join us. I’ve been away the past couple of weeks & am really happy to be back in the chair. Missed you all
Wednesday 14th Dec 6pm GMT London #touringcommunity #tourlife #healthytouring #musictouring

Next Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE it’s a catch up

As we edge towards Christmas & the end of 2022, how are you?

I mean really – HOW ARE YOU ?! For those who ask that question & really want to know the answer ie more than just ‘Oh I’m OK’ then join us. I’ve been away the past couple of weeks & am really happy to be back in the chair. Missed you all DM for the link
Wednesday 14th Dec 6pm GMT London #touringcommunity #tourlife #healthytouring #musictouring

Hi Loungers, no BACK LOUNGE session this week, taking a break! Back Wed 14th Dec as usual ?❤️?

Just a chat tomorrow Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE ✌️
No agenda, everyone welcome. Simon Schofield holding fort! Expect an accompanying dog or 2 ?? Wed 30th Nov 6pm GMT London ?

Wednesday on The BACK LOUNGE ✌️ How do you get taken seriously & move up the ladder? Are you finding it hard to negotiate a raise & more responsibility to reflect your growing experience? This one’s about GETTING TAKEN SERIOUSLY ?

Our guests are Tom G & Makeila Estelle, both with growing CVs & oodles of experience working in live music & events. If you freelance on festivals, gigs, repping, prepping or anything else ‘live’, we’d love to hear how’s it been for you ? DM for the link if we’re not connected yet. Wed 23rd Nov 6pm GMT. All welcome