Welcome to the first episode of TMI with Laura! For the first show, I sat down with my longtime friend and industry pro, Dan O'Neill (or as some call him, Borga or Danny). We went way back—think 2009—reminiscing about when we first crossed paths and how the music industry has changed over the years. Dan has done it all: he's been a guitar tech and production manager for some of the biggest names out there, from Orianthi to Janet Jackson, and most recently, Bon Jovi. We got into what it really means to be a guitar tech versus a "roadie," and Dan broke down what goes on behind the scenes—from making sure guitars are stage-ready and squeaky clean (plus the all-important towel and water service!) to the gnarly logistics and relentless schedules that come with being a production manager. You'll hear hilarious road stories, get a peek at what it's like to manage a sprawling tour crew, and find out what makes touring with legacy artists both challenging and rewarding. We also talked about how COVID shook up the touring world, the organizations stepping up to help crew members, and the huge shift in attitudes among the road crew—the balance between paying your dues and creating a healthy work environment. Dan didn't hold back with his advice for newcomers: keep your eyes and ears open, be humble, and respect those who've come before you. If you've ever wondered who keeps your favorite shows running smoothly, or what really happens on the other side of the stage, this one's for you—and it's only part one! Stay tuned for part two where we'll dig even deeper into life on the road. Listen to Dan's Rockstar Roadie Podcast at https://rockstarroadiepodcast.com/! Check out my Rockstar Roadie episode here.
