Tour Security: What to Expect at a Security Meeting

Tour security plays an indispensable role in the live music industry.

It not only ensures the safety of artists and their crew but also guarantees a secure and smooth concert experience for fans.

With the complexities of concert touring, managing security can be a daunting task that demands meticulous planning, coordination, and communication.

One of the crucial steps in this process is the security meeting, an opportunity to discuss and formulate security protocols.

This article aims to demystify the process, shedding light on what to expect at a security meeting and providing valuable insights for anyone involved in concert touring.

Whether you’re an aspiring tour manager, part of the crew, or simply curious, understanding the nuances of these meetings can empower you to navigate a security meeting effectively and contribute to a safer and more secure tour experience.

Preparing for the Security Meeting

As with anything in concert touring, the security planning process begins during the tour advancing process.

It’s a time to highlight concerns and discover unique local considerations of the space the artist will be performing in.

Advancing security helps to ensure that all relevant information is available for discussion.

Proactive preparation helps identify potential security concerns and allows for adequate time to address them before the show date.

A catchy saying to keep in mind when preparing for a show day is Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance.

The safety of the artist, band, crew, and audience is paramount and it’s important to use a proactive mindset versus a reactive one.

Participants and Roles

Prior to the audience being let inside the venue, the venue and tour will conduct a security meeting.

Normally, this will include a venue manager, promoter representative, tour manager, production manager, head of security, and local law enforcement.

What this looks like day-to-day will vary based on the size of the tour and the venues you are performing at.

If the tour is traveling with private security, they would be running point on this.

This article does not attempt to emulate the depth of expertise that private tour security can provide.

Security professionals are highly specialized individuals whose protection and risk assessment and mitigation services are invaluable and indispensable.

Regardless, it’s imperative that the tour and venue work together to achieve the common goal of safety and security.

Agenda and Discussion Points

The following topics should be addressed in a security meeting.

Tour Accreditation

Be ready to present the pass sheets and physical credentials to venue security for review.
Inform security what kind and how many passes will be in circulation.
Highlight any passes that will allow escort.

Performance Description

Describe the kind of performance the artist puts on.
Is it a high-energy show, or is it a mellow performance?
Does the artist get off the stage at any point?
Will the artist go into the audience?
Will there be any guest performers?
Does anyone from the audience get on stage?
Will special effects be used at any point? Confetti, cryo, pyro, etc.

Audience Description

Describe the artist’s fan base.
Highlight any recurring issues from previous shows.
Discuss crowd control measures for high-intensity audiences.

Security Deployment

Reconfirm the security deployment plan.
Entry/Exit Points
Backstage Areas
Barricade and Stage
Walls and Halls
Front of House
Buses and Trucks
Merchandise
Overnight Coverage (if requested)
Inquire about CCTV and security cameras

Show Schedule

Go over the run of the show and highlight any key points.
Does the artist do an encore?
Address considerations for merchandise sales post-show.

Photo Policy

Review the photo policy of the tour.
A standard example is the first three songs, no flash, no stage access, or backstage access.
Can photographers stay in the house after the first three songs?
Highlight if a tour photographer is part of the traveling party.

VIP Activation

If doing an early call time for VIP, describe the activation and how things should flow.
The VIP company coordinates this in advance, but talking about it the day of the show will help to streamline the process.
Have a plan for receiving gifts. Well-intentioned fans can turn gifts into projectiles.

General Admission Entrance Procedures

Is there one entry point or multiple entry points for patrons?
What is the location of the box office?
What is the security screening procedure? IE: Metal detectors, wands, pat-downs, bag checks.
Is re-entry allowed?
Confirm that no glass bottles are served to patrons.

Police and Paramedics

How many officers and paramedics will be on-site?
Is this a plainclothes or uniformed officer?
What is the location of the closest hospital and police station?
If touring internationally, add in consular offices.

Aftershow Logistics

Discuss artist movements coming off stage.
Will the artist require an escort at any point?
If the public has access to bus parking, discuss security deployment.
If any aftershow passes have been issued, discuss where guests should congregate.
Discuss any necessary movements of vehicles.

Show Stop

If there is a show stop for a medical emergency, discuss venue procedures.
Does the tour or venue control house lights?
What is the inclement weather plan?
Where are fire extinguishers located?

Active Shooter

What is the emergency communication plan? IE: PA, radio communication, etc.
What is the venue’s plan in the event of an active shooter?
How does this plan integrate with the tour?
What is the evacuation procedure for specific venue locations? IE: FOH, backstage, etc.
Where are the emergency exits?
Where is the meeting point?
What are the lockdown procedures?
Where are safe rooms located?
Where are trauma kits located?
Are door jams already in the rooms?
Remember the OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.

Additionally, it’s important to highlight the significance of any special requirements or concerns related to the artists, crew, or high-profile attendees.

Make sure to exchange numbers with the head of security should any issues arise.

This is by no means a comprehensive list.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality and privacy are paramount in the context of security discussions during the meeting.

It is essential to establish a culture of trust and maintain the integrity of sensitive information between the tour and the house.

Emphasize the need to safeguard sensitive information such as the personal details of artists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s important to encourage participants to actively engage in security meetings, ask questions, and contribute their insights and experiences.

This collaborative approach fosters the development of robust security protocols that align with the unique needs of the tour.

Be sure to build a strong rapport when working with local crews.

Effective coordination, communication, and ongoing collaboration are key to creating a secure environment that allows artists to thrive and audiences to enjoy memorable live experiences.

See you on the barricade!