Just a little perspective for those who think being a tech is a paid vacation for a drummer.
It's paid, but it's hardly a vacation. You work, eat and live with the crew pretty much 24/7, so there's little time to sightsee, shop, relax by the pool, hang with the band, visit friends along the way, etc. Sleeping is usually done on the bus overnight as you travel to the next gig, and showers are taken at the venue. The crew doesn't get as many hotel stays as the 'talent', because they're always on the move. You start early, finish late, have to work and be diplomatic with the local crew, and be savvy in union house situations where the hardcore, old school union guys won't let you roll a case across the stage or plug in a fan. Not to mention that inexperienced crew people are quickly judged by other crew members, and are subject to being replaced.
Setup and teardown is obviously a big part of the job, but you need knowledge and skills beyond what most drummers need to know. There are repairs, and helpful hints that come with experience. I used to think I knew a lot about my gear, until techs (who specifically handle gear for a living) showed me things I never thought of. And depending on what the drummer wants, you may spend part of each day polishing cymbals, hardware, sanding/varnishing/wrapping sticks. Maybe you'll change heads daily, and need to know exactly how to tune the drums. And when replacement gear is needed, you also need to know who to contact at the various drum companies. Speaking of which, a good drum tech carries all of his own tools & parts. Sometimes you're also the drummer's personal whipping boy, psychologist, or confidante. And if you're required to fix an emergency during the show, all of a sudden it becomes your emergency and all eyes and ears are on you (refer to 'whipping boy' above.)
Teching can be very intense at times and takes a certain personality and discipline. It's work. Hard work. Sometimes thankless work. It's not a job for someone looking for a fast buck. It's a job for Pros, and just being a drummer with a passion to get into the business isn't good enough.
I am constantly asked by friends and strangers about teching for me, or if there are other jobs in the crew, and I explain it as I have above. And not one ever said "yeah, that still sounds good." Becoming a good tech is a process, starting with small bands and tours that don't have the demands of a major tour, or talking your way onto a local crew. With all due respect to those with sufficient ambition, there's no on the job training on a big tour, and newbies can't just jump in. Production managers wouldn't allow it anyway.
Honestly, even with 28 years as a touring drummer with a first-hand perspective, I don't think I'd last long as a tech. My hat's off to Matt and the others who do this for a living, and make my gig do-able.
Bermuda