If you’ve ever been to a concert and felt that surge of excitement when the lights dim and the artist walks on stage, you’ve experienced the culmination of countless behind-the-scenes decisions. For LJCC member Joel Pryor, a professional tour manager, that moment is the payoff.
“Getting the artist or band on stage and then watching how the crowd interacts with them — that’s the best part of my job,” he says.
Joel’s path to tour management wasn’t glamorous at first. He entered the music industry through music festivals, learning the business by doing the work others rarely see. From there he “cut [his] teeth” as a production assistant and later as an assistant tour manager, building the foundation needed to manage tours of his own. Each step taught him how complex and collaborative live music really is.
Joel notes that one of the biggest surprises for people about managing a tour is how much multitasking it requires. From scheduling and logistics to personalities and timing, every tour brings a new set of variables. Planning a successful run of shows, he explains, depends heavily on the size and scope of the tour — there is no universal blueprint.
Flexibility is essential. “No artist or band is the same,” Joel says. Balancing the needs of artists, venues, and crew members requires strong time management and an ability to adapt on the fly. Understanding people is just as important as understanding production.
At The J, Joel values the same sense of balance and community that keeps him grounded while working on the road. His story is a reminder that every great performance — on stage or in life — depends on dedication, flexibility, and people who care deeply about making things work.
In top image, a tour bus waits for the Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals band to kick off the group’s 2025 U.S. tour.