BACKSTAGE

A touring handbook for bands

Practical guidance from backstage to bureaucracy – from riders and advancing to A1 certificates and getting paid.

Production

Technical rider What goes into a technical rider and how do you make one? A practical guide for bands: stage plot, input list, PA, backline and the most common mistakes — in plain language. Stage plot and input list for your band What are a stage plot and input list, and how do you make them? A practical guide for bands: symbols, channel order, phantom power and common mistakes — in plain language. Show advancing Advancing means agreeing all the details of the show with the venue in advance. The checklist: schedule, tech, guest list, settlement – and how far ahead to do it.

Booking

How to book a European tour How does a band book a European tour? A practical guide: how early to start, how to build the route around anchor shows, when you need an agent, and the most common mistakes. The cold booking email How do you write a venue an email that gets a reply? A practical template for bands: who to send it to, the subject line, how to show your draw, and how to follow up – with a ready template.

Money & rights

Gig fees Guarantee, door split, or something in between? A practical guide for bands to gig-fee deal structures: who carries the risk, how costs are deducted, and what to check at settlement. Withholding tax on EU gigs On a gig abroad, the host country may withhold tax from your fee. A practical guide for European bands: what withholding tax is, how much different countries deduct, how to avoid double taxation and when you get it back. Performance royalties from abroad When your own songs are performed live abroad, the writers are owed a performance royalty – and your home society collects it via sister societies. A practical guide: how to report your gigs, who gets paid, and why many bands leave the money unclaimed. Tour budget Will the tour pay off or cost you money? How to build a tour budget: income, costs, buffer and break-even – so you know when to say yes. Includes a downloadable template. Band finances Where does a band's money come from and where does it go? Gig fees, royalties and grants – costs, tax and invoicing. A map with links to the in-depth guides.

On the road

Road tolls and vignettes in Europe 2026 European road tolls and vignettes in 2026 for touring bands: which countries need a vignette, which charge by distance, and which automatic charges catch you out – country by country, in plain language. Low-emission zones in Europe European cities' low-emission zones (LEZ, ZTL, Crit'Air, Umweltzone) restrict access by emissions. A practical guide for bands: where an old diesel van can go, which stickers and registrations you need – and the Italian ZTL trap. Flying with instruments Does a guitar fit as cabin baggage? Can you buy an extra seat for a cello? Can wireless batteries go in the hold? A practical guide for bands on flying with instruments – and why you must always check your own airline. Ferries when touring A ferry is part of a tour's gear logistics. A practical guide for bands: the most common ferry routes in Europe (the Nordics, the UK, Ireland, the Mediterranean), how to book a van and trailer in the right height class, freight or passenger vehicle, and why a cabin means rest. Insurance when touring Does home insurance cover instruments at a gig? Often not – professional use is excluded. How to insure gear, liability and travel on tour, and what to check in your own policy. Tour logistics How do the band and the gear get to the gig? Three routes – road (tolls, low-emission zones), sea (ferries) and air (flights) – and when each one makes sense for a European tour.

Bureaucracy

A1 certificate for touring musicians An A1 certificate proves you stay in your home country's social security on a gig abroad – and it has nothing to do with tax. Who needs one, when, and how to get it. ATA carnet and CITES When you take gear outside the EU (UK, Switzerland, Norway, USA), you need an ATA carnet – a "passport for goods". A practical guide for bands: when a carnet is needed, how it works, and whether CITES applies to your instrument. Visas and work permits when touring As an EU/EEA citizen you perform across the EU without a visa or work permit – but the UK and the US require the right status. An orienting guide for bands: visa vs work permit, the UK's performer rules and the US P-1/O-1. Always check the official rules. Touring paperwork abroad Which papers does a band need for a gig abroad? A1, withholding tax, ATA carnet and visas – what, when and where. One map with links to the in-depth guides.

Finland-specific

Gig income tax in Finland How is a gig fee taxed in Finland? A practical guide for musicians: salary vs work compensation, withholding and the tax card, tax-free per diem and mileage allowances in 2026, VAT exemption for performing, and the common pitfalls. Invoicing gigs in Finland How do you invoice a gig in Finland? A practical guide for musicians: salary, a sole trader or light entrepreneurship, the YEL obligation, the VAT exemption for performing, and invoicing a foreign promoter – plus the common pitfalls. Teosto and Gramex for bands Teosto or Gramex – what is the difference? A practical guide for bands: Teosto pays the song's writers, Gramex the recording's performers. How to register works, report gigs and recordings, and claim both royalties for your own songs. Funding for a Finnish band Where can a band get funding for tours and records? An orienting map of funding sources: MES, Music Finland export support, Taike grants, EU funding and foundations – and how to apply. Amounts and deadlines change, so check the current details.

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