Technical Rider

On The Road Again – Willie Nelson Tribute

Production: On The Road Again – Willie Nelson Tribute
Performer: Dan Thompson as Willie Nelson
Band: 6 musicians
Performance Length: Approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute intermission
Minimum Stage Size: 32 ft wide × 20 ft deep
Load-In: Typically 4–5 hours prior to showtime
Soundcheck: Approximately 2 hours before doors

Production Overview

On The Road Again is a full-band theatre concert celebrating the music, sound and legacy of Willie Nelson. The six-piece production requires professional sound reinforcement, theatrical concert lighting and adequate stage space for the complete band.

Technical requirements should be advanced with the venue’s production manager or technical director prior to the engagement. Reasonable substitutions or adjustments can be discussed in advance where necessary.

Personnel

Performers — 6 total

  1. Dan Thompson — Lead Vocals / Nylon-String Acoustic Guitar
  2. Harmonica
  3. Pedal Steel / Dobro
  4. Bass Guitar
  5. Keyboards — Lead & Harmony Vocals
  6. Drums

A qualified Front-of-House audio engineer and appropriate stage/monitor support are required for the production.

Input List / Stage Requirements

The production requires approximately 12 input channels. Equivalent professional microphones and DI equipment may be substituted by agreement during the technical advance.

1. Lead Vocal – Willie
SM58 or professional equivalent
Centre stage at stool with boom or straight microphone stand

2. Nylon-String Guitar – Willie / Trigger
DI output from performer’s wireless guitar receiver directly to mixer

3. Harmonica
Harmonica: Performer supplies his own specialty handheld harmonica microphone and harmonica amplifier where required, with a DI output from the amplifier to the mixing console.
DI output from amplifier to mixer

4. Pedal Steel / Dobro
Instruments run through player’s amplifier
DI output from amplifier to mixer

5. Bass Guitar
DI to mixer

6. Keyboard – Left
DI to mixer

7. Keyboard – Right
DI to mixer
Keyboards operate in stereo through two DI channels

8. Keyboard Vocal – Danielle
Wireless vocal microphone
Danielle requires the ability to leave the keyboard position and join Willie at centre/front stage for duet performances

9. Drum Kick
Professional kick-drum microphone

10. Snare
SM57 or professional equivalent

11. Drum Overhead – Left
Condenser microphone

12. Drum Overhead – Right
Condenser microphone

Stage Positions

Front Centre: Willie — lead vocal, nylon-string guitar and stool
Stage Right: Keyboards / vocals
Stage Right: Harmonica
Centre Rear: Drums
Stage Left: Bass guitar
Stage Left: Pedal steel / Dobro

Adequate microphone stands, DI connections, stage power and cabling should be provided as required. Final placement and reasonable equipment substitutions can be confirmed during the technical advance.

Monitor Requirements

A minimum of 6 independent monitor mixes is preferred:

  1. Willie — Front Centre
    Two wedges, positioned left and right of the stool, operating from the same monitor mix.
  2. Keyboards / Vocals — Stage Right
    One wedge with an individual monitor mix.
  3. Harmonica — Stage Right
    One wedge with an individual monitor mix.
  4. Drums — Centre Rear
    One monitor with an individual mix.
  5. Bass — Stage Left 
    One wedge with an individual monitor mix.
  6. Pedal Steel / Dobro — Stage Left 
    One wedge with an individual monitor mix.

When Danielle leaves the keyboard position to join Willie at the front of the stage for duet vocals, adequate front-stage monitor coverage should be available.

In-ear monitoring or side fills may be used where available, but are not required.

Backline Requirements

Where professional backline is available, the following is preferred:

  • Drums: Professional 5-piece drum kit; Yamaha, DW, Gretsch or equivalent
  • Bass: Professional bass amplifier; Ampeg or equivalent
  • Keyboards: Appropriate keyboard stand and sustain pedal
  • Pedal Steel / Dobro: Suitable professional amplifier; Fender or equivalent

Willie’s nylon-string guitar does not require a guitar amplifier. The guitar is connected through Dan’s wireless system, which provides a DI output to the mixing console.

The harmonica player supplies his own specialty handheld microphone and harmonica amplifier, with a DI output from the amplifier to the mixing console.

Specific backline arrangements should be confirmed during the technical advance. Where required, the band can discuss supplying additional backline with advance notice.

Lighting & Effects

The production requires professional theatrical concert lighting with a warm front wash and tasteful colour backlighting. Lighting should support the music and stage presentation without excessive movement or effects.

Preferred lighting cues include:

  • Band introduction: Full-stage concert look
  • Willie entrance: Centre-stage emphasis as appropriate
  • Act 2 opening: Willie begins seated on the stool performing “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground.” The band remains in darkness while Willie is isolated in a single warm spotlight. Full stage lighting is introduced following the opening number/cue.
  • Act transitions: Appropriate colour and intensity changes between sections of the show
  • Finale: Full concert lighting followed by a controlled fade to black

Smoke Effect

A smoke machine is used briefly during approximately three specific comedy cues in the performance. Smoke is not intended to run continuously and should only be activated on the designated cues.

Use of smoke must be coordinated with the venue in advance and is subject to local fire regulations, venue policies and fire-alarm requirements.

The venue lighting technician may make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the available lighting system while preserving the intended presentation.

Stage Plot

REAR OF STAGE

Stage Right
Keyboards / Vocals
Harmonica

Centre Rear
Drums

Stage Left
Bass Guitar
Pedal Steel / Dobro

FRONT CENTRE
Willie — Lead Vocal / Nylon-String Guitar / Stool

AUDIENCE

Stage Left and Stage Right are shown from the performers’ perspective while facing the audience. Final positioning may be adjusted slightly during the technical advance to accommodate individual venue requirements.

Dressing Rooms, Hospitality, Parking & Access

For normal theatre and venue engagements, the following should be provided:

  • Dressing Rooms: Minimum of 3 clean, secure dressing rooms for Willie and band members
  • Stage Access: Access to the stage and production areas approximately 4–5 hours prior to showtime for load-in, setup and soundcheck
  • Hospitality: Bottled water for the six performers and light backstage snacks
  • Parking: Suitable parking for one cargo van and two passenger vehicles, preferably close to the stage/loading entrance
  • Power: Standard 120V electrical outlets available throughout the backline and stage areas as required
  • Loading Access: Reasonable access to the stage or loading area for instruments and production equipment

Venue-specific arrangements can be confirmed during the technical advance.

Technical Advance & Contact

All technical requirements should be advanced with the venue’s production manager or technical director prior to the performance.

Please confirm the following during the advance process:

  • Final stage dimensions and access
  • PA and monitor system
  • Input list and DI requirements
  • Available backline
  • Lighting capabilities and Act 2 spotlight cue
  • Smoke-effect approval and venue restrictions
  • Load-in and soundcheck schedule
  • Dressing rooms, hospitality and parking

Reasonable substitutions or adjustments can be discussed in advance to suit the venue while maintaining the production requirements of the show.

For technical questions regarding an upcoming engagement, please contact us through the Booking page and include the venue name, performance date and technical contact information.