Stage Crew

Unless you happen to saving your place up front for the next band you don't notice these guys' work. Fast, efficient, skilled, all in low light. One band's drumkit is unlocked and wheeled off left as the next band's is wheeled on right and locked. Cables are unplugged, coiled, moved, unfurled, plugged back in. Someone raises a hand over a problem and another guy goes to look. They bend down, concerned, reels of gaffer tape hanging from belt-loops. A glance exchanged, someone else comes in to help. A name called. Another helper – an older man. Five of them crouch, heads down, focus, all hands to the problem. One stands, heads are raised, all smiles. They uncurl, head off to other tasks. One, embarrassed to be in the spotlight, stands in for the singer to come, arms outstretched to check the light is broad enough and in the right place: centre stage, on the keyboards, front of stage. Mikes, in, placed, tested, adjusted.

The rider is checked, the bank of guitars is moved 5° and the bottle of water replaced with a large glass.

They leave. Who saw?



Show of Hands