Roadie of the Month Brian “RoadRash” Pruett RFL

Published February 9th, 2012 in ROADIE of the Month by chiefbear | No Comments »

Brian started working in the touring industry in October, 1994 and has been at it for 17 years. He is presently the International Event Manager for Feld Motor Sports Monster Jam where his job takes him to Latin America, Asia, and Australia .

Before he started his career as a roadie, he was a commercial fisherman in Alaska . While kayaking, he met another female kayaker and who worked for Disney on Ice. While her show was on tour in Alaska , she kept asking him to leave the state and come to work on the tour with her. “I finally said yes and started working in concessions, and it wasn’t long before I asked that girl that was kayaking to marry me. From there, I moved up to other positions while touring with Disney on Ice. I worked concessions (office staff and merchandising) for Disney on Ice Snow White, head props and stage manager for Disney on Ice Little Mermaid, and then finally tour manager for Disney on Ice 3 Jungle Adventures, Disney on Ice Princess Wishes, Disney on Ice High School Musical, Disney on Ice Mickey & Minnie Magical Journey, and Nuclear Cowboyz. Now I am working as the International Event Manager for Feld Motor Sports Monster Jam.”

“My job for Feld Motor Sports consists of working with local promoters. I set up the production side of the tour as well as manage the operation on-site and call the show.”

Brian commented on the how he thinks the touring industry has changed since he started. “I feel there is more structure and focus on the bottom dollar, especially with the current economy. Additionally, there are advances in the technology used to produce bigger and more spectacular shows. There have also been major changes due to introduction of human resources and risk and safety departments. I am not implying it is a bad thing at all, but life on the road is not as crazy of a ride as it use to be, and that makes for a fewer number of the great stories we all love to tell (and hear!). There sure were some crazy stories in ‘the good old days’.”

“My road crew is drastically different now as they can completely change for every event I may manage. Monster Jam is a very uniquely structured system that from the outside may seem chaotic at times, but works like a smooth running machine. The people who work the shows have great dedication, and given the heightened danger factor of working in close proximity with 10,000 pound trucks, their senses and reactions to adverse situations are sharp. I truly respect all of them!!!!”

“If I could give someone new in the business a bit of advice, it would be ‘don’t take things too seriously unless it’s a risk to someone’s safety. Let all the bullshit roll like water off a duck’s ass, and have a good time and get yourself paid!’ ”

“I am blessed to have a wonderful wife who understands the touring industry as she was on the road with me for 17 years. She is currently off the road and we now have a beautiful little girl named Ashley. Life doesn’t get any better than this.”

Brian, I would like to be the first to congratulate you on being the Roadie of the Month as you so deserve this honor. I have seen the relationship you have with the crews you have worked with through the years. You have been there first as a tour manager and then a friend. You have touched so many people’s lives and helped them grow in the business.