Roadie Retirement Confuses Michael Anthony

A dedicated roadie who has spent an impressive 43 years working alongside Michael Anthony expressed his surprise at his boss’s lack of understanding regarding Dugan’s contemplation of retirement. This seasoned professional, Kevin Dugan, who served as the right-hand man to the former Van Halen bassist, is now 70 years old and weighing the prospect of concluding his illustrious career in the music industry.

When Dugan first broached the topic of stepping away from the demanding road life, Anthony seemed taken aback and questioned why Dugan would want to retire when he himself planned to continue performing. Dugan, often working grueling 14-hour days, had to clarify the significant differences in their daily experiences, emphasizing that while Anthony performs and enjoys luxurious accommodations, his own responsibilities are far more extensive and taxing.

“When I first told Michael that I wanted to get off the road, he said, ‘I’m not going to do that, why should you? I’m still going to be out there,’” Dugan recounted in an interview with The New York Times. He elaborated that his day-to-day experience involves a lot more than just the performance itself, highlighting how Anthony enjoys a comfortable ride back to a five-star hotel or a private jet, contrasting sharply with his own demanding schedule.

Dugan openly shared how the relentless hours on the road have necessitated significant changes in his lifestyle. “I’ve pulled way back on drinking on the road,” he admitted. “I cannot fathom working with a hangover. I did that for a lot of years. And when you’re middle-aged, you can bounce back from a hangover. But now it takes too long.” This reflection underscores the toll that a long career in the demanding live music industry can take on personal health and well-being.

Anthony recognized the invaluable advantage he gains from his long-standing relationship with Dugan. “With that kind of experience, I can go up onstage every night and feel totally relaxed and confident that he has everything handled,” he stated. This trust and camaraderie highlight the unique bond that forms between artists and their essential crew members, illustrating the critical role that roadies play in ensuring the success of live performances.

How a Veteran U2 Roadie Manages the Physical Demands of Touring

In an equally demanding scenario, 71-year-old Dallas Schoo, who has been working with U2’s iconic guitarist The Edge for four decades, shared insights into the physical and mental strain he faces, particularly during the band’s intense Las Vegas Sphere residency. Schoo recounted the daunting experience of navigating 17 steps from the floor to the stage, a challenge compounded by his age and the weight of an eight-pound guitar.

“I was 70 years old at the time, and I’m running up and down those steps with an eight-pound guitar, for 40 shows,” he explained. Despite the generous compensation for his efforts, Schoo frequently finds himself questioning his own stability, pondering, “When will I trip? Is tonight the night I fall down those stairs?” This constant awareness of risk adds another layer of stress to an already demanding job.

Every evening, Schoo turns to prayer as a source of comfort and confidence. “I say a prayer every night, I really do. I ask, Please help all these machines. Please let my command of them work; not for me and not even for the Edge, but for these 30,000 fans,” he shared. His genuine concern for the audience’s experience showcases the profound dedication roadies have to their craft and the lengths they will go to ensure a flawless performance for fans.