Q & A WITH DAVID "5-1" NORMAN
With over 40 years of international tour experience, David has toured as Tour Director, Tour Manager, Production Manager and Tour Accountant for many of the world’s top artists covering all genres of music; Prince, John Legend, Green Day, John Fogerty, Earth, Wind & Fire, Avicci, Alicia Keys, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Evanescence, My Morning Jacket, Toto, Panic! At the Disco, Toni Braxton, Roger Daltrey (from The Who), Tyler, the Creator, and Dream Theater to name a few.
He’s also mixed live, and engineered studio albums for major artists. And was a Live Nation Promoter Rep.
During the pandemic, he became an Adjunct Professor at William Paterson University for the Music Business Program. He’s been a guest lecturer at the University of Oregon, SUNY Oneonta College of Fine Arts, NYU Grammy U, MusicCares, The University of Central Florida, Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Louisiana Lafayette, Ferris State University, and Cal State Fullerton.
David has also been a podcast guest, participated in webinars, and written numerous professional articles about his time in the touring industry. He’s the President for the Well Dunn organization and sits on the board for several entertainment companies.
In his spare time, he mentors, and volunteers at his local humane shelter and the local women’s shelter.
Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
Slipknot and Pink
Is there anything you try to do every off day?
Spend time alone, go for a walk, and try to soak in the bathtub.
One to three must have work-related tool(s)? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
MacBook Pro, Master Tour, MS Office
Are there any standard industry practices that you’d like to see change?
The industry being more open-minded to hiring people of color and women.
Since you began working in this industry are there any concepts or practices you’ve implemented that have positively impacted your work (reduced stress, saved time, etc.)?
I like to be thoroughly prepared way in advance. I’m also a freak about data entry and ensuring everyone has the information they need to best do their respective jobs. Like many, I also make a Dropbox of all venue tech kits for my crew to have full access to, as well as my Advance Sheets.
I still make a Maps & Directions binder for my drivers. I also take photos of every venue to jog my memory for the next time I come through that city.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
Pretty much the same unfortunately.
How much sleep do you actually get? And how do you manage sleep deprivation?
On the road, at least 6 hours. I’m usually the first one in my bunk (I don’t stay up and party, watch tv, etc.) and the first one up. I enjoy the quiet time in the morning of being able to stretch and answer emails.
What improves your day at a show?
Positive people, and if someone brings their dog!
Our industry isn’t as glamorous as often perceived. What motivates you to work such long hours and be away from home for extended periods?
I’m a workaholic and I love meeting new people, trying different foods, learning and experiencing a new city.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the live production industry (perhaps something you wish someone would have told you when you were getting started)?
Do your due diligence, follow through, communicate well, take notes, listen (sometimes you learn more by listening and observing), network and never assign someone a job you personally wouldn’t do yourself.
What's the most essential thing in your suitcase?
Socks, my toiletry bag and water!