Main content

Female roadies

Two road crew for huge bands who defy the stereotype.

Most people's idea of a band 'roadie' is a burly bloke in a black T-shirt, lugging kit around a stage, living hard and touring constantly. Kim Chakanetsa speaks to two women who have broken this mould, living on the road with music royalty, and making them look and sound amazing.

Known as the world鈥檚 first female roadie, Tana Douglas is something of a legend in her field. She started off working for the Australian rock band AC/DC when she was just 16. She went on to tour with huge international artists such as Elton John and Status Quo, specialising in lighting.

Sound engineer to the stars, Becky Pell, regularly plays huge arenas on sell-out tours for artists like Kylie Minogue and Westlife, and for three years has been in charge of the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, the world鈥檚 biggest festival.聽She says it's a myth that you need to be big and brawny to work on stage, it鈥檚 all about staying calm amid the chaos.

l: Tana Douglas (credit 成人快手)
r: Becky Pell (credit Becky Pell)

Available now

26 minutes

Last on

Sun 10 May 2020 06:32GMT

Clip

Broadcasts

  • Mon 5 Aug 2019 02:32GMT
  • Mon 5 Aug 2019 03:32GMT
  • Mon 5 Aug 2019 04:32GMT
  • Mon 5 Aug 2019 10:32GMT
  • Mon 5 Aug 2019 17:32GMT
  • Mon 5 Aug 2019 21:32GMT
  • Mon 5 Aug 2019 22:32GMT
  • Mon 4 May 2020 02:32GMT
  • Mon 4 May 2020 10:32GMT
  • Mon 4 May 2020 15:32GMT
  • Mon 4 May 2020 17:32GMT
  • Mon 4 May 2020 21:32GMT
  • Mon 4 May 2020 22:32GMT
  • Sun 10 May 2020 06:32GMT

The best of The Conversation

Enlightening, inspiring, revealing: Some of our favourite Conversations so far

100 Women

Global experience on image, work, relationships, equality, migration and working lives

Podcast