The Giggs Podcast: #17 Marty Hom | Tour Managing Legends...Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, Shakira, Olivia Rodrigo

Welcome to The Giggs Podcast! Giggs is the career platform for live event professionals. We're starting this podcast because there's not nearly enough content out there about what it really takes to be on the road. Whether you're an aspiring tour manager, a seasoned backline tech, or just getting started in the business, this podcast is for you. We're taking you behind the scenes to explore the highs and the lows of life gigging on the Giggs Podcast. 

In the latest Giggs Podcast episode, Nikki Sanz, Giggs’ founder and CEO, chats with industry legend Marty Hom, who has over 40 years of experience managing tours for icons like The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé, and Olivia Rodrigo. Marty’s journey, packed with high-stakes decisions and stories from life on the road, sheds light on the realities of tour management and what it takes to succeed in the live event industry.

Listen to the whole episode now! Click here to listen on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube!

Handling High-Stakes Decisions

One of the episode’s most intense stories is about a rain delay during Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour in Washington, D.C. Faced with severe weather and just minutes to decide, Marty and Beyoncé’s team chose to extend public transportation to ensure fans could get home safely—a decision that cost $150,000. The story captures Marty’s commitment to fans and his ability to make critical calls under pressure.

A Unique Career Path

Marty’s path to tour management was anything but straightforward. Starting as a promoter rep, he took on his first tour with Bill Withers and found a passion for logistics and people management. His career has taken him from small jazz tours to managing massive global productions, showing how diverse and unexpected a career in the live event industry can be.

Building Inclusive Teams

Beyond logistics, Marty is known for fostering an inclusive work culture. On Olivia Rodrigo’s recent tour, nearly half the crew were women—a rare sight in the industry. Marty emphasizes the importance of diversity on tour, which he says creates stronger, more dynamic teams and helps set a positive standard across the industry.

Balancing Life on the Road

Life on tour is grueling, and Marty acknowledges the personal sacrifices, especially with family time. But he also sees a shift toward allowing team members to attend important family events, which helps with morale and retention. This change, he believes, is essential for sustaining a long-term career in the business.

Leaving a Legacy

For Marty, legacy isn’t about the stars he’s worked with but the professionals he’s mentored. By supporting his team and fostering growth, he’s not only built a successful career but also created a path for the next generation. “It’s all about the people,” he says, and his commitment to them is clear.

Conclusion

In this episode, Marty Hom’s stories and wisdom bring out the dedication, grit, and people-first approach needed to thrive in tour management. Whether you’re curious about life behind the scenes or dreaming of a career on the road, Marty’s insights are both inspiring and enlightening.