Question about touring and CCW... Any musicians out there?

S

shaunpain

New member
So, I have a question. I'm sure it's perfectly legal to go through the classes, background check, and then get a reciprocal CCW for travelling. I live in Chicago, so of course this would be an out-of-stater like Georgia (I already have the application) or another where I am granted the most freedom in the most states. Now... this is where my question comes in... Are there any of you on this forum that have toured in a band, in any capacity, and had your CCW on you where it was legal?

The last time I've even been on a tour, I was primarily in the east coast in lots of gun hating states, plus I wasn't as crazy about guns as I am now. The issue for me today is that the next time I go out, I see it as completely irresponsible for me to not at least weigh the pros and cons of CCW wherever I may be able to do so. I've always been nervous about 10K worth of gear in the back of a trailer anyway! Maybe I'm just being paranoid. Living here, of course I am used to not carrying a gun so it's not the biggest deal if it sounds like an impossibility.
 
I toured in the early to mid 1990's, and bringing a gun was too impractical. The first problem involved the fact that concealed carry was not yet the norm in most states, and reciprocity was almost non-existent. The simple fact was, I didn't know if I'd be in a state that didn't allow it in a few days, and where would I leave my gun if that were the case?

Even in cities where it might have been legal, most states had bans on carrying a gun in an establishment that served liquor. That meant leaving it in the hotel (or motel). That involves another set of risks.

The third problem was one of mentality. I'm not sure what level you're working at, but if your associates are outside your immediate circle of friends, you're going to have folks who get really hinky about having a gun. Some of those folks might have a say in how or if you get paid.

One contract had me working for a major label group, and we rode this thing called a bus. For those who don't know, a bus is a vehicle in which the air conditioning always works, doesn't smell like old socks, doesn't blow a tie rod on the Jersey Turnpike, and someone else does the driving. It's pretty cool.*

What's not so great is that the folks paying for it have some weird policies, and in my case one of those policies was an utter prohibition on "drugs or weapons of any kind." If the bus is chartered, then that company will often have similar policies. They will check your bags from time to time.

All said, there have certainly been some changes in the laws since then, but I don't see it being much easier from a practical standpoint.

* They also have people called roadies, who are guys who wait until after they've moved your equipment to get drunk.
 
I haven't played much outside the tri-county area, but I've still made a few bucks playing a few songs. And I certainly understand your concerns about walking out the back door at 1 AM with a pocket full of cash and a car full of expensive equipment! As a part-time musician I spend a lot of time "working" in places that serve alcohol. Carrying in there can be tricky, depending on the state you're in, and you should pay special attention to those rules. In most establishments I can be legally carrying in one corner, and then commit a second-degree misdemeanor by standing ten feet to my left. Know what venues you'll be playing in, and know where they fall under the law in their respective states.

Even a firearm kept in the van may be of some use, and many states allow car carry even without a permit. Buy one of those lock boxes with a cable that attaches to the seat for secure storage.

My best advice, study the laws of all the states you'll be visiting and passing through. Print them out and keep a packet with you as you travel. Handgunlaw.us is an invaluable source of info.

And always be aware.
 
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