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On The Road with Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

posted on 7/7/2021 12:17:46 PM

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be in a band? We sure have! And, since we’re a rather vehicle-minded bunch, we got to thinking...what’s it like to be on tour? How do you keep yourself – and your vehicle – in good shape? When it comes to traveling between shows, we wanted the good, the bad, and the funny...and we weren’t disappointed!

The All About The Car Podcast Team had the pleasure of sitting down with Adam Greuel, Guitarist and Vocalist, and Lynn Salzman, Tour Manager, of the band Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Perhaps you’ve heard of them? 😉 The band, known for its old-time, folk and bluegrass style, is comprised of five good old Midwestern guys who met right here in central Wisconsin. The group began playing together as college students at UW-Stevens Point. Their first gigs were house parties, front lawns, bonfires and local bars! Now, playing at large festivals and prestigious venues, Horseshoes and Hand Grenades hold onto their local roots and homegrown vibe, adding to the allure of this down-to-earth, talented band.

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades’ Tour Vehicles Throughout the Years

The band is over ten years old and has had three very memorable tour vehicles. The first was a purple van lovingly named “Aunt Darlene”. Next came “Uncle Darrel”, a van with poor luck despite its wonderful title. While performing in Milwaukee, Uncle Darrel was hit by a tired driver. Not long after, the van was broken into! Needless to say, Uncle Darrel was soon replaced.

The current vehicle used by Horseshoes and Hand Grenades is “Babe the Blue Ox”, a blue 2011 Duramax Diesel bus with a white roof. The bus got its name from Paul Bunyan Fest, the first gig it transported the band to. Babe the Blue Ox offers the most storage space and lounge area the band has ever had, and it also inspired the title of the band’s latest album: Miles in Blue!

Challenges of Touring

The band life isn't all glamor and applause...especially when it comes to touring. In fact, there are a few common challenges bands face while on the road for extended periods of time:

Physical Inactivity
Excessive Drinking
Strained Personal Relationships
Financial Hardships
Lack of Sleep

In addition to avoiding or coping with these issues, a huge component of a successful tour is consistent communication. Reducing internal arguments and tension is crucial for the well-being of each person...so, before you hit the open road, make sure you get along with your fellow bus-mates! Check out this article for additional insight into a band’s life on the road.

Preparing for Travel

Preparation can very well be the difference between a successful trip and a stressful one. When traveling short distances, the Horseshoes and Hand Grenades band members will carpool or drive their personal vehicles to the venue. For long distances, however, the band packs up Babe the Blue Ox. The front of the bus offers storage room and the back has sleeping bunks for each band member.

No matter the distance or destination, regular vehicle maintenance is always a must. Before traveling, Lynn is sure to check a few key points:

Oil change interval
Fluid levels
Tire pressure
Emergency Kit
A visual once-over of the entire vehicle

Tour Bus Service Schedule

Just like any vehicle, tour buses have a recommended service schedule provided by the manufacturer. This information can be found in the owner’s manual and will help you understand the service and care needs of your specific car. By following the service schedule, you will help extend the life and reliability of your vehicle...a few things that are very important when transporting a band on a 17-hour drive in an 18-hour window! As Lynn would tell you, you need to be as prepared and resourceful as possible in the event of a breakdown. While on tour, you have a maximum of three hours to deal with any issue and get back on the road. Hear some of the band’s craziest stories in the latest podcast episode at AllAboutTheCarPodcast.com!

Itching for more exclusive content from Horseshoes and Hand Grenades? Don’t miss the latest All About The Car Podcast Episode for a private performance by Adam, crazy stories on the road, advice to new musicians, and more!

Categories: Auto Repair 101 | View Count: (44) | Return

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On The Road with Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

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