Pro Tips:
Talking Safety with Guns N’ Roses
Production Coordinator,
Debbie Taylor
A major key to success
in the live
events industry comes from having an environ-
ment where the exchange of ideas and knowl-
edge gained through experience can be trans-
ferred freely and constructively amongst one
another. Catching up with A-list Production Co-
ordinator, Debbie Taylor, we picked her brain on
how safety applies to what she does, close calls
she’s had, and what she did to overcome them.
By Shelby Cude
• Recently also did a GnR show in the tiny Apollo The-
atre.
I initially worked on the great touring festivals of Aus-
tralia (i.e. Big Day Out and Soundwave) with smaller
club and Theatre size sideshows. I got my big break
on Stadium sized U2 360 in Australia.
ESI: What is your favorite meal from a country/
state you’ve visited?
Tell Us About Yourself “Take every opportunity
ESI: What roles have you fulfilled that you can and make
the most of it. Seek out
while being out on the road?
extra responsibility, vol-
DT: Started my Career in Festivals in
Australia, fulfilling roles as varied as unteer for different roles,
Corporate Sponsorship Manager, soak up information
Artspace Production, Artist Liaison
before finally deciding that Touring and learn everything
Production was the area that I want- that you can form those
ed to concentrate on/ Major in.
around you.” -Debbie T.
ESI: How long have you been
touring?
DT: I have worked in the industry for approximately
13 years but have been touring internationally for the
last 7.
ESI: What tours have you been a part of?
DT: I have worked on the following size shows:
• Arena-sized shows - Back Sabbath, U2 IE, ACDC,
Guns N Roses
• Festivals - Ozzfest and various festivals that Sabbath
performed at
• Stadiums - Rolling Stones, ACDC, Guns N Roses
44
DT: I’ve had some amazing meals in
some amazing locations but I’m a
lady of simple tastes…..its Currywurst
all the way for me.
ESI: What is the most memorable
city you’ve visited and why?
DT: Havana for the Rolling Stones
show 2016. It really is a city on the
brink of transformation, for better
or worse. To be able to visit & take
a show there before these changes
happen was an amazing experience.
Safety On The Road
ESI: How does safety onsite affect what you do
specifically?
DT: As the Production Co-ordinator I keep all of the
personal info relating to the crew. I then provide this
as required to our Security team for venue access
and accreditation etc. This also means that we have
everyone’s emergency contacts in case of illness or
accident.