It's not every day that the live music industry's hardest-working crews get their due recognition, but this long weekend, roadies will have their day — literally. The first annual National Roadie Day has been set for May 19.
As per the National Day Calendar's listing, "Roadies are the backbone of live music. They are the first to arrive at a gig and the last to leave. They haul gear night after night and literally carry the show on their shoulders. They build up and set the stage from town to town so that the world can experience the joy of live music.
"During shows, roadies work from the shadows on stage to swap instruments, fix cables, or troubleshoot issues. Many roadies become 'music family,' offering support, sharing laughs, and keeping spirits high when the road gets long — all while staying out of the spotlight."
Now, National Roadie Day will honour "the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help keep the show on the road" each year. May 19 will "shine the spotlight on all roadies and honour the 100th birthday of Ben H. Dorcy, III (a.k.a. 'Lovey'), the 'King of the Roadies.'"
Dorcy was known for his road work with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Knoxville, Kinky Friedman, Jamey Johnson, Ann-Margret and many more.
Dorcy was recently celebrated with a documentary of his own, Willie Nelson Presents: King of the Roadies, which was directed by Amy Lee Nelson and Trevor Doyle Nelson. The film made its debut at the Dallas International Film Festival in April.