In San Francisco, in the year 2000, I got my start in the music industry.  I have an older brother that was/is a successful investment banker, he was sick of that lifestyle and he started a band management company, I was lucky enough to be a part of the team.  We quickly moved to La to be in the center of the action, we lived next door in the Hollywood Hills to Warren DeMartini, the guitarist of Ratt.  We managed 3 bands from 2000 - 2002, industrial metal kings 16Volt was one of them (www.16volt.com).  We bought on to an opening spot on the KMFDM Sturm and Drang Tour in 2002 and I became their tour manager.  KMFDM was returning to touring after a small hiatus caused mostly by a media association of the Columbine killers with KMFDM and Marilyn Manson.  There was a lot of publicity around our tour, we did 31 shows in 34 days and sold out venues across the country.  The road was unreal, I was hooked after the first night. 

I met KMFDM's merchandiser and road manager Jeff Hudson. Jeff taught me the ways of merchandising, every night of tour we worked the merch booth relentlessly. Jeff is a master of sales and he taught me how to sell, manage money and inventory, and properly report up to the band.  Making money for the band meant great things for everyone involved, the entire vibe of a tour is better when merch is moving. 

A decade later I have been lucky enough to have toured with some amazing groups.  I went on to work for a few of the larger merch companies and went on the road with 50 Cent, A Perfect Circle, Mudvayne, Jewel, Boston, Scorpions, Jonas Brothers, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Franti & Spearhead, and probably my favorite band of all time: WEEN.  

Currently I live in San Francisco and continue to work with bands.  I started Live Merch to provide merchandising services to bands.  Anything from straight supply of t shirts, to full tour management of merch.  More info on my company is on my website www.livemerch.com  ( thanks Dan!!!). 

Dave