Rock Stars Scoring Drugs On The Road

I worked as a stage hand for some years. Saw plenty of drug abuse by bands, crew, and myself. The only close connection I can speak of are as follows:

1. I worked the Steel Wheel concert for the Rolling Stones when they played southern California. Their stage manager was in a pickle since something happened to the band's "weed." He approached a few of us working on the speaker wall but only one of our number was a close local. They adjourned to a private discussion so I don't know how much or even what but we figured it was more than just weed since the guy wouldn't give details later.

2. Was house crew for a local studio (we filmed some very crappy tv shows and assorted infomercial type stuff) and they did some concert series over a couple summers. Small venue but some decent bands. Joe Walsh, April Wine, Adam Ant, Rick Springfield, Dick Dale, etc. I sold some pot to the Yellow Man band and some hash from friends of mine (whom had smuggled it personally) to a former minor child actor whom I promised to not reveal.

3. Worked San Diego Street Scene a few years in a row (similar to most concert festivals: multiple stages spaced around with tons of bands playing over a weekend). First year was awesome. Was stationed at a good stage. Smoked a joint w Alanis Morissette and some member of her band. Just missed partying with Brian Setzer in our under-stage party cave. We were so prepared with ganja that we asked every band that played our stage if they needed any. A few took me up but they were not bands I knew nor even now remember. (I recall the Black Eyed Peas being dickish in their refusal and later, their lead singer peeing her pants on stage due to being so wasted)

> Paul McCartney seemed to carry pot and not even try to hide a ton of it.. I thought that's what roadies were for! I never understood stars carrying stuff.

When he tried bringing a half pound of marijuana into Japan, he was arrested for it. He said that it was solely for his own personal use. Obviously a lie, who the hell smokes so much pot that he needs that amount handy? That's like carrying around a gallon of 151 proof rum because you like to have a drink every now and then. He was protecting other people. I think that perhaps roadies are for getting stoned with. He spent about a week in jail, then in response to international pressure the Japanese deported him instead of prosecuting him. IIRC he was banned for life at the time, but later did a tour there.

Truth is, he got very lucky. Had he been some ordinary person he would have been in big trouble. Japan has some very strict laws on drugs. When I visited in 1991, Sucrets contained trace amounts of amphetamines, and trying to bring those in was therefore drug smuggling, at least technically. I don't know if Sucrets still has the same ingredients, and bringing them in then wouldn't have got you arrested, but your cough drops would be confiscated and you'd have to write a letter of apology for your actions.

When driving on tour I bring my weed. If flying the best bet usually is to ask the sound man, they often know someone who can bring some by.

One time I was driving my hearse down to New Orleans for a show and got pulled over in Mississippi. The cop patted me down and somehow missed the bowl in my pocket. He saw the gear in the back and asked if I had any drugs. I told him no and he asked what kind of music we played and I said country so he asks if I have any guns. I told him no and he looks at me like "What kind of country band has no guns?"

They dont need to score on the road, they just take the backs off the speakers and hide a stash in there.