ABOUT

Since 2004, Luke ‘Boo’ Johnston has been a mainstay on the Australian touring circuit. From humble beginnings learning the ropes around Sydney pubs, Luke has built his knowledge base and reputation to the point where he is a trusted tour manager and production manager for some of the world’s biggest bands – and touring companies both in Australia and overseas.

Whether overseeing a club show or a gig in a 5000-capacity venue such as Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, Luke is equally at home managing and organising the technical and logistical elements. In the case of his work with artists such as Melbourne singer-songwriter Alex Lahey, he has helped guide her stage production from small pubs into some of Australia’s biggest rooms, always with a keen eye on how to facilitate the move into bigger venues while still staying mindful of the artist’s needs and budgetary requirements.

“One of my key focuses is on the growth and development of artists live,” he says. “I get to know them, figure out their likes and dislikes, their vision, and take that and mould it into what the audience sees at the end. I find the best production methods in the most cost-effective way to help artists reach their goals.”

The list of artists Luke has worked with is extensive and spans multiple genres, from indie pop acts such as Waax and The Jezabels (with whom he’s worked since their inception, becoming a trusted road manager and confidante in the process) to punk rock bands such as Frenzal Rhomb and The Bronx; from hip-hop legends such as A Tribe Called Quest to metal outfits such as Code Orange and Devin Townsend project. His resume speaks of someone with the ability and empathy to work with artists of different temperaments, demands and expectations.

As a tour manager, Luke has experience arranging transport and accommodation for artists, managers, and promoters, creating tour books/day sheets and managing money. He also has practical experience in liaising and building relationships with promoters, venue managers, artist management, travel agents, FOH and monitor techs, drivers and crew, and boasts an extensive list of contacts both in Australia and overseas. Luke’s decade-plus experience of touring also gives him a real-world perspective on life on the road – the pressures, the claustrophobia of being in a van for hours on end with the same group of people – through which he has developed tools, know-how and mechanisms to help make touring as pleasurable as possible.

Luke’s experience as production manager on Australian tours by artists such as The Jezabels, Hot Snakes, Nile Rodgers and Alex Lahey, saw him manage all the technical production and logistical elements of a live show, including sound, lighting, staging and crew. He is an expert at ensuring shows run smoothly for both the artist and the fan.

In addition to these roles, Luke has also fulfilled guitar, drum and stage-tech duties for artists such as …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Anti-Flag, Bob Mould, The Chats, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and many others, amassing a wealth of practical experience and know-how. Having successfully completed an advanced luthier course, he is also acutely aware of the mechanics of a guitar, skills he puts to use while attending to artists’ instrumental needs.

A successful band manager in his own right (he guides the career of Sydney band Totally Unicorn), Luke has a unique, 360-degree perspective on artists’ touring needs. He has now reached a point in his career where he wants to utilise this knowledge to help facilitate successful touring and live production for artists of all sizes, curating their needs from woe to go. Whether you need something as simple as advice on the best van hire for an Australian tour or as complicated as a fully organised run of international shows complete with crew, Luke can organise it all.

Put simply, all you have to do is play the best show possible. Luke will take care of the rest.

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.