Richie Surrency, Security Director for Journey, talks about how he got in the business and the little demo that got through. 

AS A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? 

I loaded gear when I was 10 yrs old as a volunteer for a Christian rock band for my church. Needless to say I was hooked, and knew I wanted to do something in the music business. 

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE INDUSTRY? 

I worked for FREE with a local metal band called Sakajaweeda and a local production company from Jacksonville , FL for about 4yrs (1990 -1994). Then another band from Jacksonville formed and that band was called Limp Bizkit. Fred Durst (we used to cut grass together as well) asked me to join them. Seeing how he took the guitar players from the band I worked for, he knew how hard, dedicated, and loyal I was to them. 

WHAT WAS YOUR BIG BREAK? 

My big break came from Limp Bizkit. Hard work pays off, eventually. 

WHAT IS YOUR CRAZIEST WORK-RELATED MEMORY? 

Crazy work related memory? I’m under confidentially agreements, so I can’t remember. But if I had to… About 12 years ago I caught a young man sneaking backstage. In his hand he had a DEMO CD. MTV had just done a segment on me called “Cool Jobs” hosted my Jamie Lee Presley. This young man saw me on this show and recognized me as I was escorting him politely back where he came from. In doing so he said, “Man, I know who you are, will you please give this demo to (my client)?” I said, “OK bro. I will.” He said, “You’re not going to give it to him, are you.” I said, “Bro, I will listen to your demo. If I like it, I will pass it on and you will hear from us.” This kind of thing happened all the time. I said, “If we don’t like it you will never hear from us. Cool? Now beat it.” Two years later Puddle of Mudd became a multi-million selling band and Wes Scantlin was the guy I escorted out that night in KC. 

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE GETTING INTO YOUR LINE OF WORK?

Advice? Just be prepared to have your life change at a moment’s notice. Nothing is set in stone. Being on the road is tough for ALL parties and if you have kids it’s even harder. Be careful for what you wish for and, most importantly, start your own IRA retirement portfolio as soon as possible. 

What do you look for in a credential company? 

Someone who is innovative and NOT content with the normal / old school way of doing things. I look for better satins, so sharpies and stamps don’t bleed where you can’t read them. A great art dept, quick turn around, and communication is key. 

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE FUTURE OF PASSES? 

With Access Pass and Design’s team I look forward to what they will bring to the table in the future. Plus if I tell you my ideas you will get credit for them. 

Thanks Richie- we love working with you! If you’d like to be considered for an upcoming featured-client interview, contact us today!