Paco Séry’s gear checklist for a world tour

Paco Séry’s touring rig must preserve the colour of his African rhythmic influences while moving between jazz, funk and contemporary music. His Sonor and Remo endorsements offer a dependable foundation, but every case needs a clear purpose and a workable backup.

This checklist balances musical detail with airport handling, Australian weather, customs and the realities of playing unfamiliar rooms. It centres on a light carry load, a protected checked kit and enough redundancy to keep a concert moving.

Build a resilient touring setup

A reliable touring kit needs a core voice, a travel backup and a repair plan.

Before packing, mark every shell, pedal and cymbal with discreet identification. Keep the primary setup familiar, since a controlled instrument is easier to tune and quicker to inspect after a long flight. The backup layer should duplicate essential functions rather than duplicate the entire rig.

Pack for conditions across Australia

Australian summer stages can be hot and humid in Brisbane and Sydney, while Melbourne may deliver several weather conditions in one day. Strong venue air-conditioning can then reverse the temperature shift. Leave Remo heads in protective sleeves until they are needed, and avoid leaving padded cases inside a hot vehicle.

Outdoor concerts and festivals also expose equipment to wind, rain and dust. Secure cymbals and microphone stands against weighted or low-profile bases, and carry a breathable cover for the drums. A tuning key, drum-key extension, stick tape and microfibre cloth are small additions that can prevent a major interruption.

Clear Australian customs before departure

For international dates, use an ATA Carnet or another approved temporary import arrangement. Have the Australian promoter or freight agent confirm the correct process before shipping. Cases, sticks and accessories should arrive clean, soil-free and free of bark, while untreated wooden components may require an additional biosecurity check.

Create a case-by-case inventory with photographs, serial numbers and the name of the responsible crew member. Keep customs papers and insurance details in hand luggage rather than inside a checked drum case. The same inventory makes it easier to identify missing hardware after a domestic flight between Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane.

Split the load for flights and local travel

A run through Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide can involve several domestic flights with strict baggage allowances. Keep the snare, sticks, cymbals, electronics and irreplaceable percussion in cabin bags when size and security rules allow. Send larger shells and stands in padded cases, distributing the weight across several bags where necessary.

Local supply options can fill gaps without adding excess baggage. Australian drum retailers such as Sydney Drumworks can help source specialist parts, while hired backline can cover a damaged component. Specify shell depth, tuning, finish and pickup requirements well before the advance production meeting.

Sound check before the first downbeat

Each Australian venue may change the monitor mix, riser position and available backline. Bring a personal DI, monitor splitter, labelled patch cables and spare batteries. Percussion should also have a quick-access route to the stage, allowing the setup to change without crossing the drummer’s main playing position.

Reviewing the official live performance videos helps reveal how percussion and cymbals sit within a working stage plot. Translate that awareness into the road cases: route leads along the rear edge, protect pedal connections and keep replacement sticks within reach of the drum stool.

Keep two packing lists

Separating essential performance gear from support equipment makes both the security check and the stage setup faster.

Items needed throughout the day should stay in the cabin or personal bags:

• A tuned snare, sticks, brushes, mallets and a small selection of shakers
• Two spare Remo heads for the most exposed drum sizes
• A compact cymbal set in a padded case, including the hi-hat
• In-ear monitors, batteries, a tuning key, earplugs and essential leads

Checked cases should hold the larger kit and its support equipment:

• Tom shells, bass drum, throne, pedal and stands in marked hard cases
• Tool kit, spare clamps, pedal parts, drum key and gaffer tape
• Type I-compatible power leads, tested surge protection and current adapters
• Case photographs, serial-number records, insurance details and customs papers

Weigh each case before departure and remove items that duplicate available backline. The stage case should contain what Paco Séry needs for his sound, while the support cases protect the equipment that makes those choices possible.

Make every stage feel familiar

Confirm the Australian power standard before every run: most venues operate at 230–240 volts and 50 hertz. Bring Type I-compatible leads and test high-draw equipment before departure. Production should also confirm access times, loading routes, stage dimensions, risers, monitor requirements and the available percussion setup.

Explore the recordings, images and performance archive on the official artist site, then use the contact page for performance enquiries, interview requests and collaboration details. A well-planned case list protects the instruments, shortens sound checks and lets the artist arrive ready to play.