Timothy “T.J.” Hoffmann, a South River resident and Kendall Park native, is raising funds to complete a documentary about his and others’ experiences as roadies for famous musical acts. SOUTH BRUNSWICK — After more than two decades behind the scenes in the music industry, Timothy “T.J.” Hoffmann is documenting his experience in a new film.
“I’m not a musician,” Hoffmann said with a smile. “I’m what they call a roadie — a roadie is not to be confused with a groupie.”
The Kendall Park native’s career began in 1992 when the 23-year-old took an internship with a recording studio in South River.
“I started out helping local bands with moving gear, equipment and cabinets around,” he said.
Then, a band called M.O.D. (Method of Destruction) asked Hoffmann if he would like to work as part of its crew on an upcoming European tour.
“I jumped at the chance. … I was 23 years old, and my trip to Europe was free,” he said.
That kicked off a whirlwind career as a production/music technician and tour manager for several bands — some with big budgets and others with limited resources.
“I pretty much got to see the world, sometimes living on a bus traveling from city to city,” he said, adding that the lifestyle is not as glamorous as one might think.
Hoffmann, now of South River, is working on a documentary, “Roadie,” in which he highlights life on the road and behind the scenes — a place where glamour butts heads with workingclass grit.
“The perception is we are a breed of people who are uneducated and drunks,” he said, noting its inaccuracy.
Hoffmann said Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal said it best when he asserted that his music technician can do what Thal does, but Thal cannot do what his music technician does.
In the documentary, Hoffmann showcases how a roadie’s job has evolved from the mid-1980s to the technologically advanced practices of today. He said roadies are a blue-collar army on the frontlines of rock ’n’ roll.
Hoffmann’s passion evolved over the years from hauling gear to handling wiring details at shows.
“It’s the nerdy side of the music and electronics, mixed in with the parties,” he said.
Hoffmann’s biggest tour was with New Jersey-based rock band Skid Row, which was opening for Kiss on its farewell tour of 1999- 2000.
“When I was in second grade at St. Augustine [of Canterbury] School [in South Brunswick], my buddies and I would dress up like Kiss,” he said. “When I was asked by Skid Row to go on tour with them with Kiss, it was huge because I was a big fan.”
Hoffmann said it was an amazing experience to see the generations of fans who came to the shows.
“Kids were dressed up like Gene Simmons, and it brought me back to when I dressed up like the band,” he said. “We gave them guitar picks, and seeing the reaction from the kids still gives me goose bumps. It was self-satisfying.”
Hoffmann continued working in the business, but on a part-time basis, from 2000 to 2012. During that time, he started writing a book on how a kid from New Jersey got a job traveling the world and working the stage with some of the biggest bands.
“I realized that words on paper weren’t giving the story any justice,” he said.
The idea evolved into the documentary, which Hoffmann has been working on since last summer. Thus far, he has funded the project out of his own pocket as he traveled to tape interviews with the likes of Meg MacRae, who works in tour production for the Eagles and Bon Jovi, and Lindsay Vannoy, a piano technician for Elton John and Heart.
With the goal of raising
$25,000 to finish the project, Hoffmann is seeking help through crowdfunding. His fundraising campaign at www.indiegogo.com/projects/roadie-the-documentary will close on Aug. 29.
When the documentary is done, Hoffmann said he will submit it to film festivals.
For more information, visit www.roadiefilm.com, the “Roadie the Documentary” page on Facebook or @roadiefilm2015 on Twitter.