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We got a chance to have a chat with guitar tech/ stage manager Jonathan Jeter ahead of our upcoming tour with Reverend Horton Heat. We took an immediate liking to Jonathan because he’s a kind soul, a blast to be around, and he takes stage management to a whole new level.
THH: What’s your favorite cryptid in your region of Texas?
JJ: While the Boggy Creek monster is most known around Arkansas, there have been sightings of a similar creature around east Texas. My step dad's uncle firmly believed he saw it on more than one occasion around Coffee Mill Lake throughout his life.
THH: As a guitar tech and stage manager, one of your job requirements is that you’re basically MacGyver. What’s the weirdest way you’ve had to fix something on the fly?
JJ: Man, where to start with that one. Rj, our drummer, had his hi-hat stand break right before downbeat in St. Louis once. A pin had fallen out and the pedal wasn’t working. I found the pin but not the retaining clip. So, I wrapped it in gaff tape and then put a layer of super glue around it. It’s still holding strong to this day!
THH: You have your own band, Jonathan Jeter and the Revelators, that you tour with when you’re not on the road with Reverend Horton Heat. What do you guys have coming up?
JJ: We’re finishing up a full length record right now that I’ve had the super cool opportunity to sit in the engineer seat and produce as well. There’s already a few labels interested in putting it out. So, I’m hoping to give this crazy rock and roll touring life a shot of my own in the near future.
THH: We’ve seen it- people love to throw “gifts” on stage during a show… what’s the weirdest thing you’ve intercepted?
JJ: I’ve had all kinds of underwear and clothes get thrown up. Ladies and dudes! But, by far the weirdest thing was a pomegranate that a guy was super insistent that I give to the Rev.
THH: Tell us about a hidden talent you have.
JJ: I can wiggle my eye balls back and forth really fast.
THH: Being vegetarian on the road isn’t always easy, what are your go-to’s that keep you well fed and eating something besides microwavable mac n cheese?
JJ: I try to eat as clean as I can. But, there’s always gonna be convenient food, like pizza, to get in the way of that. But, Rj is also a vegetarian. So, it’s a fun way for us to pass the time to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants to check out. Thai food and ramen joints are always my favorites.
THH: Figuratively speaking, you have to wear a lot of hats on a daily basis to keep the show on the road. What are your favorite aspects of being a guitar tech/ stage manager? What are the biggest challenges?
JJ: My favorite thing is when I ask all the guys individually if they’re ready to go and then “sending them out into the world” so to speak. It’s very satisfying to see all my days hard work come together and the guys give a kick ass show to the fans. Biggest challenges is a much harder question. Every day is fresh set of them!
THH: How did you get into this line of work? Do you have any advice for someone looking to follow in your footsteps?
JJ: I kind of fell into doing this kind of work mainly from being a touring musician for a lot of years myself. I have friends that needed a fill in and that led to being a crew guy full time. My advice to get into this crazy life would be to start working at a venue and getting to know touring people. Our world is incredibly small and you’ll end up seeing the same people all the time. After they get to know you and learn your work ethic and how you are as a person, then that could lead to a touring job. I firmly believe that 90% of it is being able to be cooped up in a van or bus for long periods of time together.
THH: You do some studio work too, right? What does that involve?
JJ: I do! I work in a studio outside of Dallas. The owner is also a touring guy who has been in the industry for decades. Sometimes I’ll engineer his projects if he’s on the road or vica versa. My favorite projects are when a singer/songwriter comes in without a band and I will track pretty much everything. So, when they come in track their vocals or guitars, there is already a full band of tracks for them to work with.
THH: There you have it folks, one of the unsung heroes of rock’n’roll! You can often catch a glimpse of Jonathan playing baritone guitar as a guest during the Reverend Horton Heat shows, as well as doing some synchronized choreography with drummer RJ Contreras, and you’ll know his work by the happy band, the gear being in great working order, and the seamless transitions throughout the set. Great work Jonathan, we look forward to being on the road with you again!
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