An Elmbridge roadie who has managed tours for the likes of Muse is encouraging others to follow in his footsteps.

Glen Rowe started selling t-shirts for the Manic Street Preachers and as been on the road with acts including The Thrills, Ronnie Wood, Ginger Baker, Hard-Fi, The Kooks, Magic Numbers, Amy MacDonald and Gareth Gates.

Now he is taking his Backstage Academy on the road around the country to shine a light on the industry and inspire the next generation of roadies.

Students will hear from Glen about the two-year foundation (FdA) and three-year degree courses available and then get the chance to quiz him about his own life backstage. Afterwards, they will visit the Beat the Street tour bus and try their hand at loading and unloading a tour trailer in a time trial.

Glen, who even production managed the Pope’s only UK tour, said: “Every music festival, stadium gig and world tour needs an army of highly skilled production personnel to bring them to life.

“Production Managers, Sound Engineers, Lighting Designers, Guitar Technicians, Riggers, Carpenters and Tour Managers are just some of the roles instrumental in creating live events.

“Backstage Academy uniquely trains all these professionals for a career in live events through academic study and work experience. All our students spend time on location with some of the world’s leading artists getting a real work experience."

The academy is touring the country with dates including Esher College on February 6, Harris Academy Battersea on February 7 and the Brit School in Croydon on February 9. Go to backstageacademy.co.uk/tour