The Brush Chronicles: A Tour Dog’s Plea for Clean Toilets
As someone who spends a lot of time on the road, I’ve seen and experienced it all—the good, the bad, and the downright disgusting. Life on tour isn’t all glamor. Sure, there are bright lights, epic shows, and unforgettable moments, but behind the curtain lies the reality of shared spaces. One of the greatest challenges? The battle of the bathroom.
Let me be frank: skid marks in a toilet are unacceptable. It’s not just gross—it’s a reflection of laziness and entitlement that has no place on tour (or anywhere, for that matter).
The Brush Exists for a Reason
Toilets in venues, green rooms, and shared accommodations aren’t personal property. They’re communal, and that means respecting everyone who shares them. It’s astounding how often a brush sits there, unused, like a prop in a forgotten play. It exists for one reason: to clean up after yourself.
We all understand that things happen. Toilets aren’t always the most cooperative. But here’s the thing—leaving your mess for someone else to deal with isn’t just rude; it’s an imposition. It creates a vibe that says, “My time is more important than yours.”
If you’ve got time to handle a mic, sign autographs, or post to Instagram, you’ve got time to use the brush.
The Entitled Artist (and not only) Problem
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room (or in this case, the bathroom): artists. Not all, of course, but there’s a subset of performers who act as if they’re exempt from basic courtesy. Whether it’s because they’re rushing to the next set or wrapped up in their creative bubble, they seem to think they can “forget” the basics of bathroom etiquette.
Here’s a wake-up call: nobody, no matter how talented or famous, is above cleaning up after themselves. Touring is a team effort. That means respecting everyone, from the crew to the drivers to the fellow artists who all share the same space.
It’s About Respect
The issue here goes beyond toilet etiquette—it’s about respect. Respect for the people you’re touring with. Respect for the spaces you inhabit. And respect for the people who work tirelessly to make the tour happen.
Leaving a mess isn’t just gross; it creates extra work for someone else. It’s disrespectful to assume that your actions (or lack thereof) won’t have consequences for the next person.
The Golden Rule of Touring
Here’s a simple rule: leave it better than you found it. This doesn’t just apply to toilets—it applies to dressing rooms, tour buses, and any other shared space. Touring is hard enough without unnecessary messes and bad attitudes.
Taking two seconds to use a brush is one small act that can make a big difference. It’s a reminder that no matter how hectic life gets, there’s always time to do the right thing.
A Call to Action
To anyone reading this who’s guilty of ignoring the brush: it’s time to change. You may think nobody notices, but trust me, they do. And whether they say it out loud or not, you’re building a reputation—not the kind you want to be remembered for.
Clean up after yourself. Show respect for the team. And for the love of all that’s holy, use the brush.
Tour life is chaotic enough without having to navigate unnecessary messes. Let’s work together to make it cleaner, smoother, and more enjoyable for everyone.