From the barricades to the backstage, Justin Press has seen it all. As Nickelback’s Security Director, his career spans tour security, photography, concert promotion, music marketing, and podcasting. Now, he joins host Terry Hudson (aka The DreamMaker) on Local Music Somewhere for an inside look at:
- The evolution of touring and live shows
- The challenges of keeping artists safe on the road
- Why storytelling and education matter in music marketing
- The first things he notices when walking into a venue
Tune in for real stories from behind the scenes of rock tours and learn what it takes to thrive in today’s music industry.
Inside the Music Industry with Justin Press – Security Director for Nickelback
Behind the Barricade: Justin Press on Security, Venues, and Protecting the Live Music Experience
The Man Behind the Lens and the Line
When you think of live music security, you probably don’t imagine a guy who can both hold the barricade and capture the perfect concert photo. But that’s exactly what Justin Press does. With a background in professional security and a passion for concert photography, he’s built a career that puts him at the intersection of safety, storytelling, and the raw energy of live music.
rBeatz podcast host Terry Hudson compared him to Roadhouse’s Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliott — a balance of calm control and lived-in wisdom. And that comparison stuck.
“Be nice until it’s not time to be nice.” That’s how Justin explains his philosophy on de-escalation. It’s about presence, posture, and professionalism — not just muscle.
Security as an Art Form
Justin made it clear: security isn’t about intimidation, it’s about reading the room and preventing escalation. Whether it’s a small club, a sprawling festival, or a sold-out arena, the rules change — but the goal doesn’t.
- Clubs: Know the regulars, keep eyes on the small details.
Arenas: Work seamlessly with venue staff and law enforcement. - Festivals: Expect chaos — weather, substances, and sheer numbers all shift the risk level.
It’s a high-stakes job. One wrong call can mean lawsuits, damage to an artist’s reputation, or worse — headlines that overshadow the music itself.
Why Venues Matter
Justin isn’t just focused on security. He’s obsessed with the architecture and soul of venues themselves. As a photographer, he sees every club and arena as a living, breathing character in the story of live music. Old-school arenas, he says, had a grit and energy that modern “corporate” buildings can’t replicate. The problem? Today’s live experience often feels drowned in fees, concession markups, and parking costs. When fans are paying hundreds before the first chord rings out, the connection to the music gets lost.
Lessons for Artists and Managers
What does all this mean for the industry? For Justin, the key is partnership and preparation. Artists and their teams can’t treat security as an afterthought.
“You want your fans to have the best night of their lives. That means making sure they’re safe while they’re doing it.”
Working closely with venue security, setting clear expectations, and respecting the venue’s ecosystem are non-negotiables. When artists get this right, it protects not only the fans — but their own careers.
Takeaways for Industry Pros
- Security is strategy, not muscle. Partner with professionals who prioritize de-escalation and fan safety.
- Venue choice matters. The atmosphere, architecture, and fan experience shape how your live show is remembered.
- Beware over-commercialization. High costs can dilute the magic of live music; balance revenue goals with fan loyalty.
Plan for every scale. From clubs to festivals, tailor your security and logistics to the environment.
Respect the ecosystem. Artists, managers, promoters, and venues must collaborate — one weak link puts everyone at risk.
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