What it's Like to Be an Opening Act For a Major Artist
Ever wondered what it's like to be the opening act for a major artist? Explore insights into the highs, challenges, and unique experiences in the music industry spotlight.


Photo credit: Magesh Magesh
People can play in different bands for years without getting a big break. I have toured with many artists who opened for major artists. Although you may play in a stadium or larger concert halls there are things you should know if you get this opportunity.
1. People are paying to see the headline act
This one sentence will dictate how you get treated on tour.
Although the opening band and the headline act will use the same engineer, there will be a massive difference in the time each band gets to sound check. In fact, most opening bands don't even get a sound check! They get what's called a 'line check'.
This means the sound engineer will make sure the instruments are working properly. You may get to run 2 or 3 song's but that will be the extent of it.
2. Where do we eat?
Any major act will have professional caterers on tour serving 5-star meals to the artist, band, and crew at the venue where they are performing. I opened for Justin Timberlake on his Australian tour with a new inexperienced pop singer. When it came to eating we walked right into the Justin Timberlake catering area. I knew we weren't meant to be there. The food was so good I could justify being thrown out just for the sirloin steak!
On the second night, Justin Timberlake's manager politely told the inexperienced pop singer's manager that we weren't meant to eat there.
If you are an opening act, don't expect catering. If you are lucky you may get a map to the nearest McDonald's.
3. What do I get paid?
We played venues that held up to 10,000 people for 8 nights in a row. If you think about what a ticket costs you would think the opening band would be paid a fortune. If you thought that, you would be wrong!
The idea of a support band is that they will get massive exposure playing to the headliner's audience. I would have the same money playing a wedding as I did playing with a pop singer opening for Justin Timberlake.
4. What equipment should I bring?
On a major tour, it is most likely you will be using backline gear. (hired equipment). For drummers, I recommend bringing your own snare, pedals, and cymbals. For guitar players obviously bring your own guitar, and also a pedal board.
I also recommend bringing spare strings and sticks and other things that are likely to break after repeated use.
5. What if my equipment breaks when coming off the plane?
When you check in your equipment at the airport they will ask you if it's fragile. If you say yes, they will put a sticker on it saying it's fragile. The downside is, that they will make you sign a waiver saying they are not responsible if it does break.
Never tell them your equipment is fragile. Fragile is an ambiguous word so you are not doing anything wrong. Also, you will thank me when the airline inevitably breaks the neck of your guitar.
6. Why you need to play your best regardless of whether you are tired or jetlagged.
There is a great story about the famous drummer John Blackwell. He was playing a small concert with soul singer Patti Labelle. By chance, Prince was watching the concert from the side of the stage. John didn't know this. After the show, Prince came up to him and told him he wanted him to play in his band.
When you open for a major artist, people will see you perform every night which can help your career. Managers, artists, label owners, and other musicians.
7. The environment
When you open for major artists, there will be a lot of social events after the show. Mainly after parties. These are a great opportunity to network with people in the music business.
That being said it will also be an environment where people can get out of control with different substances. I've seen many musicians lose a gig because they turned up high or drunk.
Enjoy yourself but don't do anything that is detrimental to your music career especially after you have worked so hard to get this opportunity in the first place.
Conclusion
Opening for a major artist can really help you get your music in front of a new audience that can accelerate your career. Make sure to go into this situation with your eyes open and have realistic expectations.
If you keep at it you may be flying in a private jet once you are a headline act!

About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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