In a few weeks time we're opening for a proper established and reasonably well-known band. It's the first time we've ever done this and I'm somewhat nervous.
Anyone who has done this, what can I expect? Obviously we're expecting to bring all our equipment but, as a general rule, are we likely to be able to use the venue's mics and PA and soundman and stuff or are we likely to need to supply our own?
These are obviously things I could ask the booking agent but I don't want to admit my ignorance to them so thought I'd admit it to the wider public on an internet forum instead...
check with
the venue/promoter about equipment and sound person.
things to expect,
-other bands won't talk to you.
-other bands will take years to soundcheck, you will get 30 seconds.
-when they go on stage steal their left over rider (the free booze that bands get)
-remeber that it is mainly just luck of being in right place at the right time that got everybody else there where they are now so screw them if they are rude and ignore you. for the length of your set you are the star.
have fun
things not to do...
don't ask band members about equipment.
it is boring, they either don't care and will say yes it is nice isn't it and walk away
or
will turn into a geek and tell bore the arse off you for the next hour while they should be soundchecking and slowing everything down.
Don't worry - I hate conversations about equipment.
90210
This is my experience too! even being main support to a big band you get similar treatment! Unless it's Pigeon Detectives, they are the nicest peeps we've supported! So much they asked us back again and again! Yay!
where is the gig?
sone bigger venues can be a bit wanky but the promoter should tell you exactly what you need to do.
Aldershot West End Centre.
Can't see them being that wanky all told.
then just ask the promoter
he/she shouldnt assume you know anything. you're only asking anyway.
They're no different to any other gig.
You may have to use your own equipment, or they may offer to let you use theirs. They may talk to you or they may not.
If you're expected to bring your own sound guy you should have already been told - and I've not come across that scenario before. Mikes and PA will be supplied by the house.
I'm probably being paranoid...
.
you'll definitely be able to use the venue's mics/PA/mic stands etc
And they'll have an 'in house' sound guy.
and Blood Red Shoes are really nice, so you should have an easy go of it
Ace.
They asked the agent to put us on, rather than the booking agent trying to force us on 'em, so I was hoping they wouldn't be too contemptuous...
It's all a bit scary though. I'm convinced I'm gonna manage some kind of embarrassing faux-pas that I'll regret for the rest of my life.
if it is BRS
they're fine and are easy enough to chat to, but even though there are only 2 of them they will take a bit of time to soundcheck!
They stole my iron, so drink as much as you see a smart price (or equivalent) iron to have cost me, then blame it on that.
I'll be sure to do this...
...but will it mean that, if at some point in the future we should ever meet, I'd technically owe you an iron?
...
They weren't nice to me when I supported them.
Oh wait, I didn't talk to them. Never mind.
Cool.
Cheers. The sound guy was one thing I actually did ask the booking agent (bar the obvious "what time do you want us there/what time are we on/how long for?" questions.
I feel a bit silly now.
you'd feel sillier
if you turned up and there was nobody to do your sound. It's not that silly a question anyways.
True...
This is all really appreciated - thanks!
Chances are
you'll have 15 minutes tops to setup and soundcheck, aside from that it will be hunky dory. Just have a blast.
just make sure
you do your vocal warm ups. wouldn't want to hit any bum notes.
;)
Well, exactly.
Especially if we do Danny Boy, Abide With Me and Nessun Dorma in our set...
Bring your own cuddly toys
They won't even supply those?
:(
When is it?
I know people in Aldershot, people who worked for the Westie even, I can MAKE them go and see you.
6 Februrary
It's a Wednesday and we're on first, unsurprisingly.
I'll SORT it
Ace...