Every band wants to be the headliner. You get the most amount of stage time, the most space on the concert poster, and sometimes the extras the make a show really special (like light effects) are reserved for headliners. The headliner generally has the larger audience. This might be true, but between both bands, the opener has much more to gain from a well executed show, and should do everything possible to maximize the opportunity.
The lift that being an opener on the right tour can provide is incredible:
In 2008, Lady Gaga opened for New Kids on the block and the Pussy Cat Dolls with her debut album. By 2009, she had a #1 song on Billboard.
Lizzos opens for HAIM in 2018 and has the #1 song two years later.
Billie Eilish opened for Florence and the Machine in 2018 and had a #1 song in 2019.
In 2008, Taylor Swift opened for Rascal Flatts and her first #1 song in 2012.
ConcertHub helps execute next-level fan engagement, helping shows become more impactful to your long-term success.
The benefits of opening
Bands with a solid growth strategy treat opening for other bands as a marketing and sales
activity. With a focus on clear outcomes, bands can devise tactics that drive engagement.
One of the largest opportunities for openers to take advantage of is the ability to introduce themselves and their catalog to a new set of fans. The headliner may have some heavy lifting to bring awareness to the show, and people are going to show up for them. These fans already listen to the headliners music, might have a vinyl copy of an album, and are probably wearing that band’s hoodie at the show.
But for the opener, this can be a brand new fan. None of these critical milestones have been reached. The lifetime value of this listener to the popularity and monetary success of the opener is untapped. If bands implement strategies to move more of the audience through this funnel, they will experience more immediate and long term success. The audience likely has attributes that make them ideal fans; they support live music, already buy merch, and if the lineup has been built intentionally, they are a fan of the genre or similar artist. All the opener has to do is make it easy for the audience to take those critical first steps on the journey to a super fan.
ConcertHub is a fan engagement platform that gives fans access to a live updating setlist, social media accounts, and merchandise. With a single tap, audience members can add songs from the entire lineup to their Apple Music or Spotify libraries.
Grow in your genre
An intentionally crafted lineup can accelerate awareness and growth for all bands playing the show. Ideally these bands are in the same or complimentary genres. The excitement builds with each act to sustain the audience's energy late into the night. When done well, the show flows like a cohesive set of supporting acts. When done poorly, the energy gets sucked out of the room and fans go from listening to inattentive. If a band is going to slow it down, they need to bring back the energy before passing off to the next artist.
The benefits of touring with a popular band in your genre can extend far past the end of the of a tour. Fans in the audience that connect with your music are likely to recommend it to friends they know enjoy the headliner. It also gives them a frame of reference by which they can reference your band. “Have you heard of ____? They’re this awesome band I discovered on the _____ tour.” Helping fans make these natural connections.
ConcertHub creates a unified experiences for attendees that include elements from every band in the lineup. This streamlined user interface encourages your newest fans to take critical next steps that help the band grow.
Opening is what you make it - so make it great
Despite the coveted nature of being a headliner, being an opener is the not just a right of passage for band. It’s a real opportunity to connect with a new audience, and start listeners on the path to fandom. Don’t just show up, show off. Give the crowd a show to remember, and use ConcertHub to increase your chances of connection.
Want to learn more about ConcertHub and how it can help you make the most of your opening slots? Visit concerthub.app or reach out to info@concerthub.app to schedule a demo.
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