Marvin Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 I don't get to go to gigs very much, however, for the half dozen or so I've got to in the last year I suppose. What was noticeable was that support bands basically played to themselves and the sound engineer. When the headline band were to start playing the room fills up. To an extent I suppose it's always been so, but it seemed much more obvious to me that support bands weren't being supported. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 What size gigs were these Marvin? A couple of years back I tour managed for a US blues guitarist supporting Gary Moore. He got great audiences every night until Hammersmith. I introduced the band on stage every night and when I stepped out on stage for that one I might as well have nipped around the hall and introduced the band personally to the few that were in there. Luckily, they were so good, within two songs they'd drawn a respectable crowd in from the bar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheddatom Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 I usually get to gigs right at the start and haven't noticed this. If anything the crowd tends to thin out for the headline act on a local multi-band gig. Are you going to big "name" gigs or to small local gigs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted November 3, 2015 Author Share Posted November 3, 2015 Around 250-300 capacity (or about that). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 Seems mad to be going to gigs of that size and not going for the whole bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevB Posted November 3, 2015 Share Posted November 3, 2015 There is also a change in how some venues use their space. Now some of them want 2 different sets of people paying to go in the same venue same night in 2 sessions - live act on, get them out then get new set in for a club night. Result - bands all on early which means support on stupidly early playing to no one because punters can barely make it in time from work to make the main act let alone anyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheddatom Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 yes, good point, a few of the local venues round here will have the first act on at 7 or 7:30, which is just about doable for the local fans, but not really for anyone travelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevB Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Back in the old days people might be more likely to take a gamble with an unknown support. Bands now have so much more exposure via the internet that it is easier for people to get an idea what they are like in advance and if it's not to their taste may decide not to bother turning up until later? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 back in the 70's at Newcastle city hall the support slot was the time everyone spent at the bar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 I think it depends on the size/type of venue; for smaller ones I try to get there in time for the support bands, watch them & have a few pints. But for bigger venues & more well known acts the cost of the drinks & tickets is just so high that sometimes I'll miss the support so I can have a few reasonably priced drinks around the corner - otherwise it just turns into a ridiculously expensive evening, especially if I know they're not really my bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacko Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 I must be getting old. Nowadays I won't have a drink before a gig cos I don't want to have to miss any of the show visiting the loo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 It`s one of those things that just happens and the support bands just have to work really hard to overcome it. If you sound good from outside people will poke their heads through the door and if they like what they hear, stay. They`ll then tell their mates about you. It`s the only way, build up a following slowly, gig in different areas of the country and do the same, all helps. I wouldn`t say we`re a big band by any means, but in a year and a half of gigging we`ve gone from being unknown to now getting good support slots/festivals, and having a good few people buy our merch and talk to us at gigs about their fave tracks etc. The "old ways" really are the way to do it, put in the hard graft, play to 6 people like you`re playing to 6000, don`t throw strops cos the venues empty, thank the sound guy who has just had his easiest night in ages, be nice to the one punter who comes up to you and chats about music. All of this goes a long way to climbing up the ladder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 I think part of the problem is people going out later anyway - pre drinking at home because it's cheaper then heading out. That surely has an impact upon the amount of "passing trade" you might get as a support act on stage at 9pm or so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Yeah that has to be a part of it, as is in my view having 5 bands on a bill starting at 7 or 7.30. If I were a promoter I`d only have bands on from 8.30 if venue open till 11, 9 if open til 12, with 3 bands max on the bill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RockfordStone Posted November 4, 2015 Share Posted November 4, 2015 (edited) Where we are it is not uncommon for bills to be made of bands of differing genres, especially on a local level. I've seen hard rock bands supported by indie acoustic acts. When you mix up bands like that, it's hardly surprising that people don't stay for all the bands. We also get a lot of local support acts support bigger acts, normally the people who come to see the bigger bands have no love the scene so won't bother to watch the support. there are also a lot of "go to" bands around here, who will get on bills because of their ease and availability, so often will some play that the interest in them wanes due to being on so much. just some observations Edited November 4, 2015 by RockfordStone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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