Opening act

As an opening act or supporting act also (English Supporting Act or the opening act ) is called in the music business, bands or artists that occur at a concert before the actual star of the evening, the headliner. The opening acts is usually only a limited time ( usually 20 - 40min ), limited space on the stage, limited use of the lighting system, and under certain circumstances a limited power of the PA.

Commercial Support

In the Club or at smaller festivals, it is common that the opening bands hardly ( petrol money ) or not be compensated or receive only a small fee. At concerts, big stars, however, it is quite common that known bands pay due to the advertising effect, which is associated with a performance as the opening act, but up to 10,000 euros per night for it.

Tour Support

When a tour support band accompanied the headliner on the tour or at least a part of it. This can on the one hand of the other bands Headliners be, on the other hand also bands that are provided by the labels because they do not have enough traction for your own tour, or specifically, to promote an already successful band nationally and internationally. The latter often in conjunction with the international release of a new album, and with correspondingly purchased airplay (see also: Commercial Support ).

Local Support

When Local Support play regional or only nationally known bands that are usually hired by the local organizer. The Local Support is often a win -win situation for both sides, as the local bands get a chance to play with internationally known bands and make contacts that are helpful for a future career. At the same time local bands their core audience bring with often, without whose support would be a tour of the Headliners not possible since this indeed internationally enjoys acquaintance, however, unable to gain traction on local audience to perform their own concerts break even or profitable. For larger concerts also targeted young bands are set by their label for promotional purposes as support (see also: Commercial Support ).