Load-in is the first appointment of the show day, and everything after it moves when it moves. The time is agreed during advancing and printed on the day sheet.
What happens
- Park, find the right door, walk the route to the stage
- Cases in, empties out to a store
- Backline placed to the stage plot, then patched to the input list
- PA and lights checked by the house crew, often before the artist arrives
How long it takes
A DJ needs 20 minutes. A club band with its own backline needs an hour to 90 minutes. A production tour off a truck loads for three to five hours with Local crew.
What slows it down
Stairs, a lift too small for a bass cabinet, a street with no loading bay, or a stage still holding last night's rig. Ask about access and crew numbers while advancing, because none of it improves by being discovered at 10:00.