The support act opens the room. Short set, shared backline, and whatever floor space is left once the headliner's gear is in position.
What the slot gives you
- 20 to 35 minutes in front of an audience that is not yours yet
- A merch table beside the headliner's, on their traffic
- A relationship with a promoter and a venue for the next booking
What the slot takes
An early load-in, a Line check instead of a soundcheck, and the front third of the stage. Fees are small: local openers in European clubs are paid between nothing and €250, sometimes with a merch share instead of cash.
How to get the most from it
Play tight, play short, and finish on time, because the changeover after you belongs to somebody else. Sell from the table yourself between sets. Ask the promoter for the door count afterwards, since a good opening slot in the right room is how a headline show there starts.