Walk-up is the last part of the count and the least predictable. Most of it arrives in the hour before doors.
What drives it
- The venue's own audience, who come for the room rather than the name
- Weather, and whether the show falls on a Friday or a Tuesday
- Word of mouth after a good show in the same city
- A ticket price low enough for a spontaneous decision
Rough numbers
Established European clubs often take 10 to 20 percent of the house at the door. Festivals and out-of-town rooms see almost none. A show sitting at 60 percent two days out is not necessarily a 60 percent show.
What it changes
The promoter holds tickets back and staffs the box office for it. For the artist it matters at settlement on a Door deal, because walk-up money is counted alongside the presold tickets and paid out the same night.