How to get a sweet opening slot gig?

[Enjolras56]

Hey fellow RT'ers

I hope this isn't OT for this forum

I know some of you guys have done some pretty cool opening slot gigs for some major bands. Doesn't need to be the Staples Center (not yet at least ) but even for some of the majors that gig venues like House Of Blues or what not.

I really think this is the next step for my band and I know we're worthy. We're in L.A. so it goes without saying there's A LOT of competition, but we're up for it.

Do we need a good agent/manager? Just send in our stuff bands' management that kinda fits our audience?

Would appreciate some advice on this from you guys

 

[155]

yes get a manager who knows the right people or your fucked

 

[mightywarlock]

most of the time, here in L.A., it's really easy to open up for anyone.

However, the crappy promoters will probably want you to sell tickets, like 50 @ 10 a pop, and turn in the money (like $500 or so) in order to keep the slot.

Most of the stuff you see in the LA Weekly is this way.

 

[JonVengeance]

There are two ways to get good opening slots:

1. Make good music and get a decent following and reputation

2. Be willing to pay money or sell tickets to get that slot

I'd shoot for #1. Also, getting a manager is worthless. It's just a waste of money unless you are on a major label. We book all shows ourselves and have opened for plenty of relatively big metal bands.

 

[Mr. Burton]

Payoff the club owner. I know of a band that paid a club owner $10k to open for Mudvayne about a decade ago. Better if you have a manager then you can potentially sidestep or greatly reduce your out of pocket expense. Larger venues generally have someone in charge of booking local talent for opening slots. This is another place where a manager would come in handy. Make sure your manager suits your purpose. There are several types with varying degrees of specialization.

Another option would be to contact their booking agent and negotiate a guarantee for a smaller venue close to where the act is touring. Always get the agreement in writing. You can pay an attorney to draft a simple contract if you lack the ability. The booking agent for Dope contacted us once asking to be added to our bill as a headliner. They wanted $5k, hotel, and deli tray for a glorified pub gig with 5 regional up and comers. No thanks.

Many national acts do not allow an opener. I was once contacted by a promoter to open for Slayer, In Flames, and Down The Sun at a large hall. We did not secure the agreement in writing and Slayer moved the date to a smaller venue so they would be at capacity. In turn they cut Down The Sun and us from the bill.

 

[Enjolras56]

Great advice so far. Thanks guys.

 

[primerib]

1) don't suck
2) if you do suck, sell tickets to get the spot instead

/thread