Sharing a Show with a Metalcore Band.....Thoughts?

[OPBASSMAN1994]

So long story short, we have the chance to split the cost of renting a HUGE venue with a Metalcore band that we know some of the members of. This was their invitation, which means that they don't mind having a totally different kind of band at the same show and they must like our music to a degree, and they have a big local following so we would get exposure that would otherwise not happen, but after listening to their demo tracks online, I just don't know...

First of all, we're both Christian-based bands, so the conflict of what we write about/sing (or in their case....scream) about is nonexistent.

However, I just don't know that it would be a good idea for us to essentially be their opening act. We're a prog-rock band, and they're total metal. If a lot of the crowd is expecting a metal show, we might not be so well recieved by them.

Now the option of adding a third, different band exists, which could make it like three totally different concerts in the form of a festival, which might just work....

though it might not be a lot, we'd get cash out of it (5 dollar tix split between the bands that play), and possibly a large exposure. I'm just not sure.


Opinions?

[tangentmusic]

You express yourself in your title. If you have a bad feeling about it, don't ignore that feeling.
You really need to count the costs here, literally and figurativey.
What would your portion of the venue rental cost? Would you be responsible for security or lack thereof? Or other logistical aspects of the responsbility of renting a hall. Would there be a good chance of breaking even or making a bit? You don't want to loose money or gain any behind the scenes headaches on this proposition.
Many times, bands of different styles can make a gig work well. Sometimes it's the opposite. If you are the opening act, it could work to your advantage in that people that would not normally go see a progressive band could be impressed and you could add to to your fan base. Opening acts rarely win the entire audience over, but can gain some of them. You could get some bigger exposure. On the other hand, you seem hesitant to pair up with this band based on your review of their songs. Tough call. Some would say a gig's a gig - do it! Go with your gut on this. Learning more details about the gig may help in your decision.
As they say: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

[OPBASSMAN1994]

That's true. And I'm not sure on costs yet. I'll get back to you on that when I know.

[IncX]

two questions:

1.) can you handle a potentially hostile audience?
2.) how important is this gig (will it promote you big time, will you be making money)?

i think you'll know how to proceed after you answer those.

[superbassman2000]

when i was in a blues band, the bar we were playing at booked us alongside a scremo band, and two death metal bands lol
we fired our manager shortly thereafter.

in your case, depending on what you consider prog rock (to me, prog rock has a very open definition), i say go for it. a prog rock band opening for a metal act is better than country opening for metal, and I am sure a few people will dig you, and a bunch won't. Of course, as openers, you could be a spoken word/bongos and in the same crowd, some will dig you and a bunch won't...that's the joy of being openers just pick your hardest rocking songs and go for it.

[String Theory]

I would talk it over with my band mates. I wonder if they have similar concerns. However since that band asked you to play they must feel their audience will like you.

[IconBasser]

eh, I dunno, from my experience, most metal heads also like prog-type music. I would go for it, but that's just me. You can always bill yourself as the band for the fans to get high to before the main act comes on

[OPBASSMAN1994]

to IconBasser, I highly doubt that people will get high to a Christian Prog Rock band. :P

That's not exactly the image we want to present either!



I've thought of this though: If Glass Harp (Christian Prog/Psych Rock Trio from the early 70's) can open for Alice Cooper (who was considered pretty heavy stuff at the time), I guess we could do this. I'm just getting some info at the moment, though, to figure out the details. Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'll keep you posted.

[fenderhutz]

Are there any terms of this on paper? Splitting 5 dollar tickets sales, splitting PA costs, security costs, facility costs etc etc etc.

The exposure might be great, but you might not get one red cent.

[OPBASSMAN1994]

I'll write up a document once the details are worked out. That is a good point though. Thanks.