My band is doing a 30 minute opener for a Papa Roach concert next week. Does the opener usually play through the main band's bass rig or do we use our own stage amp? What is the usual etiquette? I won't be able to talk to the band until the day of their concert. I guess I should just bring my little Markbass rig in the car with me - just don't want to step on any toes. Any input from you experienced guys would be much appreciated.
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My band opening for Papa Roach - What is the proper protocol?
- Thread starter bebop1
- Start date
Call the person who is organizing the gig. I doubt you'll be playing through Papa Roach's stuff, but you might have a backline provided.
Whenever we have opened for someone (not as well known as your headliner), we have used the venue's sound reinforcement, but we took our amps up and set them up in front of the headliner's stuff, where we could get them out of the way quickly after our set. As for drums, sometimes our drummer used his own, but a couple of times the headliner let our guy use his kit.
A couple of times when we were the "headliner" (small shows, indeed), I have let the opening bassist use my rig if he wanted to, but we would have an agreement not to mess with the knobs; otherwise, he could just use his.
A couple of times when we were the "headliner" (small shows, indeed), I have let the opening bassist use my rig if he wanted to, but we would have an agreement not to mess with the knobs; otherwise, he could just use his.
Do not ask Papa Roach if you can use their stuff under any circumstances. If it's local to you, chances are you'll have to bring your own backline. If I were you, I'd set up quickly and efficiently without making too much noise (you may not even get much of a soundcheck for a gig like that), don't complain even if things aren't to your liking, and generally just act like a professional. When the soundman asks you to do your line/monitor checks, nobody should play but the person who he's checking at that moment (this is a major source of irritation for a soundman and makes you look bush league if you play over someone else's line check). Always say "please" and "thank you" when you request something from the soundman. Then do whatever soundcheck they give you and get off the stage immediately when you're done and don't come back until showtime. And if the soundman says you need to turn down, for God's sake, do it 
But most of all, act like you belong there. You're an act on a big show, so conduct yourself like a big act. If you meet the guys in Papa Roach, don't act like a fanboy. Just thank them, maybe strike up a short conversation if you have time, and don't hassle them for pictures/autographs until you're sure it's cool. And approach everything you do with the confidence of a band that deserve to play in front of a couple thousand people. Confidence, not arrogance.
Anyway, I know I went on a little longer than you may have wanted, but if you want more opportunities to do stuff like this, I can't tell you how important it is to conduct yourself like you belong there.
But most of all, act like you belong there. You're an act on a big show, so conduct yourself like a big act. If you meet the guys in Papa Roach, don't act like a fanboy. Just thank them, maybe strike up a short conversation if you have time, and don't hassle them for pictures/autographs until you're sure it's cool. And approach everything you do with the confidence of a band that deserve to play in front of a couple thousand people. Confidence, not arrogance.
Anyway, I know I went on a little longer than you may have wanted, but if you want more opportunities to do stuff like this, I can't tell you how important it is to conduct yourself like you belong there.
Thanks guys very helpful. JimmyM, as usual you give me great direct answers. TB is a great resource!
Do not ask Papa Roach if you can use their stuff under any circumstances. If it's local to you, chances are you'll have to bring your own backline. If I were you, I'd set up quickly and efficiently without making too much noise (you may not even get much of a soundcheck for a gig like that), don't complain even if things aren't to your liking, and generally just act like a professional. When the soundman asks you to do your line/monitor checks, nobody should play but the person who he's checking at that moment (this is a major source of irritation for a soundman and makes you look bush league if you play over someone else's line check). Always say "please" and "thank you" when you request something from the soundman. Then do whatever soundcheck they give you and get off the stage immediately when you're done and don't come back until showtime. And if the soundman says you need to turn down, for God's sake, do it
But most of all, act like you belong there. You're an act on a big show, so conduct yourself like a big act. If you meet the guys in Papa Roach, don't act like a fanboy. Just thank them, maybe strike up a short conversation if you have time, and don't hassle them for pictures/autographs until you're sure it's cool. And approach everything you do with the confidence of a band that deserve to play in front of a couple thousand people. Confidence, not arrogance.
Anyway, I know I went on a little longer than you may have wanted, but if you want more opportunities to do stuff like this, I can't tell you how important it is to conduct yourself like you belong there.
+1
Jacobe is a very nice guy, but listen to Jimmy. Bring your own gear, but make it smart for a quick load in-out. Dont worry about huge amp rigs, as you WILL have a decent sound system. Make sure you can tear your gear down quick. If you have your own sound person, make sure he/she gets in and introduces him/her self to the house engineers/sound company system tech, or whoever. Bring your own dynamics (compressors/gates/fx/etc..) with your own looms as well, cuz you probably wont have any of the house stuff to use. Make sure you have point to point inserts as well as TRS type.
Its also very cool if you have a pro looking stage plot, and input list as well. Helps the poor saps who will help YOU.
Typically you will have a 10-30 setup sound check before doors. You will have about 5 minutes to strike. O yeah, and don't suck.
Your last advice is the bestIts also very cool if you have a pro looking stage plot, and input list as well. Helps the poor saps who will help YOU.
Typically you will have a 10-30 setup sound check before doors. You will have about 5 minutes to strike. O yeah, and don't suck.
, but yes, absolutely send the sound company a stage plot and input list before you get to the gig, and bring a copy to the gig just in case they forget it.Thanks for all the advice guys - I'll follow it all. 4 days till we open for Papa Roach and the band is rehearsing like nuts. We have a social to play tomorrow night so that will help us get our battle faces on for the big event next week.
I don't really have anything to add to what has already been said.
I just wanted to say good luck and remember to enjoy it.
I just wanted to say good luck and remember to enjoy it.
Perfect answer.Do not ask Papa Roach if you can use their stuff under any circumstances. If it's local to you, chances are you'll have to bring your own backline. If I were you, I'd set up quickly and efficiently without making too much noise (you may not even get much of a soundcheck for a gig like that), don't complain even if things aren't to your liking, and generally just act like a professional. When the soundman asks you to do your line/monitor checks, nobody should play but the person who he's checking at that moment (this is a major source of irritation for a soundman and makes you look bush league if you play over someone else's line check). Always say "please" and "thank you" when you request something from the soundman. Then do whatever soundcheck they give you and get off the stage immediately when you're done and don't come back until showtime. And if the soundman says you need to turn down, for God's sake, do it
But most of all, act like you belong there. You're an act on a big show, so conduct yourself like a big act. If you meet the guys in Papa Roach, don't act like a fanboy. Just thank them, maybe strike up a short conversation if you have time, and don't hassle them for pictures/autographs until you're sure it's cool. And approach everything you do with the confidence of a band that deserve to play in front of a couple thousand people. Confidence, not arrogance.
Anyway, I know I went on a little longer than you may have wanted, but if you want more opportunities to do stuff like this, I can't tell you how important it is to conduct yourself like you belong there.
/thread.
I thought Papa Roach had split up years ago until I recently discovered a friend of mine was on their street team promoting their new album! I couldn't believe they were still plugging away since Nu Metal and their major success with Infest died! Hope the show goes well bud!
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement. The show is tomorrow (Monday) and we just heard yesyerday that it is sold out. We're as ready as we can be and are taking today (day before) off.
Okay, so what exactly is a stage plot (where everybody is?) and input list (what instruments you have?) because I've never heard of them, and I can only guess. 
Okay, so what exactly is a stage plot (where everybody is?) and input list (what instruments you have?) because I've never heard of them, and I can only guess.
Something Like this. Make it simple, and ledgable.
I agree with what has been voiced and illustrated above. I would also like to add that someone thought well enough of your band to include you on the venue. Do not be 'awe struck' and do not be bullied. Years ago we were playing warm-up for the Dixie Dregs. They were using our road PA. Their road manager showed up and began bullying our guy until one of us backed him down. He apologized and everything went well. Believe in yourself and be professional and courtious; but, also expect to treated in the same way and do not be disrespected.
