STAGE ETIQUETTE - Part 1: Set up

This entry will deal directly with setting up gear on stage. There are several specific ways that this is handled, depending on the schedule of the show and size of venue, but most fall into two categories:

1. Back lining
2. Loading on stage during the changeover

When back lining, you are setting up your gear on stage to create a smoother changeover between anyone playing before you and your own performance. So, don’t throw all your gear up on stage willy-nilly with no respect or regard to other performers. You’re trying to save some time, so make it easy to change between their set and yours by organizing your shit well. If you’re playing first, that’s even better and easier. Everything should be set up on stage and ready to go as far before your set time as is possible. Shit always goes wrong at shows, so budget yourself twice as much time as you think it will take.

When loading on stage during the show, be fucking prepared!! Have your gear as set up as possible off stage somewhere. This is particularly aimed at drummers because of the amount of time it takes to set up a kit, but it applies to everyone. Uncase any gear that can uncased. Set up any stands that can be set up. Don’t scramble around trying to figure it out while the band before you is hitting their last chord. You want to make the most of the time you have on stage, so be quick and efficient during the changeover.

I know there’s a bunch of shit that can go wrong with a changeover that are out of your control, which is all the more reason to be as prepared as possible. And speaking of that: HELP THE BAND PLAYING BEFORE YOU LOAD OFF THE STAGE! I know that some people are a bit picky about other people touching their gear, but at least offer to help them get their stuff off stage. It will clear room for you to finish setting up.

This is starting to delve into next week’s entry already (possibly my biggest complaint about some band’s behaviour), so I’ll leave it there for now.

Next week: STAGE ETIQUETTE – Part 2: Loading off stage.