Support slot

[TheUnderTow]

Does anybody know what a new band could expect to be paid for it's first support slot on a short UK tour? The main band are also fairly new but have a strong following... Obviously just a VERY rough approximation would be good...

[saxy_jag]

Just asked hubby (he's an ops man at a concert venue). He said, "b*gger all, if they get fifty quid, they're doing well!"

Basically, bands get experience and exposure for this, which is far more valuable than money and dressing-room beer.

[TheUnderTow]

lol!! I'll cancel the order on that Aston Martin then!

[Mortartube]

I went on tour as a backline roadie in the late 80's and the support band were expected to pay the promoter, not the other way around. The support also had their own caravan that they lived in and shared. Pretty cramped and uncomfortable by all accounts for almost 2 months travelling the highways and byways of the UK.

[saxy_jag]

If you think you might have something to offer, the Summer Sundae Weekender festival has a stage for unsigned bands, which is frequented by 'real' agents. Send a demo CD to De Montfort Hall and see what they say. You have nothing to lose.

[scarletpimp]

Must admit I've always thought the support PAID rather than get paid.
Sorry and all that.

[andy-hughes]

It does vary considerably - a major band can invite a favourite band tro support them, and there weill usually be all expenses paid, and a fee as well. A lesser known band may take even lesser known labelmates out with them - Lostprophets are taking Bring Me The Horizon, so probably both bands will be underwritten by their record comapny, with maybe a lesser fee for BMTH. As advised, the support usually want the exposure of a bigger band's audience, and that is where the 'buy-on' system comes in - a band can pay for a support slot and maybe be able to sell their own merchanidisng, which is highly lucrative even at that level, so can be worth doing.

It's a case of ask and see, but don;t be heartbroken if the answer is no fee, unless it comes from the support act!