The Opening Act

"Rise Of The Opening Act," was last Friday's entertainment section cover story for The Wall Street Journal with a secondary headline of, "Now it's often the headlining artists- not the promoters or the labels- who choose the bands playing first. Show up early."

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303640104577436361300474458.html

As I read the article, it made me think about all the shows I've seen or worked over the years and I realized how often the majority of seats were vacant at the start of the opener's set. Maybe because I'm a music lover I've always tried to catch the opener even if I wasn't familiar with their material or sound. Sometimes I became a fan for life (Radiohead) and sometimes I've stepped out for a beer (Big Head Todd & the Monsters). Either way I'm always excited to see who's opening for who. It rarely sways my opinion on if I'll attend a show, but it can add to the excitement for the night to come.

I always write the name of the opener  on the back of my concert ticket or pass to serve as a reminder for when I flip back through my collection. Thanks to Sheryl Crow I've seen some amazing openers including Semisonic. Without them as an opener, I may never have become familiar with Dan Wilson- the very talented singer, songwriter and producer.

I forget sometimes all the people I've seen as openers and I'm happy to hear that all artists, not just big time draws are gaining more control over who they share the stage with. So as the summer concert season heats up check out the opener, you may just be surprised with who you see and how good they are!


My Top Ten Opening Acts:
1. 1995 Radiohead for R.E.M.
2. 2006 Sugarland for Kenny Chesney
3. 2000 Travis for Oasis
4. 1999 Semisonic for Sheryl Crow
5. 1997 The Wallflowers for Sheryl Crow
6. 2001 Pete Yorn for Semisonic
7. 2002 Michelle Branch for Sheryl Crow
8. 2012 Matt Nathanson for Kelly Clarkson
9. 2000 Tonic for Third Eye Blind
10. 1999 Lucinda Williams for Tom Petty