So, you finally get the tickets you wanted to see your favourite band.
Then there’s the prep for the concert: hair, makeup, queuing for the perfect spot. The list goes on.
People seem to forget that there’s always the support act before the main artist. They are on the stage for about 30-45 minutes.
Commonly, support acts are a lot smaller in popularity, meaning the majority of the crowd aren’t aware of who they are. So people are likely to use it an excuse to go grab a drink, use the toilet or scroll through social media until they leave the stage.
Most people are unbothered about the performers, but this post is an insight onto why you should support the support acts.
Some support acts can go from performing to crowds as small as 200 people, to then 2000+. This alone can be extremely daunting. If you add on the hum of people talking over your music, eyes on their phones and an extreme lack of interest ,it’s far from exciting.
Preparation and self motivation goes into their sets, so for a dull response it can make artists feel insignificant and even ruin the quality of their performance.
Wallows, a band from California, recently supported Vampire Weekend’s sold out show in the known London venue, Alexandra Palace.
Wallows often play venues with 1000 – 2000 capacity in both America and Europe. The venue in London was at 10,000 capacity, 10 times bigger than usual. That’s nerve wracking alone.
They opened with a 40 minute set and the response from most of the crowd was as expected, quiet.
Although there were a group of fans who showed their support throughout the set. This evidently impressed the band, shown by the smiles they couldn’t hold back.
Guitarist and vocalist, Dylan Minnette, said: “They made me feel good about performing.” To me and
other fans after the show.
Other guitarist and vocalist, Braeden Lemasters also commented: “Playing [this venue] is crazy!”
This showed how bands are always thankful for the crowds support.
Despite them being ‘just’ a support act, it should always be encouraged to show support to them, no matter what.
Next time you’re at a gig, give the support act your attention for that short period of time and make their night.