Q & A
Each month, MusicBizAdvice.com answers your questions about the music industry.
Difference Between Opening Act (Support
Act) and
Co-headline Billing?
Q.
What’s
the difference, between an Opening Act and Co-headline billing (if
any)?—D.E.
A. Although
in both cases two artists will perform on the stage at a concert,
Co-headline billing is always better in terms of stature, and usually in
terms of compensation as well.
As a Support Act (also known as the Opening Act), the artist opens the show, usually receives a
support
act fee that’s comparatively much smaller than what the headliner receives,
gets minimal stage space and sound and lights, gets a short set, and may or
may not be mentioned in advertising for the show. (Note: Your agent should
still always try to get your name mentioned as in the billing if you’re the
only opening act and the show is booked far enough to make ad deadlines).
When an ad for a concert says “With Special Guest,” that’s essentially an opening act
with an effective agent.
In a Co-headline, an artist shares headline billing with another artist of
equal stature. Their performance fees are similar (or in the case of a
percentage deal, the two artists split it equally), they get equal treatment
in all advertising for the show, and they get equal stage space and sound
and lights. Finally, their set lengths are roughly equal, or in the case of
a tour, they alternate who gets the shorter set each night.
A Co-headline is often a string of dates or a whole tour, and the two
artists usually take turns closing the show on alternate nights…as was the
case of Styx and REO Speedwagon, who have done several tours as
Co-headliners.
Hope that helps!
Randi Reed
Editor-in-Chief / Founder
MusicBizAdvice.com
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