I understand the package deal thing but on nights that have two-band bills (maybe 75% of shows?), there typically is 60-90 minutes of nothingness between doors and the first band. Why not put a local band on those bills? It would have zero effect on time, get a local band some good exposure and cost next to nothing (I doubt the bands I am thinking of would ask for much of a paycheck). I have wondered this for years. No other club in town has as much downtime between doors and show than the 930.
Because the headliner wants to control as many aspects of the show as they can, to make sure that their performance isn't compromised, or they're not inconvenienced, in any way. If touring with a support, by a few shows into the tour they've worked out all production aspects, stage configurations etc. between themselves and settled into a procedure between the bands and their tour personnel. To add a local act introduces an unknown into their scenario. Gear needs to be moved onstage to make room for another act?there's a chance something onstage could get moved or damaged by an opener?load-ins have to be earlier for everyone, band personnel and house crew, in order to provide enough time to set up and sound check an additional band before doors. Not only does this add more time to the production schedule, it also increases personnel costs. It would be great if there were more opportunities to add a local opener on these shows, but it's really not as simple as you might think.
Thank you all for the nice comments about the CP interview. I pretty much just lurk on this board these days, but I've learned a lot from you all over the years about up & coming bands, cool events around town, etc., and cats.
