We Learned Supporting a Bigger Band (And What We Got Wrong)

Getting asked to support a bigger band is a massive opportunity for any unsigned act. It’s validation. A platform. A packed room that didn’t come for you - but might leave remembering your name.

But while the excitement’s real, so are the mistakes you can make if you don’t think ahead.

We’ve been there. Nerves high. Group chat buzzing. Everyone scrambling to make sure gear, setlists and van times all line up. The bigger band’s fans are already queuing at the door and suddenly this doesn’t feel like any old show - because it’s not.

Here’s what we learned from doing it… and what we got wrong.

First, we thought the crowd would automatically care. They didn’t. They were polite - sure — but they weren’t there for us. And that’s fine. That’s the point. You’re not the main event. Your job is to win them over, not assume you already have. If you’re lucky, you’ll have 30 seconds to make them lean in. Use it.

We learned that energy matters more than polish. We were so focused on playing perfectly that we forgot to perform. Meanwhile, the headliners came out later, hit a bum note in the second track and still had the room eating out of their hand. Why? Because they owned it. They connected. They made people feel something. That’s the goal.

Another mistake? We didn’t talk enough. Not to the audience - to the other bands, the sound techs, the promoters. Everyone backstage is watching how you carry yourself. Show up early. Be respectful. Say thanks. Offer to help. That’s what gets you remembered - and rebooked.

We also missed a trick on merch. We brought a box of shirts but left them at the back of the room. No signs, no prices, no one managing the table. Result? Barely any sales. Meanwhile, another band had a basic light-up sign, someone chatting to fans and a line after their set. We had the same crowd - they just used it better.

We did get a few things right. We promoted the show hard in advance. We had a tight, well-paced set that didn’t overstay its welcome. And we made sure our links and social handles were visible everywhere - from our banner to the mic stand to our final shout before the last song hit.

But most importantly, we followed up. We messaged the promoter to say thanks. We tagged the venue, the headliner, the fans. We posted clips the next day. We turned a single slot into a week of content. And that’s how you build momentum.

Supporting a bigger band is a gift. But it’s not a shortcut. You still have to earn every fan, every sale, every handshake. You don’t rise just by being on the same stage - you rise by making sure people remember you after you’ve walked off it.