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Steve Bradley's avatar

Personally, there are few better things than discovering a new band live - festivals are perfect for this. So, I'd say unfamiliarity breeds content!

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Gayle Ramage's avatar

Ha, you could be right!

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Colin Weston's avatar

I come at it from different angles. One is the former tour booker/promoter who worked with smaller bands and performers to get those sorts of slots to hopefully win some new fans. At least you plan to be there for the opening acts as not all do.

Now as a fan, I will get there for all the acts but if you dont have me intrigued by song 3, I may go to the merch table or bar. That’s no reflection on them, just the connection to me. Some of the best bands I have ever seen have been support acts so just listen and see if they do it for you. Sometimes the less you know the better :)

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Gayle Ramage's avatar

Thanks for your comments, Colin. Goodness, I wouldn't dream of not being there for the opening act, unless it's something out of my control. I've since listened to quite a few songs of this gig's opening act and I really like them so I'll definitely be staying put while they perform.

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Barry Eby's avatar

Fortunately, there's no wrong answer. If the opening act has the crowd's attention, I think they'll take that as a victory unto itself. But I'm sure they appreciate seeing someone in the front row singing along!

That said, I agree with Steve Bradley about the joy of discovery. The first time I saw Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, you can't imagine my surprise to see people slam dancing... to a washboard!

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Gayle Ramage's avatar

Thanks, Barry. And that gig you attended sounds very intriguing!

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