The Overlooked Importance of Opening Acts
The Band, Been Stellar Opening for Inhaler in 2025, Philadelphia, Credit: Mallory Kestner
Over the past year, I have attended countless concerts, and somewhere along the way, there’s one belief I’ve come to stand by: never skip the opening act. Skipping the opening band may be one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a live music fan.
Over time, it has become “normal” for fans to trickle in after openers or arrive shortly before the main act, but what I have come to understand is that openers are strategically placed to become your new hyper-fixation. These opening artists are handpicked by the headlining artists and their team to reach their fans’ interests and spike their attention. The unpredictable sound and raw performance are all a part of the fun of discovering new music and are arguably one of the most attractive parts about live music.
How many times have artists gone from being small openers to headlining acts? Chappell Roan opened for Olivia Rodrigo on her 2024 tour for her second album, Guts. Prince opened for the Rolling Stones in 1981. Olivia Dean for Sabrina Carpenter on the Short n Sweet tour in 2025. The list goes on. Olivia Dean is now a Grammy-Winning Artist and is headlining her own sold-out arena tour for her album “The Art of Loving,” which took off after her hit single “Man I Need”. Prince became a global superstar and a cultural icon, and his music still impacts the industry today. The answer to my opening question is simple: countless artists have launched their careers from starting as openers, so why not get there a little early to witness what could be the next global phenomenon?
Credit: Olivia Dean Source, on X
At its core, music is all about discovery. What makes music exciting is the chance to discover new artists and sounds that expand your taste. After many shows and many openers, I can now say that my listening catalog has grown far beyond what I could have ever expected. Now, I am seeing artists I once watched open and headline their own shows, and making so many memories along the way that have only given me more connection to the music industry. It’s these small artists that have the opportunity to become the next big thing, so why not be one of those people who can say, “I saw them when”?
Skipping the opener may be an easy habit, but it’s also a good way to miss something worth hearing. If music really is all about discovery, then the opener is where this is going to happen; you just have to be there for it. So next time you’re tempted to show up to a concert late, don’t. Not every opener will stick with you, but the best way to miss something good is to assume it comes later.
