These are laminates that will get you to many places in the venue without being challenged by security. Slightly above that is the Working Crew pass. There is a chance you’ll interface with some rock stars, but you’ll be expected to act professionally and just do your job. Local Crew pass holders include caterers, security, paramedics, and a certain level of the promoter’s staff. They will get you beyond the VIP green room but not automatically into the dressing rooms. And we’d like to approve any shots you want to use. They have three songs to get their shots before they’re hustled out. This really isn’t a backstage pass because it allows only accredited photographers access to the space at the foot of the stage once the gig begins. We should take a detour to the Photo Pass. There are never any sure things when it comes to being backstage. And frankly, this is where backstage access starts to get interesting because you might actually get some meaningful facetime with the performer. Here’s where you’ll find the higher-ranked record company people, local musicians held in high regard by the band, non-music VIPs (politicians, business people who are a Very Big Deal, etc.), and well-connected local friends and family.Īny spreads of food and drink will be fresher and of higher quality than what’s in the lower-level green room. This is usually an area where the performers will spend a little more time with the pass holders.
They’re usually good for the green room beyond the green room where the Pre-Show or After-Show losers are munching on celery. This is often the first level where your pass is laminated in plastic (and clearly marked VIP in ALL CAPS for maximum envy value) and hung on a lanyard around your neck. Since there’s usually a rule that you have to have your pass permanently affixed to an area that’s clearly visible, sharing is discouraged.Īlan Cross reflects on 40 years in the radio business If you tried to peel one off, the glue didn’t work as well the second time around, if at all. Because they were flexible, they worked well with body contours and once applied, did not fall off. These patches adhered very well to all sorts of clothing. Otto figured out a way to print graphics on a flexible rectangle of rayon with an adhesive backing. The best solution was to tag people with a visible piece of ID.
As the touring industry exploded, it became necessary to restrict backstage access to working crew, select VIPs, and special guests. The modern backstage pass was invented by Dave Otto of Cincinnati. But as the touring business got bigger and more complex, artists, managers, promoters, and venues began to clamp down. A 10-spot to the security guard, passable business card credentials, or, in the case of women, a pretty face, was enough to breach the barricades. However, since these questions keep coming in, let me give you a bit of schooling, starting with a little history.īack in the 1950s and ’60s, it was comparatively easy to get backstage. Schedules are tight, security is strict, and privacy is paramount. But with today’s concert business, there’s not a lot of time or patience for messing around with people who don’t belong backstage. Yes, things used to be a lot looser in the pre-#MeToo era (read: the 1970s and ’80s, or so I’ve heard). Let me set you straight: Most of what you’ve ever heard or read about what goes on backstage is a complete lie.
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