What is a Headliner?

A headliner (or headline act) is the main act on a show or festival bill, the biggest draw for ticket buyers, who is billed at the top and usually plays last and for the longest set. The headliner is the main reason most of the audience buys a ticket.

What being the headliner means

Headline status affects the whole show day:

  1. Billing: the headliner's name is largest and first on posters and ticket listings.
  2. Slot: they play last, finishing just before curfew, with the longest set.
  3. Fee: they usually have the highest guarantee and the best deal terms.
  4. Production: they get the full stage, their own lighting and the first sound check of the day.
  5. Hospitality: they get the best dressing room and the largest guest list allocation.

Every slot on the bill is built around the headliner's set, which is why festivals and venues plan the day in a running order in Crescat.

Headliner vs support act

A support act, or opening act, plays before the headliner with a shorter set, less stage space and a smaller fee. A co-headliner shares top billing with another act, and a special guest is a well-known act billed just below the headliner. Billing order is agreed in each act's contract, so changes need everyone's approval.

Example bill for a club show

  • 19:00 Doors
  • 19:45–20:15 Opening act (30 minutes)
  • 20:45–21:30 Special guest (45 minutes)
  • 21:30–22:00 Changeover
  • 22:00–23:30 Headliner (90 minutes, including encore)

Frequently asked questions

Does the headliner always play last?

Almost always. Occasionally a headliner plays earlier for travel or curfew reasons, or co-headliners swap order across a tour, but the headline slot is normally the final one.

How long does a headliner play?

At club and theatre shows, headliners usually play 75 to 120 minutes. Festival headline sets are often 90 to 120 minutes, depending on curfew and the rest of the bill. Contracts usually set a minimum set length.

What is a special guest slot?

A special guest is a significant act billed directly below the headliner, often with its own following. The slot usually comes just before the headliner and carries a longer set and better billing than other support acts.

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