What is a Show Stop?

A show stop is the planned procedure for immediately halting a live performance for safety reasons, such as a crowd crush, medical emergency or severe weather, until it is safe to continue. Every festival and large concert has a written show stop procedure, agreed with the act's team before the show.

How a show stop works

A show stop follows the same steps every time:

  1. Spot the problem: stewards, security or the pit team see an issue and report it to event control.
  2. Decide: the safety officer or event controller makes the call to stop the show.
  3. Stop the performance: the stage manager tells the act, and sound and lighting cut the music and bring up the house lights.
  4. Announce: a pre-agreed message is read from the stage, often by the act or an MC, giving clear instructions.
  5. Deal with it and restart: once safe, control gives the all-clear and the show restarts, or the event is ended.

Every person involved needs the latest show stop procedure, so teams often share it with the act and crew through documents in Crescat.

Show stop vs cancellation

A show stop is a pause; the aim is to fix the problem and carry on. A cancellation ends the event. A show stop can become a cancellation if the problem cannot be solved before the curfew or if it remains unsafe.

Common reasons for a show stop

  • Crowd pressure or a crush at the front barrier
  • A medical emergency in the audience
  • Severe weather, such as lightning or high winds
  • Fire, a structural problem or a power failure
  • Objects being thrown or fighting in the crowd

Frequently asked questions

Who can call a show stop?

Usually the safety officer, event controller or promoter's representative. The procedure names who can call it, and often lets the stage manager or front of barrier supervisor do so in an urgent emergency.

Why is a show stop agreed with the act in advance?

The act may need to stop playing and make an announcement within seconds. Agreeing the procedure, words and signals in advance means everyone acts at once without debate.

What is said during a show stop?

A short, calm message telling the audience the show has paused and what to do, such as stepping back from the front. The wording is usually written in advance.

Related terms