How to Get All Access Backstage Passes
Getting backstage passes to concerts and events seems a lot more difficult than it actually is. If you are passionate enough about rubbing arms with the stars and have a good helping of confidence, it is entirely possible to get your hands on backstage passes fairly frequently. All-access backstage passes allow you to hang around with your favorite musicians and see what it's really like behind the scenes at a gig. You can get anywhere backstage at a show if you have an all-access backstage pass, and they are specific to the individual event. The passes are usually laminated and hanging from a lanyard.
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Instructions
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Join mailing lists. Musicians often look after their fans, and if there are any backstage passes available, they inform their more devoted fans via the mailing list. It will help you in getting backstage if you are a big fan of the band you intend to get backstage for. Keep an eye out for competitions and promotions revolving around the band, so listen to local radio and search the Internet.
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Find a magazine or newspaper to work for. If you are a photographer or a writer, offer your skills up to a few magazines. Even if you have no experience, contact local magazines and newspapers tell them you're attending the concert, and would be willing to work for free for the experience. As soon as you have a connection with the media, contact the band's PR people and tell them you're looking for some backstage passes for the event so the magazine/website/paper can cover it. Be confident when you speak to the PR team.
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Start small. You probably won't be able to get backstage at an arena straight away; start at a local music club, and then work up to the bigger venues. You will gain confidence as you start to get backstage at events, and should acquire some useful contacts.
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Keep an eye out for crew members at concerts. Members of the artist's crew will usually wear black and are worth speaking to if you want to get backstage. Ideally, you will be able to arrange the pass beforehand through the artist's mailing list or PR team, but it is possible on the night. It is important to dress appropriately, and carry yourself with confidence. Talk to the crew member; ask him if there are any backstage passes available. It may seem obvious, but people don't really do it. A lot of the time, bands have spare backstage passes up for grabs, you just have to ask.
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Hang around after the concert. If you really want to meet the band, if you wait around afterwards you may meet them as they come out of the backstage area, or someone who does have a backstage pass may leave early. If you see anyone going who has one, ask them if you could use it. They may want it as a souvenir, but if they are nice, you could get your hands on the pass.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful when talking to people you don't know. You may really want the all-access backstage pass, but it isn't worth putting yourself in danger. If you don't trust the person you're talking to for whatever reason, it is better to leave the situation than to end up at risk.
Be sure to go home in a licensed taxi. If you're waiting around after the show outside, it is better to be in a group of people.
References
- Photo Credit Briony Campbell/Lifesize/Getty Images
