CONCERT BACKLINE PLANNING CHECKLIST The Backline Company CURRENT PRODUCTION PACK [ ] Technical rider [ ] Backline rider, where separate [ ] Stage plot [ ] Input list [ ] Production schedule [ ] Venue technical information [ ] Artist and production contacts [ ] Document dates and versions agree [ ] Later changes recorded in writing CONCERT FORMAT [ ] Headline, theatre, arena, outdoor, corporate, private or broadcast context [ ] Support acts or guest performers [ ] Orchestra, choir or additional musicians [ ] Shared equipment requirements [ ] Camera, scenic or programme restrictions EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS [ ] Drum shells, snare, cymbals and hardware [ ] Pedals, throne, heads and tuning notes [ ] Keyboards, stands, bench and pedals [ ] Keyboard power, outputs and DI paths [ ] Guitar heads, combos, cabinets and footswitches [ ] Bass heads, cabinets and DI paths [ ] Percussion, instruments and stands [ ] Small accessories and performance-critical cables [ ] Artist-carried equipment identified [ ] Shared equipment identified VENUE [ ] Stage dimensions [ ] Riser dimensions and availability [ ] Loading dock and vehicle access [ ] Lifts, stairs, doors and carrying distance [ ] Loading restrictions and timed access [ ] Backstage preparation area [ ] Empty-case storage [ ] Indoor, outdoor and weather conditions [ ] Power and technical infrastructure [ ] Curfew and load-out deadline SCHEDULE [ ] Vehicle arrival [ ] Access clearance [ ] Load-in [ ] Case staging [ ] Setup [ ] Functional checks [ ] Line check [ ] Soundcheck or rehearsal [ ] Doors [ ] Performance [ ] Strike [ ] Load-out deadline [ ] Vehicle release [ ] Warehouse return or next deployment ALLOCATION AND APPROVAL [ ] Exact equipment allocated [ ] Complete quantities confirmed [ ] Accessories included [ ] Compatible heads, cabinets and connections [ ] Artist-carried integration checked [ ] Alternatives documented [ ] Material substitutions approved in writing [ ] Contingency items identified TECHNICIANS [ ] Crew lead [ ] Required technician count [ ] Specialist requirements [ ] Setup responsibilities [ ] Soundcheck support [ ] Standby or show-call requirement [ ] Guest and support-act responsibilities [ ] Teardown and handover responsibilities TRANSPORT AND PACKING [ ] Vehicle and capacity [ ] Route and travel time [ ] Venue vehicle restrictions [ ] Loading order [ ] Case labels and stage destinations [ ] Climate-sensitive or fragile items [ ] First-needed equipment accessible [ ] Empty-case plan [ ] Return loading order [ ] Overnight movement WAREHOUSE PREPARATION [ ] Condition inspection [ ] Functional testing [ ] Drumhead and tuning preparation [ ] Hardware and accessory counts [ ] Amplifier and cabinet compatibility [ ] Keyboard outputs, pedals and power [ ] DI and signal-path checks [ ] Footswitch and cable confirmation [ ] Labelling and case allocation [ ] Technician briefing VENUE EXECUTION [ ] Access and stage readiness confirmed [ ] Safe movement route [ ] Musician positions built to plan [ ] Artist-carried equipment integrated [ ] Power and connections confirmed [ ] Functional checks complete [ ] Artist adjustments documented [ ] Cases and unused equipment organised CONTINGENCY [ ] Critical equipment identified [ ] Practical alternatives [ ] Spare small items [ ] Reduced soundcheck response [ ] Delayed transport response [ ] Outdoor protection [ ] Guest or programme-change response [ ] Escalation and approval contacts LOAD-OUT AND RECOVERY [ ] Release authority [ ] Safe power-down responsibility [ ] Artist-carried items returned [ ] Strike sequence [ ] Case positions [ ] Vehicle access [ ] Counts and condition checks [ ] Warehouse return or next deployment [ ] Post-production notes This checklist supports planning and does not replace the approved rider, technical advance, production schedule or safety documentation. Preparation Before Performance(TM)