opening act
Before the headliner
An opening act is the performer or group that appears first at a concert or show, before the main attraction.
The role builds audience energy while giving lesser-known artists exposure: We got there early to catch the opening act.
By extension, any preliminary event or person who sets the stage for what follows: That scandal was just the opening act.
- warm-upPre-activity preparation routine
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- concertLive musical performance
- live musicOnstage musical performance
- stageRaised performance platform
crowd · crowd pleaser · applause · set the tone · setlist · venue · touring · debut · introduction · prelude · curtain · spotlight · mic · front of house · soundcheck · backstage · billing · lineup
- showbizHollywood, Bollywood, Tinseltown, backstage, behind the scenes
- beginningsbegin, beginning, start, first, origin
- Benefit ConcertsLive Aid, Farm Aid, proceeds, relief fund, disaster relief
- Concert Termsheadliner, encore, setlist, top billing, acoustic set
- concertsconcert, live show, gig, concert venue, arena
- festival featuresfood stalls, live bands, carnival rides, main stage, fireworks
opening actheadliner
Top-billed performer
main act · headline act · main attraction · closing act · star of the show
opening actclosing act
Final scheduled performer
finale · final performance · encore · closing number · last act
opening actmain attraction
Primary point of interest
headliner · star · main draw · marquee name · top billing
opening, act, open, opens, opened, opener, openers, openly, openness