So, you want to get up close and personal with that music star you have always adored, but arent quite sure how to go about it? Dont worry, you arent that unlucky. Whereas you are unlikely to bump into a star on the street and hit a conversation off, you stand a better chance at that should you happen to find your way backstage at a concert. And your success in getting backstage at a music concert is only limited to your determination and your willingness to take risks. Risks such as these…Go through the curtain-raisersThese are usually smaller artistes contracted to perform before the big stars. Their work is basically to raise your adrenaline and whet your appetite for the main performer (your star). Research about these opening acts and become familiar with their music. Curtain-raisers rarely move in large crews, so get there early and offer to give them a hand in whatever work they may want done. It could be running small errands, or just watching over their car as they hit the stage. For the small artistes, this is obviously cheaper than moving with a string of road managers and errand boys. So they are usually more than happy to offer you a backstage pass in exchange for work. You could also try volunteering to work for the concert organiser as a cleaner or security guard. Stage production companies often need that extra pair of hands to carry equipment or hand out promotional flyers. Similarly, you could make yourself part of an entourage. If any famous people are heading backstage, then they are likely to have a group of minders and aides with them. Confidently walk backstage at the same time as the group and try not to get caught. Should you be caught, remember to ‘die like a man’ and never reveal that you got the advice from The Sunday Times!Become a journalist/paparazziAnd this does not necessarily mean you have to find a full-time job at a newspaper or radio station. There are easier ways of joining the ranks of the media. Like, you could start your own blog, website or online magazine. That way you can be sure of a backstage pass from the concerts media coordinator. The artists’ media relations people are always looking for good publicity, so why not convince them that you have a large reader base for your website or blog? Alternatively, you could approach a reputable local newspaper or magazine and ask for a slot as a freelance writer or photographer. Make it clear to them that you have a bias for music (or the arts and entertainment in general), and that it is what you are well-versed with. The beauty of this is that you get to shoot two birds with one stone; not only do you get unhindered access to concerts, you are also paid for it. It’s like working at your hobby, or having your cake and eating it at the same time!Simply gatecrash!Yes, it’s rude and uncultured (even criminal) to show up at an event uninvited, but what the heck! Convince the guards manning the entrance points that you are already on the list. If you are sly enough to get a look at the guest list in advance, you could as well pretend to be a VIP. Try your best to find the name of a corporate sponsor if any; these are usually given many passes as courtesy, but often dont attend the concert. Be confident and persistent. Act as if you are certain that you are on the list. Caution: if you push this, they could call the cops and you could be arrested for impersonation!Have a sense of belonging Don’t just bob around the venue like headless chicken. Most bouncers catch people trying to sneak backstage because they make it obvious that they are gatecrashers. Avoid this by looking confident and relaxed. If all this fails, bring some extra cash along if you want to sneak backstage. You may find an event staff, security guard or other crew member willing to give you access after you pay him.
