Stage setup for rock/metal band?

[rashayritto]

Hey guys my band will be playing a big theater show sometime in February and it occurred to me that i need to figure out our stage positions. We have two guitarists, a bassist, and a drummer. I imagine the drummer should go in the rear and center. one of the guitarists (me) handles most of the vocals though the other one does the vocals for some other songs.

So basically i've got three amps and a drumset to setup, we'll be using the theater's PA system for vocals.

i know this is probably a stupid post but thanks for any help!

 

[sosomething]

Re: Stage setup for rock/metal band?

You're playing a big theatre with no PA support besides vocals?

Not even the kick drum and snare?

 

[rashayritto]

Re: Stage setup for rock/metal band?

yeah i didnt even think of that...

this is why i'm asking for some advice, we've never played a large venue before :doh:

so chances are we'll need to mic the drums, anything else i should consider?

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Stage setup for rock/metal band?

The venue should know what they're doing, if they normally do live bands. Call ahead and ask if they mic the kick/snare, just to be sure, and also check if they have any monitor wedges at the front of the stage and at least one back near the drummer.

As far as stage setup... when referring to stage positions, imagine yourself being onstage. "Stage right" refers to the drummers right side, looking out at the audience.

Drums will be in the center and behind, correct. Guitar amps will be on either side, and the bass amp will be between the drummer and one of the guitar amps, depending on which side the bassist wants to be on.

The rest is really personal preference. Generally, a singer would be front and center, but if you've got two, it'd make sense to have you guys a bit spread out, left to right.

I personally like being on stage left, as I've found I can hear the hats better, and not have to rely 100% on the monitor wedge.

 

[Rich_T]

Re: Stage setup for rock/metal band?

The venue should know what they're doing, if they normally do live bands. Call ahead and ask if they mic the kick/snare, just to be sure, and also check if they have any monitor wedges at the front of the stage and at least one back near the drummer.

As far as stage setup... when referring to stage positions, imagine yourself being onstage. "Stage right" refers to the drummers right side, looking out at the audience.

Drums will be in the center and behind, correct. Guitar amps will be on either side, and the bass amp will be between the drummer and one of the guitar amps, depending on which side the bassist wants to be on.

The rest is really personal preference. Generally, a singer would be front and center, but if you've got two, it'd make sense to have you guys a bit spread out, left to right.

I personally like being on stage left, as I've found I can hear the hats better, and not have to rely 100% on the monitor wedge.

Yeah, what he said. I prefer being near the hi hats and the snare also.