Touring is one of the best aspects of being a musician, but it is also one of the most challenging. Between travel schedules, long drives, and the energy required to perform every night, there is little room for extra stress. For years, artists have struggled with the same problem: how to transport all their gear from city to city.
Backlining has become the answer. Instead of traveling with drum kits, amps, and keyboards, musicians can arrive to find those essentials already set up at the venue. They bring what matters most to them, such as guitars, pedals, or other personal pieces, and connect to a professional setup that is ready to go.
Here in Colorado, we have seen the significant impact this makes for both artists and event organizers. It is one of those behind-the-scenes details that can significantly alter the overall feel of a show.
Less Spent on Travel
Airlines are rarely friendly to musicians. Oversized baggage fees for amps and drums add up fast, and shipping freight is even more expensive. Those costs can eat into tour budgets that are already stretched thin.
By backlining, bands keep their travel light. Instead of dragging cases through airports or paying extra fees, they can step on the plane with what really matters. For artists flying in for shows in Denver, Aspen, Fort Collins, or Colorado Springs, the savings can be dramatic. The money that would have been spent on shipping can instead support other parts of the tour.
More Time to Breathe
Touring schedules rarely allow much downtime. There is always another flight, another drive, or another soundcheck waiting. When a band does not have to manage the logistics of moving heavy equipment, the days feel more manageable.
With backlining, the gear is staged and tested before musicians arrive. That means they can focus on rehearsing, connecting with their audience, or simply resting before a performance. For multi-act events or festivals, it also means faster changeovers and fewer delays, which makes the experience smoother for everyone.
Consistency Across Shows
Musicians talk a lot about “feel,” the way an instrument responds in their hands, how an amp carries sound, or how drums resonate on stage. When you are playing with unfamiliar gear every night, it is tough to maintain that consistent feel.
Backlined instruments are chosen for reliability and maintained so that artists can count on them. That consistency is what lets musicians focus on the performance instead of troubleshooting equipment. In our work, we have seen how much smoother a show runs when the gear is dependable and familiar to sound engineers.
Protecting What Matters Most
Most players have instruments or gear they would never risk on the road. The constant wear of touring can damage vintage guitars, custom drum kits, or irreplaceable amps.
By using a backline, artists can leave those treasured pieces at home or in the studio, safe from the grind of travel. They still get the sound and reliability they need on stage without gambling with equipment that means too much to lose.
Why Venues Benefit Too
It is not just musicians who benefit from backlined setups. Venues and event organizers also see significant advantages. Faster changeovers between sets mean tighter schedules and fewer gaps for the audience. Sound engineers can mix more effectively with gear they know and trust. The result is a more professional and enjoyable event.
In a state like Colorado, where live music is such a big part of the culture, those small details matter. They are part of what makes audiences come back and what encourages touring acts to continue adding local stops to their schedules.
A Perspective From Colorado
We have had the privilege of working with both national touring acts and local musicians who are opening for them. Backlining creates a level playing field because every artist has access to quality gear, which raises the overall standard of the show. It also helps bring more acts to the region by simplifying logistics.
Colorado is a special place for live music, from Red Rocks to smaller clubs that host emerging artists to outdoor music festivals at one of our many ski resorts. Backlining makes it easier for musicians to say yes to a Colorado gig, knowing they will have what they need waiting when they arrive.
Bringing It All Together
Backlining is not a flashy part of live music, but it is one of the most important. It saves money, reduces stress, maintains consistent performances, and helps protect the instruments musicians care about most. It also ensures that events run smoothly, which means audiences receive the best possible experience.
For us, providing backlined instruments is about more than convenience. It is about supporting the artists and events that make Colorado’s music scene so vibrant. Whether it is a touring band flying in for one night or a festival with a stacked lineup, having the right gear in place makes all the difference.
