Metal Concert Checklist: What to Arrange and When

A metal concert depends on tight coordination between artists, crew, venue staff and safety teams. Start with the date, venue, permits and artist contracts, then build the technical plan around the riders and set times. In the final weeks, focus on ticketing, promotion, transport, catering and crew contacts. On show day, the run sheet, wristbands, chilled drinks and a cleared venue keep the operation moving.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm location and date
Check permits
Confirm artist contracts
Record performances and times
2 people
Create the sound and lighting plan
2 people
Develop the stage plan
2 people
Collect artist information
Check technical riders
2 people
Reserve technical equipment and stage
Book catering
Reserve security
Reserve first aid supplies
Open ticket sales
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Post promotion online
2 people
Process registrations
2 people
Collect dietary requirements
Create crew list and contact details
Arrange artist transport
Assign artist dressing rooms
2 people
Print the run sheet
Count wristbands and tickets
2 people
Do the shopping
3 people
Chill drinks
3 people
Clear the venue
4 people
Set up the stage
6 people
Set up the sound system
5 people
Set up lighting
4 people
Connect power distribution
3 people
Set up the bar and catering
4 people
Set up tables and barriers
5 people
Set up changing rooms
2 people
Stock backstage
2 people
Hang up decorations
3 people
Check toilets
2 people
Set up the first aid station
2 people
Set up entrance and cloakroom
3 people
Test the equipment
5 people
Welcome performers
2 people
Run the sound check
6 people
Set up catering
3 people
Entrance staff briefing
2 people
Security briefing
2 people
Brief bar staff
2 people

Event

Open the doors
5 people
Check tickets
4 people
Manage the cloakroom
3 people
Open bar
4 people
Serve snacks
3 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Assist performers
2 people
Coordinate stage changes
2 people
Check public area
3 people
Clean toilets in between
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Announce performances
Wrap up the final performance
2 people
Guide people out
4 people
Manage coat check
3 people

Aftercare

Close the bar
4 people
Switch off equipment
3 people
Tear down stage
6 people
Tear down audio equipment
5 people
Take down lighting equipment
4 people
Put furniture back
4 people
Collect waste
4 people
Clean the venue
5 people
Thoroughly clean the toilets
2 people
Clear away leftover food
2 people
Sort borrowed materials
3 people
Check the equipment
2 people
Return materials
3 people
Register lost and found items
Check out artists
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Stage sectionsqty 12
Beer tablesqty 12
Bar blocksqty 3
Folding chairsqty 80
Coat racksqty 4
Dressing room tablesqty 4
Changing room chairsqty 16

Equipment

PA speakersqty 4
Subwoofersqty 4
Stage monitorsqty 5
Mixing console
Microphonesqty 8
Microphone standsqty 8
Guitar amplifiersqty 4
Bass amplifierqty 2
Drum kit
DI boxesqty 6
Audio cablesqty 30
Multi-cablesqty 3
Cable traysqty 20

Lighting

LED stage lightsqty 12
Moving headsqty 6
Light standsqty 4
Light controller
Extension cordsqty 20
Power stripsqty 12

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 30
Fire extinguishersqty 4
First aid kitsqty 2
Flashlightsqty 6
Reflective vestsqty 12

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 500
Wine glassesqty 30
Platesqty 120
Cutlery setsqty 120

Kitchen

Coolersqty 8
Ice cube traysqty 6
Serving traysqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef's knifeqty 4
Pliersqty 8
Thermos flasksqty 6

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Bannersqty 6
Tapeqty 10
Cable tiesqty 200
Directional signsqty 12

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Lock the venue, date, permits and artist contracts before booking technical equipment. A confirmed technical rider gives you the information needed for the PA, monitors, amplifiers, microphones and stage layout.
Build the sound and lighting plan around the recorded performance times. Share the stage plan and run sheet with artists, sound crew, lighting crew and security before doors open.
Check power and cable routes during the venue walk-through. Heavy equipment such as PA speakers, subwoofers, guitar and bass amplifiers, the drum kit and lighting needs separated, clearly marked connections and protected cable runs.
Do not leave artist logistics until the final week. Collect each artist’s information, arrange transport, assign dressing rooms and confirm catering and dietary requirements at least 7 days before the concert.
Count wristbands, tickets, safety equipment and crew supplies before doors open. Put crowd barriers, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and flashlights where the responsible crew can reach them immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a metal concert?: Start at least 3 to 6 months ahead for the venue, permits, artist contracts and technical suppliers. Open ticket sales and begin promotion once the date, lineup and capacity are confirmed.
When should I check the bands’ technical riders?: Collect and review every technical rider 6 to 8 weeks before the show. Use the final versions to confirm the PA, monitors, microphones, amplifiers, drum kit, DI boxes, cables and lighting requirements.
How many security and first-aid supplies do I need for a metal concert?: The required staffing and equipment depend on venue capacity, local rules and the crowd plan. Confirm the numbers with the venue and authorities no later than 4 weeks before doors open, then place barriers, extinguishers, first aid kits and flashlights during setup.
When should I prepare the concert run sheet?: Prepare a working run sheet 1 to 2 weeks before the concert, then print the final version after performance times and crew contacts are confirmed. Keep copies at the stage, front of house, dressing rooms and security point.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.