What Is Backline Hire?

What “backline hire” actually means

Backline is the performance gear that lives on stage (or comes on/off during changeovers): drum kits, guitar amps, bass rigs, keyboards, stands, pedals, DJ bits, risers, drum rugs, flightcases, and the “boring but essential” accessories.

It’s different from PA/FOH (front-of-house) sound — although the two need to work together. A solid backline spec helps the audio team move fast, patch cleanly, and keep levels consistent from band to band.

What’s usually included in backline hire

Every supplier packages differently, but this is what most people mean when they ask for “backline hire” in the UK:

1) Drums (the most common request)

• Drum kit (shell pack + hardware) sized to the rider
• Cymbal pack (or “artist brings cymbals” — depends on the act)
• Snare options, thrones, kick pedal, spare felts, clutch
• Drum rug, stick bag, small spares (springs, wingnuts, memory locks)

2) Guitar & bass rigs

• Guitar amp head/combos + suitable cab(s)
• Bass head + cab(s) or combo (plus DI requirements)
• Spare instrument leads, speaker cables, power

3) Keys / synth setup

• Stage piano / workstation / synth as requested
• Proper stand (X-stand vs table stand matters), bench, sustain pedal
• DI boxes / stereo DI if needed, plus power and audio cabling

4) “Stage furniture” that keeps things tidy

• Stands (boom stands, straight stands, short stands)
• Drum risers (where required), guitar stands
• Flightcases, clip lights, gaffer, labels

5) Extras that people forget until it’s too late

• Sound screens / drum shields (venue dependent)
• Spare pedals / spare snare / spare cymbal stands
• Patch leads, IEC/kettle leads, adaptors

If you want a sense of the typical categories, your “equipment list” pages are a great place to point people: Backline Equipment and Percussion Equipment.

What to send for an accurate quote (and fewer emails)

The fastest quotes happen when you send the information that affects logistics and compatibility. Here’s what to include:

• Date(s) + schedule: show day, rehearsal day(s), get-in / soundcheck / doors / curfew
• Venue + access: postcode, loading access, stairs/lifts, parking, time windows
• Acts + turnover: how many changeovers, shared kit or per-act kits?
• Rider / stage plot / input list: even a rough version helps
• Backline spec: sizes/models (or “equivalent OK”), left-handed setups, doubles, triggers, etc.
• Who provides what: “artist brings cymbals”, “festival provides shells”, etc.
• Support needed: delivery only, setup, on-site tech, full stage management

Delivery, setup, techs and changeovers

“Backline hire” can mean anything from a drop-off to a fully managed stage package. As the day gets busier (festivals, multi-band bills), the value is usually in the crew and planning — not just the kit.

Delivery only

Supplier delivers the kit, you (or venue crew) place and manage it. Best for simple shows with plenty of time.

Delivery + setup

Supplier builds and positions the kit correctly, checks basics, and hands it over. Great middle ground.

Tech / stage support

A backline tech keeps changeovers moving, fixes issues fast, and prevents small problems turning into show-stoppers. If your day is tight, this is usually where things get dramatically smoother.

If you need the whole day managed (especially festivals), that’s where your Stage Management service fits.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

1) “Just a standard kit” (with no sizes)

“Standard” can mean 20/10/12/14… or 22/10/12/16… or a compact jazz kit. Send sizes (or a reference rider) and you’ll avoid last-minute swaps.

2) Not confirming cymbals & snare expectations

Some acts bring cymbals and snare. Some expect a full cymbal pack. Confirm early — it affects the whole stage plan.

3) Ignoring access/time windows

A 30-minute loading slot, stairs, long pushes, or city-centre restrictions can completely change the plan. One line like “tight access, 10:00–10:30 only” helps massively.

4) Forgetting the “small stuff”

Stands, pedals, power, adaptors, spare leads. The show doesn’t fail because of the big items — it fails because a simple cable is missing.

Copy/paste checklist (email this for a fast quote)