The Riff Report Blog

There’s a certain smug thrill in watching jaws hit the floor when the support act crushes it so hard that the headliner feels like a wet fart in comparison. It’s rare, but when it happens, it’s the live music equivalent of witnessing a glorious underdog KO a heavyweight champion.

We asked the question – and now we’re spilling the stories. From bands that made crowds scream during soundcheck to legendary openers who had the headliner sweating backstage – here’s a run through some of the most iconic times an opening band blew the roof off before the main act even plugged in.

🎸 1. Guns N’ Roses Supporting Aerosmith (1988) – “Sweet Child Who?”

In ’88, Aerosmith were back on their sober grind with the Permanent Vacation tour. Problem? They booked a feral, drunk, and dangerously brilliant Guns N’ Roses as support – just as Appetite for Destruction was blowing up.

According to Steven Tyler, Aerosmith had to ban GNR from partying with them because they were out-chaosing everyone. Every night, Guns played like they were headlining Madison Square Garden, and by the time Steven and Joe hit the stage, the audience was already exhausted – or fully converted.

“We didn’t open for Aerosmith. We burned the stage down, then left them the ashes.” – Some drunk guy at a show, probably.

🎤 2. Rage Against the Machine Opening for U2 (1997) – “Rage Trumps Religion”

U2’s PopMart tour was an expensive, surreal, lemon-shaped spaceship of a thing. Then Rage Against the Machine came out and annihilated the senses with “Killing in the Name” before Bono could even start his monologue about peace.

Fans came for introspection and disco balls – and instead got a political riot in musical form. Rage’s raw energy made U2’s massive production feel… a bit safe.

🤘 3. Nine Inch Nails Supporting David Bowie (1995) – “Industrial Beats > Art Rock Peeks”

During the Outside Tour, Bowie graciously handed the stage to Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails. Except Trent didn’t just play… he levelled the venue with a soundstorm of rage, industrial angst, and broken synths.

Half the crowd left after NIN’s set. The other half needed therapy before Bowie even walked out.

🤟 4. Slipknot Opening for Slayer (Early 2000s) – “The Masked Ones Made It Murderous”

Imagine turning up to see Slayer, and you’re met by nine maniacs in boiler suits pelting percussion at your skull with pyrotechnics, baseball bats, and a keg.

By the time Slayer took the stage, the adrenaline had already peaked – and fans were still dazed from Corey Taylor’s screaming baptism. Slayer were legends, but Slipknot were pure chaos unleashed.

🕶️ 5. The Darkness Opening for Disturbed (2002) – “Glam Outshines Grunt”

Disturbed had the growl, but The Darkness had fun, high notes that could shatter pint glasses, and catsuits so tight they could’ve been painted on. The UK glam rockers left fans singing “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” all the way home – while Disturbed felt like a moody postscript.

🧨 6. Muse Opening for Red Hot Chili Peppers (2000s) – “Punk-Funk, Meet Galactic Supremacy”

RHCP are legends, no doubt. But Muse brought a stage show that looked like a spaceship, complete with shredding, falsetto howls, and more lasers than Glastonbury’s UFO sighting hotline.

RHCP felt a little… barefoot in comparison.

😬 7. Steel Panther Opening for Mötley Crüe (Sometimes) – “Steel Panther Are the Crüe You Wanted”

The wigs, the jokes, the shredding, the spandex that defies physics – Steel Panther often make crowds feel like they’re watching peak-80s Mötley, while the actual Crüe trundle along trying to remember what song they’re doing.

Controversial? Yes. True? Often.

💥 Honorable Mentions from The Pit Crew:

  • Royal Blood supporting Arctic Monkeys: Turned a bunch of indie kids into riff-loving animals.
  • Ghost opening for Iron Maiden: Theatrics so good even Eddie blinked twice.
  • Code Orange supporting Deftones: Gave the pit permanent PTSD.
  • Halestorm supporting Shinedown: Lizzy Hale ate the stage and spat out lightning bolts.

🎤 Final Chord: When the Underdog Becomes the Main Event

Sometimes the opener walks out like they’ve got nothing to lose – and ends up owning the night. It’s raw, it’s unpredictable, and it’s what live music is all about.

So next time you roll in late, pint in hand, thinking “I’ll skip the support act”… think again, butt. You might miss the moment history kicks off before sunset.

🧠 Your Turn – Ever Seen It Happen?

Drop your war stories in the comments – who absolutely schooled the headliner at your gig?

Tag us on socials with @theriffreportuk and let’s hear your tales from the trenches of live rock ‘n’ roll. 🤘