Why is backline called backline?!

frobisher · 20-05-2009 04:49PM #1

Someone once told me it's because it's what's behind the front line of the stage. Doesn't ring true for me though :-)

madtheory · 20-05-2009 05:08PM

Front line is the talent, back line is the gear. Fightin' talk?

PaulBrewer · 20-05-2009 05:17PM

Cos it's at the back of the stage .... usually in a line ! Doh ...

madtheory · 20-05-2009 05:21PM

Actually, backline is guitar amps, frontline is PA speakers. Backline gets used to refer to all stage equipment tho.

jtsuited · 20-05-2009 10:59PM

madtheory wrote: »

Actually, backline is guitar amps, frontline is PA speakers. Backline gets used to refer to all stage equipment tho.

what he said!

Soundman · 21-05-2009 04:42AM

Frontline is also the performers and their monitors at the front of the stage (downstage).

clint_silver · 21-05-2009 10:58AM

for sake of clarification, are drums considered backline? I would have always thought so.

madtheory · 21-05-2009 12:22PM

OK, I'll say it again...

The original meaning has been lost. Frontline was never the talent, that's an assumption. It was simple: back= guitar amps + speakers, front= PA amps + speakers.

These days, backline refers to all on stage equipment that is not part of the PA. It gets a bit hazy, it usually means the big stuff like drums and keyboard rigs, not guitars. So backline hire companies carry keyboards, but not guitars, usually!

Why is backline called backline?!

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