Guide
What Is Backline?
A term that gets used constantly in live production and means something slightly different depending on who's saying it.
The short definition
Backline refers to the amplifiers, drum kits, and other large equipment used on stage during a performance, as distinct from the PA system, lighting, and front-of-house equipment. It's traditionally the gear positioned at the back of the stage, behind the performers, which is where the name comes from.
What typically counts as backline
- Guitar and bass amplifiers and cabinets
- Drum kits (acoustic or electronic), including hardware
- Keyboard amps and stands
- Risers and drum shields, in some productions
What's typically not considered backline: the PA system, monitors, microphones, and lighting, which usually fall under front-of-house or production audio instead.
Why the definition varies
Scope varies by production, venue, and contract. A festival's backline provider might supply full drum kits and amp rigs for every band on the bill; a small club's "backline" might just mean the house amp sitting in the corner. Always confirm exactly what's included and expected in the specific contract or advance for a show. Don't assume a general definition covers your situation.
Tracking backline equipment
Whether you own it, rent it, or provide it to touring artists, backline equipment benefits from the same structure as any other gear: an inventory record for what it is, Cases for how it's packed, and Loadouts for what's deployed to a specific show.
FAQ
Common questions.
What is backline in live production?
Backline refers to the amplifiers, drum kits, and other large equipment used on stage during a performance, distinct from the PA system, lighting, and front-of-house equipment.
Does backline include the PA system?
Typically not. The PA, monitors, microphones, and lighting are usually considered separate from backline, though exact scope varies by production.
Who usually provides backline for a show?
It varies: sometimes the venue, sometimes a dedicated backline rental company, and sometimes the touring artist brings their own. Always confirm what's included in the specific advance or contract.