The performance rider cost estimator shows estimated PA, backline, lighting, and technical production costs by venue size. Use these ranges when negotiating your performance guarantee or deciding whether to bring your own production.
Venue & Setup Details
Rider Cost Estimate
Select your setup to see estimates.
How to Use the Performance Rider Cost Estimator
Understanding what production costs look like from the venue's perspective helps artists negotiate guarantees that reflect real-world production expenses. Most venues build production costs into their operating budget; understanding these costs also helps you write realistic technical riders.
Step 1: Identify Venue Size
Small clubs (under 200 capacity) typically have a fixed house PA and a house engineer included in their overhead. Medium venues (200–800) often have a quality house system but may require an advance tech rider to ensure compatibility with your setup. Large venues and festivals typically have full production teams and elaborate systems — your tech rider specifies what you need from their inventory.
Step 2: Determine What You're Renting vs. Using
If you travel light (fly dates, minimal gear), you'll need to rent backline locally. A drum kit rental with cymbals and hardware runs $100–$250/day from a local rental company. Bass amp and guitar amp run $50–$150/day each. For fly dates, a full backline rental including drums, bass amp, guitar amp, and keyboard backline can run $400–$800/day in major cities.
Step 3: Add Tech Rider Items to Your Guarantee Negotiation
If the venue can't provide all items in your tech rider, they should offer additional compensation or you should arrange rentals and deduct from your guarantee quote accordingly. The cost estimates shown here give you a baseline for what's reasonable to expect the venue to absorb vs. what you need to fund yourself. Always confirm what's included in the venue's package before finalizing your guarantee.
FAQ
What should be included in a technical rider?
A tech rider specifies all technical requirements the venue must provide: PA system (speakers, subwoofers, FOH mixer), monitor wedges (how many and where), backline (drum kit, bass amp, guitar amp), stage power, lighting, and production staff. It should also include load-in times, soundcheck requirements, and any hospitality rider (drinks, food) if applicable. The rider is attached to the performance contract.
Who pays for backline rental on a tour?
This varies by tour level. Large touring acts require the venue to provide backline at the venue's cost (it's in the rider). Developing artists often rent backline locally or carry their own. Sharing backline with the opener is common — agree on this before the show. For fly dates (flying to a one-off show), the artist's management typically arranges and pays for backline, which is recouped from the guarantee.
What does a PA system cost to rent for a performance?
Small PA rental (club up to 400 capacity): $200–$500/day. Medium PA (400–1,500 capacity): $500–$1,500/day with FOH engineer. Large PA (1,500+, festival-grade): $2,000–$8,000+ per day. These costs are typically borne by the venue for their own events. Artists who bring their own PA on a package deal for a smaller venue can negotiate a higher guarantee in exchange.
When should I start requiring a hospitality rider?
Include a basic hospitality rider (bottled water, basic beverages, a meal or per-person catering stipend) in your contract once you're booking shows at $500+ guarantee. It's standard practice at any professional venue. Keep requests reasonable — 12 water bottles and a catering option per person is appropriate. Outrageous riders are a privilege of artists who sell out venues, not a negotiating tactic for developing acts.
What is a stage plot and why does the venue need one?
A stage plot is a diagram showing where each band member and their gear will be positioned on stage. It accompanies the tech rider and helps the venue's stage crew set up correctly before you arrive. Include: stage dimensions required, position of each performer, monitor positions, and power drop locations. Send both the tech rider and stage plot at least 2 weeks before the show date.