Odd Opening Acts From Back in the Day

In the early days of rock and roll, a band would get discovered at a Holiday Inn or outdoor church festival, then begin to write catchy songs, record the catchy songs, then work with the label to pick the singles to release and hit the road. They would often times be the ‘opening’ act for the show, meaning they were not really the stars, but lucky to be out with the stars. Here are a few odd ‘opening acts,’ making us wonder what the promoters and management types were thinking…

The Who once toured with The Herman’s Hermits as their opening act, while Jim Morrison and the Doors spent a few months opening for Simon and Garfunkel. To even the score, Glen Campbell spent a few months opening for the Doors. Here’s the oddest we’ve seen – contemporary artist Justin Timberlake opened up for the Rolling Stones and AC/DC in a large concert in Toronto.

Jimi Hendrix spent a few months opening for the Monkees before someone realized that it was a terrible fit. Joe Walsh was signed at the opening act for the Beach Boys in the 60s. At the Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park, New York City in the early 70s, Anne Murray opened up for headliner Bruce Springsteen. Finally, Bob Seger opened up for Black Sabbath in 1976 (months before his Silver Bullet Live LP).

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Photo credit: Legacy Recordings