Going to a concert can already be an exhilarating experience, with the massive stage crowds of fans and hits blaring through the speakers. But beyond this, there’s another world behind the stage. Those who purchase backstage passes also get a glimpse into the world musicians see outside from the audience’s view, which can be just as enjoyable as the concert itself. In this article, we will look at some of the biggest artists and their backstage pass experiences.
The Rolling Stones Backstage Pass
Rock icons don’t get more iconic than The Rolling Stones. Their live shows are legendary, featuring memorable moments on and off stage that fans have shared with the band over the years. In one lucky backstage pass event during July, 1966, a fortunate radio contest winner was guided through the maze-like corridors of the Woodlands Pavilion in Houston to meet Mick Jagger in their dressing room. Following an encounter, the winner was invited to join the band for a post-concert gathering in one of the Pavilion’s luxurious suites, where they jammed with Keith and left with a guitar autographed by the band members.
Beyoncé Backstage Pass
Beyoncé is famous for putting on extravagant live shows. A lucky fan was given the chance to attend with a special backstage pass during the singer’s Formation World Tour in 2016. They had a VIP experience that others could only imagine. They were welcomed into a lounge after the show, where they met Beyonce and the tram of dancers, which proved to be memorable. The fan was lucky enough to get a dance lesson and a selfie with the choreographers. With Beyonce’s reach and popularity, the fans really had a standout experience.
Taylor Swift Backstage Pass
Taylor Swift is not just a pop star but a friend to her fans. This is proven in 2014 during her 1989 World Tour story about a fan winning a contest for a backstage pass. What truly makes this story unique is that the fan had met Taylor years before and that the superstar was able to recognise her in a heartfelt reunion. The fan was even invited to watch the show from the side of the stage, a surreal experience that can be best described with the word magic.
Metallica Backstage Pass
Concerts by the heavy metal band Metallica are known for their intensity. But the intensity of the concert isn’t the only thing that fans can look forward to. A few lucky children of fate have even had the bruit colour of meeting the band on the night of the show. For one particularly fortunate fan, a recently held experience contest yielded a gold mine of concert memories. This lucky fan was called on to stage to jam out “Enter Sandman” on drums with the band during their 2023 M72 tour. Not only did this fan get to play drums to “Enter Sandman” but they also won the opportunity to meet members of the band.
Lady Gaga Backstage Pass
Lady Gaga’s concerts are known to be extravagant, and her style is consistently unique. One fortunate fan received a backstage pass during the 2012 tour for her latest album, Born This Way. After the show, the fans got to experience the glamorous backstage life and came face to face with Gaga herself. The fan got to try on some of the iconic looks that Gaga is known for, and a mini photo shoot ensued. The fan left emptying the envy of every fan by taking home multiple photos of herself and the star.
Rihanna Backstage Pass
Attending Rihanna’s concerts is an experience for her devoted fans, but imagine winning a backstage pass and getting the chance to meet their idol. During the 2016 Anti-World Tour, one lucky fan got to have a dining experience with the singer and crew after the show. They also left with a guitar signed by all the members as a souvenir to remember forever. This night was memorable and unique for a star like Rihanna to offer such an experience.
Coldplay Backstage Pass
Coldplay is recognised for the heartfelt and intimate connection they form with fans during concerts. One such fortunate fan we encountered won a contest to be on the A Head Full of Dreams Tour film crew, which is a feat that rarely happens. After the 2016 show in Chicago, the fans’ experience with the band is hard to rival. Following the concert with the crew still present, the band invited the fans and the crew onto the tour bus to continue the evening’s festivities. The ability to see a side of Coldplay that others don’t usually see is rare, and this lucky fan relished the experience.
Eminem Backstage Pass
The famous rapper Eminem delivers energetic performances everywhere he goes, and the fortunate fan can experience what happens beyond just being on the stage. By winning and securing a pass during the 2014 Rapture Tour, a young fan from Michigan gained entry to an early listening event to Eminem’s upcoming album Kamikaze in a setting with a few fans. At the same time, Eminem presented the inspiration from each song and a question and answer session. The lucky fan walked away with an appreciation of the new album and a signed copy from Eminem himself.
Ariana Grande Backstage Pass
The powerful vocals and captivating performances of Ariana Grande make her one of the top figures in pop music today. When one fan won an unbelievably lucky backstage pass during Ariana’s Dangerous Woman Tour of 2017, she could join the singer for an entire tour day. Not only was she treated to a private concert at the end of the day, but the fans also got to see firsthand how much work and effort goes into being a top-tier performer. Watching rehearsals, joining Ariana for lunch, and seeing the concert wardrobe up close were all parts of the unique experience that the lucky fan got to experience.
For most fans, a glimpse into the music world is a pipe dream. But for the lucky few, seeing what goes on behind the scenes, whether in a rehearsal space or a penthouse green room, gives them the experience of being part of something bigger. And if a fan is ever fortunate enough to witness a private pre-show ritual, the kind that used to take place in front of a mirror, with a camera not allowed, it can be even more special than a backstage pass. We hope you’ve been entered by this wacky and wild list of backstage experiences that inspired you to seek out your own.
