Just to add my two euros: I agree a short term opening slot for a band like UM would be good for exposure purposes. Also, while opening acts get little cash, they also do not carry the financial risk of the tour, which is borne by the headliner.
Hopefully there would also be sit-ins, which are seen as a recognition by peers of talent, which in turn will rub off on the headliner\'s fans - and face it, no-one could fail to be impressed if Timmy shredded on a few UM tunes - only problem would be he might only get one sit-in as he would easily outplay the UM guitarist in al departments without breaking into a sweat! Shorter sets mean also the band would not be tired each night and would be able to really rip it up, night after night.
Unlike some folks here, I always check out openers - you never know who you might discover - and I think there are many others who would agree with that. If the band were to follow up a support slot with their own tour not long after, locals would remember them and probably give them a go - especially as, for the moment, it would be a cheap night out.
I can see UM being a good ticket if the band could get it, also RAQ. I\'d rather see them with tlg, the biscuits, moe. or panic, but you take what you can get. Mule might also be a good target if the band feel like really rocking out or, given theri latest album, going a bit more reggae.
For the biscuits/UM show in London next month, I will endeavour to get right down the front in my Breakfast shirt anyway - maybe it will work as some sort of subliminal advertising with them!!
