Chris Jericho of Fozzy discussed the financial realities of being an opening act for major bands in an interview with 101 WRIF.
The Fozzy frontman detailed the economics of supporting bigger acts. He used his band’s experience opening for Iron Maiden as an example.
“That’s the thing with us — we don’t really open for anybody, because, for example, [when we opened] for Iron Maiden [in September 2019 at the Banc Of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California], they [paid] us a certain amount of money, but there’s no VIP, obviously, and you’re not selling any merch,” Jericho explained. “I think there was, like, twenty-eight thousand people [in attendance at the gig], and I think we sold, like, three grand in merch or something like seven cents a head.”
Jericho compared the financial aspects of headlining versus supporting major acts.
“We’ll make more in Wyandotte [Michigan playing a headlining show] tonight than we made opening for Iron Maiden,” he revealed. “That’s just the business financials.”
He then provided insight into other major acts’ support slot arrangements.
“When you open for — you mentioned The Pretty Reckless opening for AC/DC. I’m sure they’re getting paid a decent amount, but AC/DC can pay somebody five grand a night. They don’t care. Anybody would take that,” he said. “Same thing with Metallica. And, obviously, probably a Limp Bizkit is getting a decent amount of money [to support Metallica at stadiums on their 2025 tour], but a Mammoth WVH or Ice Nine Kills or the opening of the opening [bands at those shows], I’m telling you, they’re not making the money that you think because Metallica doesn’t have to pay it.”
Metallica continues their M72 World Tour with various supporting acts across different venues.
Jericho’s insights illuminate the complex dynamics of tour support slots. His comments specifically highlight Metallica’s current touring practices.
Data from Loudwire revealed the M72 World Tour’s impressive supporting lineup. The tour features Architects, Mammoth WVH, Floor Jansen, Ice Nine Kills, Epica, and Volbeat. This roster demonstrates the band’s commitment to diverse musical representation.
The selection of opening acts follows Metallica’s established tour organization pattern. Historical records show the band’s consistent inclusion of local bands in their touring lineup. This practice helps ensure broader audience engagement and supports emerging artists.
Metallica’s innovative approach to touring became evident during their 1999 ‘Garage Inc.’ tour. The band took an unprecedented step by selecting Metallica cover bands as their opening acts.
The M72 World Tour maintains this tradition of thoughtful support act curation. The tour balances established names with emerging talents while keeping its characteristic financial arrangements.
