Isn’t it incredible when you show up early to a concert, and the opening act completely blows your mind—or leaves you scratching your head? Sometimes, the pairing of an opener and a headliner is as unexpected as a cat walking onstage during a symphony. Over the years, music history has gifted us with some truly astonishing combinations that left audiences buzzing long after the final encore.
1. Jimi Hendrix opening for The Monkees (1967)
Yes, you read that right. The psychedelic rock maestro Jimi Hendrix once opened for the pop-rock sensations The Monkees. During their 1967 tour, fans expecting “Daydream Believer” were greeted with Hendrix’s electrifying guitar solos and raw energy. The contrast was so stark that Hendrix left the tour after a few shows, but the unlikely pairing remains legendary.
2. Prince opening for The Rolling Stones (1981)
Before he was royalty, Prince took the stage ahead of The Rolling Stones in Los Angeles. Decked out in a trench coat and bikini briefs, his funk-infused performance shocked an audience eager for classic rock. Despite being booed offstage, Prince’s daring showmanship hinted at the superstar he was destined to become.
3. Metallica opening for Ozzy Osbourne (1986)
In the mid-’80s, Metallica was making waves in the metal scene but hadn’t yet become household names. Opening for the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, they introduced thrash metal to wider audiences. Fans came for Ozzy but left with a newfound appreciation for Metallica’s raw power.
4. Lady Gaga opening for New Kids on the Block (2008)
Before “Just Dance” topped the charts, Lady Gaga was an avant-garde performer opening for the reunited boy band New Kids on the Block. Her eccentric outfits and synth-pop anthems were a stark contrast to the nostalgic hits of the headliners, leaving the audience both intrigued and bewildered.
5. Nirvana opening for Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991)
Just months before grunge would explode globally, Nirvana opened for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Fans expecting funk-rock jams were instead captivated by Kurt Cobain’s gritty vocals and the band’s raw sound. It was a pivotal moment that signaled a seismic shift in the music landscape.
6. Kanye West opening for U2 (2005)
On U2’s Vertigo Tour, the pairing of a rising hip-hop artist with rock legends seemed unusual. Kanye West, armed with hits like “Jesus Walks,” brought a different energy to the stage. The fusion of genres showcased the evolving landscape of mainstream music.
7. Bob Marley opening for Sly and the Family Stone (1973)
Bob Marley and The Wailers joined Sly and the Family Stone’s tour, bringing reggae rhythms to funk audiences. However, after being too well-received—some say overshadowing the headliner—they were dropped from the lineup. It was an early sign of Marley’s universal appeal.
8. The Police opening for The Grateful Dead (1978)
Imagine the punk-infused new wave of The Police warming up the crowd for the jam-band vibes of The Grateful Dead. It happened at the Winterland Ballroom, offering fans a night where punk met psychedelia in an unforgettable musical blend.
9. Tegan and Sara opening for Neil Young (2003)
Canadian indie-pop duo Tegan and Sara opened for the legendary Neil Young. The twins’ heartfelt melodies and modern sound provided a fresh counterpoint to Young’s classic rock, bridging generations and showcasing the diversity of Canadian music talent.
10. The Ramones opening for Toto (1979)
Punk pioneers The Ramones sharing a stage with the polished rock of Toto? It happened. Audiences experienced the high-octane, three-chord blitz of The Ramones before settling into Toto’s complex arrangements. The night proved that opposites not only attract but can also entertain.
These surprising opening act and headliner combinations remind us that music is an ever-evolving tapestry of sounds and styles. They highlight the magic that happens when artists step out of their comfort zones and audiences open their minds to something new. So, next time you’re at a show, make sure to catch the opening act—you might just witness the next big thing or experience a musical mash-up you’ll talk about for years.