Determining the opening act between Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World for a concert or festival lineup requires considering several factors like genre, fanbase popularity, tour schedule, and more. There is no definitive rule on who should go on first, it ultimately comes down to the goals of the event promoter and logistics of the specific show.
Quick Answer Summary
Here are some quick answers to key questions around Manchester Orchestra vs Jimmy Eat World as opening acts:
- Genres: Manchester Orchestra is indie rock while Jimmy Eat World is alternative rock/emo-pop punk.
- Fanbase size: Jimmy Eat World has more mainstream popularity and dedicated fans.
- Album sales: Jimmy Eat World has sold over 6 million albums while Manchester Orchestra sold around 500,000.
- Recent tours: Jimmy Eat World toured more recently in 2022 compared to Manchester Orchestra’s 2021 tour.
- Set length: Jimmy Eat World can perform a longer set as an opening act.
Based on these high-level factors, Jimmy Eat World may be better suited to open in many scenarios as they can draw bigger crowds and perform longer. However, the decision ultimately depends on the headliner genre, demographic targets, and production preferences.
Comparing Genres and Styles
When choosing an opening act, matching genres and styles with the headliner is important. Manchester Orchestra and Jimmy Eat World have some similarities but also key differences:
- Manchester Orchestra is classified as an indie rock band with melancholy and grandiose arrangements influenced by post-hardcore.
- Jimmy Eat World falls into the alternative rock, emo-pop punk genres with crunchy guitars and catchy melodies.
- Both feature emotional, introspective lyrics but Manchester Orchestra has a more driving rock sound compared to Jimmy Eat World’s pop-punk leanings.
Based on genres, if the headliner is an emo or pop-punk act, Jimmy Eat World may complement them better. For a headliner with a harder rock or post-hardcore sound, Manchester Orchestra’s style could align better.
Fanbase Size and Popularity
When selecting an opener, promoters need to consider their popularity and ability to draw fans. Some key statistics on size of fanbase:
- Jimmy Eat World has more mainstream success with several major radio hits and 5 top 40 albums on the Billboard charts.
- According to Setlist.fm data, Jimmy Eat World has performed live over 2000 times since 2001 compared to just over 500 shows by Manchester Orchestra since 2006.
- On Spotify, Jimmy Eat World has 5.5 million monthly listeners vs Manchester Orchestra’s 1.9 million.
- On Instagram, Jimmy Eat World has 390,000 followers compared to Manchester Orchestra’s 80,000.
Based on fanbase size, Jimmy Eat World has much broader recognition and dedicated fans, giving them an advantage as an opening act who can energize the crowd.
Comparing Album Sales and Streaming
Album sales and streaming numbers also demonstrate Jimmy Eat World’s greater commercial success:
Band | Album Sales | Spotify Monthly Listeners |
---|---|---|
Jimmy Eat World | Over 6 million albums sold | 5.5 million |
Manchester Orchestra | Around 500,000 albums sold | 1.9 million |
The table shows how Jimmy Eat World outsells Manchester Orchestra by 10x based on album units and has almost 3x as many monthly Spotify listeners. This gives them a fanbase advantage.
Recent Touring Activity
Looking at each band’s recent touring schedule also provides useful data:
- Jimmy Eat World toured extensively in 2022 on both headlining runs and festivals like When We Were Young.
- Manchester Orchestra’s most recent tour was in 2021 supporting their latest album The Million Masks of God.
- Jimmy Eat World’s 2022 touring keeps them warmed up as an opening act vs Manchester Orchestra having less recent show experience.
Jimmy Eat World’s more extensive tours in 2022 positions them better as openers who know how to engage festival crowds. Manchester Orchestra hasn’t toured since 2021 so they may be less rehearsed.
Set Length Capabilities
The set length needs of a festival or tour is another consideration for an opener. Some key differences:
- Jimmy Eat World has decades of hits to draw from allowing them to perform 45-60 minute opening sets or longer.
- Manchester Orchestra has 5 albums but their lesser mainstream success gives them around 30-40 minutes of well-known songs.
- For short opening slots, both work but Jimmy Eat World can handle longer sets if needed.
Jimmy Eat World’s deeper discography and catalog of hits enables them to play longer opening sets catered to the show requirements. Manchester Orchestra may be limited to 30-40 minutes.
Headliner Genre and Demographics
The genre and target audience of the headliner also weighs on the decision between Manchester Orchestra vs Jimmy Eat World for support. Some considerations:
- For a punk/pop-punk headliner, Jimmy Eat World matches well and appeals to a similar youth demographic.
- With an indie or alternative rock headliner, either band can open effectively to attract rock fans.
- For a predominately millennial audience, Jimmy Eat World has more nostalgia appeal.
Matching the opener to the headliner’s genre and demographics will drive the choice between the two acts. Jimmy Eat World’s wider fanbase gives them more versatility.
Production Factors
There are also production factors to evaluate such as stage setup, equipment, and crew needs:
- Jimmy Eat World tours with a more extensive stage production including LED walls and lighting.
- Manchester Orchestra has a more stripped down setup focused on delivering raw energy.
- Jimmy Eat World requires more stage hands, techs, and time for changeover.
If production time between sets is limited, Manchester Orchestra’s simpler setup may work better. Jimmy Eat World’s bigger production means longer changeovers.
Conclusion
In summary, while either Manchester Orchestra or Jimmy Eat World can deliver as opening acts, Jimmy Eat World has advantages with their larger fanbase, longevity, touring history, and set length capabilities. The headliner genre and target audience along with production considerations will also impact the choice. Promoters need to weigh all these factors of genre, popularity, touring schedules, and production to decide whether Manchester Orchestra or Jimmy Eat World better serves the goals and needs of their specific show lineups and events.