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Set list

A set list, often written as one word "setlist," is a document outlining the sequence of songs or musical pieces that a performer, band, or ensemble intends to play during a live concert or show.^[1] This planned repertoire serves as a structural guide to ensure smooth transitions, maintain audience engagement, and control the overall pacing and energy of the performance.^[2] Set lists play a crucial role in live music production by balancing factors such as song variety, tempo changes, and crowd interaction to create a cohesive and memorable experience.^[3] Performers often customize them based on venue size, audience demographics, and set duration, starting with high-energy openers and building to climactic closers, while incorporating a mix of popular hits and lesser-known tracks.^[4] Beyond artistic planning, set lists are vital for administrative purposes, such as documenting performances to claim public performance royalties for songwriters through organizations like performing rights societies.^[5] In practice, actual set lists—those recording what was performed—may deviate from the original plan due to improvisations, technical issues, or spontaneous audience requests, highlighting the dynamic nature of live shows.^[6] Community-driven databases like setlist.fm have emerged to archive these real-time records, preserving a historical catalog of millions of concerts across genres and enabling fans and researchers to analyze trends in artist repertoires over time.^[6]^[7]

Definition and Basics

Core Definition

A set list, also spelled setlist, is a predetermined sequence of songs or musical pieces that musicians or bands plan to perform in a specific order during a live concert or event.^[2] It functions as a structured guide to organize the performance, ensuring a coherent flow from one piece to the next.^[2] This document, often handwritten or printed, outlines the intended repertoire for the occasion.^[8] In contrast to a playlist, which compiles tracks for passive listening on recorded media or digital streaming platforms without real-time execution, a set list emphasizes the live, sequential delivery of music, adapted to the immediacy of audience engagement and performer improvisation.^[9] The live context distinguishes it further, as deviations from the plan can occur based on the event's energy.^[2] Core structural elements of a set list include the primary order of songs, encores as optional extensions beyond the main performance, and transitions—such as brief pauses, instrumental links, or verbal introductions—to sustain momentum between pieces.^[2] These components help maintain rhythmic and emotional continuity throughout the show.^[8] Simple set list formats typically appear as numbered lists of song titles, occasionally incorporating estimated timings to align with venue constraints. For instance:

Opening Song
Mid-Set Ballad (approx. 4 minutes)
Upbeat Track
Encore Piece

Such formats provide clarity for performers while allowing flexibility during execution.^[8]

Key Components

A set list, as a sequenced repertoire for live performances, comprises distinct structural elements that organize the flow of a concert.^[10] The primary components include opening songs, the main set, encores, and covers. Opening songs serve to establish the initial tone and energy, often selected for their immediate impact on the audience.^[10] The main set forms the core body of the performance, arranged in acts to maintain momentum through varying tempos and keys.^[11] Encores follow the main set as additional performances, usually comprising audience favorites or hits to extend engagement after apparent conclusion.^[10]^[12] Covers, or renditions of songs originally by other artists, are integrated to add variety, with notation crediting the original performer.^[13] Timing and duration estimates are integral to the set list's anatomy, with approximate runtimes noted for each song to ensure coordination and adherence to venue curfews, such as fitting a show within two hours.^[10]^[11] Song transitions are planned for seamless flow, often aligning keys or tempos to facilitate smooth progression without abrupt halts.^[10]^[11] Non-musical elements, such as medleys and improvisations, may be explicitly listed when they form part of the structure; medleys combine partial songs into a continuous segment without breaks, while improvisations or solos are noted for unscripted extensions.^[13]^[10] Variations in notation accommodate practical needs, particularly for tours where repeated songs are abbreviated (e.g., using symbols or short codes for staples) to streamline the document, often including venue, date, and city details on laminated copies for stage use.^[10]^[13]^[11]

Historical Development

Early Origins

The concept of a set list, referring to a predetermined sequence of performances, emerged in the 19th century within theater and opera houses, where scripted orders were essential for coordinating large ensembles and elaborate productions. In European opera houses such as those in Paris and Milan, printed programs and librettos detailed the exact order of acts, scenes, and arias, ensuring synchronized execution amid growing audience expectations for structured spectacles. For instance, grand opera productions like those at the Paris Opéra in the 1830s and 1840s featured meticulously planned sequences that integrated music, drama, and scenery changes, as evidenced by surviving archival programs that list specific excerpts from works by composers such as Giacomo Meyerbeer.^[14] This formalization extended to touring productions and early concert formats, where the need for consistency across venues prompted the documentation of performance orders. In the United States, 19th-century opera houses and theaters, such as Boston's Tremont Theatre, distributed programs outlining the sequence of operatic selections and interludes, reflecting the influence of European traditions adapted to transatlantic tours. Touring orchestras, like the Boston Brigade Band in the 1840s, further reinforced this practice by adhering to fixed repertoires in their programs, which mixed symphonic movements with lighter pieces to suit diverse audiences during cross-country travels.^[15] Vaudeville, rising in the late 19th century, played a key role in standardizing song and act sequences around 1900, as variety shows required precise timing to maintain audience engagement across multiple performers. Emerging in urban circuits like New York's Keith-Albee theaters, vaudeville bills—printed handouts listing acts in order—ensured a balanced flow of comedy, music, and novelty, often featuring 8 to 12 segments timed to fit two-hour shows. This standardization arose from commercial pressures to attract family audiences, distinguishing clean vaudeville from earlier, rowdier variety formats, and influencing the rhythmic pacing of popular entertainment.^[16] Among the earliest documented set lists are those from Italian tenor Enrico Caruso's concert tours in the early 1900s, which preserved sequences of arias and songs for reproducibility across international venues. Caruso's 1905 U.S. tour, for example, featured programs with ordered selections from operas like Verdi's Rigoletto and Puccini's works, as reported in contemporary newspapers covering his performances in cities such as New York and Philadelphia. Similarly, touring orchestras like the Thomas Orchestra in the 1870s–1890s issued programs detailing symphonic sequences, such as overtures followed by concertos, to guide musicians and audiences during multi-city engagements.^[17]^[18] The shift from oral traditions to written set lists in classical and folk music marked a broader transition in the 19th century, driven by advances in notation that fixed performance orders beyond memory alone. In classical music, the evolution from medieval neumes—staffless symbols aiding oral recall—to Guido of Arezzo's 11th-century staff system culminated in 19th-century full scores, enabling composers like Beethoven to prescribe exact sequences of movements for orchestras. Folk traditions, while predominantly oral, began incorporating written lists in European collections around the mid-1800s, as collectors documented song cycles to preserve regional repertoires amid urbanization. This change allowed for greater fidelity in ensemble performances, bridging improvisational roots with scripted precision.^[19]

Modern Evolution

The emergence of rock 'n' roll in the 1950s introduced greater flexibility to set lists, departing from the scripted formats of preceding genres like swing or country. Artists such as Elvis Presley delivered high-energy live performances blending covers of rhythm and blues standards with emerging rock originals, often adapting to audience reactions in informal venues like high school gyms and small theaters. This approach emphasized spontaneity and crowd interaction, with Presley's 1955 set lists typically featuring around 10-15 songs including "That's All Right" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky," but varying slightly by show to maintain excitement.^[20] The festival culture of the 1960s and 1970s amplified these improvisational tendencies, as large-scale events prioritized communal experience over strict scheduling. At the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, technical delays, rain, and a countercultural ethos of freedom led to extended, adaptive performances; Richie Havens, for instance, opened with a three-hour set that included the on-the-spot improvisation "Freedom (Motherless Child)" to fill time until other acts arrived. Similar flexibility marked sets by The Grateful Dead and Canned Heat, where jams like "Turn On Your Lovelight" stretched into long explorations, reflecting the era's shift toward jam-band styles and audience-driven flow.^[21] Post-2000 digital advancements transformed set list creation by enabling direct fan participation and platform integrations. Korn's Sick and Twisted Tour in 2000 pioneered fan-voted elements, with audiences selecting songs via the band's website to shape nightly lineups, resulting in varied performances across 100+ shows that mixed hits like "Falling Away from Me" with deeper cuts. More recently, streaming services have embedded set lists into promotional ecosystems; Apple Music's 2024 Set List feature allows artists to convert concert sequences into shareable playlists, integrating with tools like Bandsintown for tour discovery and post-show reliving.^[22] In hip-hop and electronic dance music (EDM), set lists evolved to emphasize beat-matching for fluid, non-stop mixes, a practice rooted in 1970s disco DJing but digitized in the 2000s. Hip-hop DJs, from pioneers like Grandmaster Flash to modern performers, construct sets around tempo synchronization (typically 80-110 BPM) and techniques like scratching or acapella overlays, ensuring seamless transitions that build narrative energy in club or festival contexts. EDM sets similarly rely on precise beat-matching (often 120-130 BPM for house or techno), with software grids enabling harmonic progression and drop alignments, shifting focus from fixed song orders to extended, crowd-responsive journeys.^[23]^[24]

Creation and Planning

Influencing Factors

Venue constraints significantly shape the content and order of a set list, as physical and acoustic limitations dictate feasible song selections and arrangements. Stage size and layout can restrict elaborate performances, prompting artists to opt for simpler staging in smaller venues, such as acoustic sets without extensive instrumentation, while larger arenas allow for high-production numbers with pyrotechnics or multiple band configurations. Acoustics play a crucial role; reverberant spaces like concert halls favor songs with sustained notes and dynamics, whereas dry environments in clubs may require brighter, more percussive tracks to compensate for sound clarity. Crowd capacity influences energy allocation, with larger audiences demanding high-impact openers to fill the space audibly and visually, as seen in adjustments for venues holding thousands versus intimate rooms for dozens.^[25] Artist considerations, including physical and professional demands, further refine set list composition to ensure sustainability and highlight strengths. Vocal range and comfort levels guide key choices, with performers compiling repertoires in optimal keys to avoid strain during extended tours, such as selecting mid-range ballads for warmer tones early in the set. Energy management is paramount, balancing demanding rockers with recovery periods to preserve stamina, exemplified by musicians noting adjustments to prevent vocal fatigue from consecutive high-intensity tracks. Career highlights often anchor the list, prioritizing fan-favorite hits or milestones to reinforce artistic identity without overexposing newer material.^[2]^[11] External pressures from logistical and regulatory environments impose additional constraints on set lists. Festival schedules, typically limited to 45-90 minutes, necessitate concise selections of crowd-pleasers over deep cuts, prioritizing seamless transitions to adhere to strict timings amid multi-act lineups. In regions with censorship, such as China, artists must submit lyrics and set lists for approval, omitting politically sensitive content—like protest-themed songs—to secure performance permits, as evidenced by foreign acts altering repertoires to comply with local authorities.^[10]^[26] During album promotional cycles, artists often include recent releases in their set lists to boost visibility and showcase new material, framing the performance around thematic narratives from their discography.^[11] Psychological factors emphasize pacing to manipulate audience emotions and sustain engagement throughout the performance. Set lists often employ a narrative arc, starting with accessible energizers to hook listeners, then building tension through gradual tempo increases from mellow intros to climactic high-energy closers, fostering anticipation and release akin to dramatic storytelling. This strategic variation in dynamics prevents monotony, with slower segments creating emotional depth before explosive peaks that amplify communal excitement, as behavioral studies suggest such contrasts heighten memory and enjoyment of the concert experience.^[11]^[25]^[27]

Planning Techniques

Planning set lists often involves collaborative processes among band members, managers, and sound engineers to ensure alignment on song selection, sequencing, and logistical needs such as stage transitions and lighting cues.^[2] Band members typically discuss song structures, including introductions, solos, and endings, during initial meetings to incorporate creative input, while managers focus on timing and audience expectations, and sound engineers advise on technical feasibility like instrument changes or audio balance.^[2] This teamwork helps balance artistic vision with practical execution, drawing on factors like venue size and tour goals.^[28] Practical tools facilitate sequencing and timing simulations, ranging from simple spreadsheets for listing songs with details like duration and key to specialized apps that enable real-time collaboration. For instance, software like Master Tour allows teams to build and share set lists with embedded performance notes, while BandHelper supports multi-device editing for bandmates to adjust orders and attach lyrics or chords.^[28]^[29] Spreadsheets, often imported into these apps, help simulate total runtime and energy flow by calculating transitions and breaks.^[30] As of 2025, emerging AI tools have begun aiding set list planning, particularly for cover bands and data-driven optimization. Applications like Setlist Generator use algorithms to suggest song orders based on genre, tempo, and audience preferences, drawing from repertoire databases to create balanced sets efficiently.^[31] Testing the set list occurs through rehearsals and analysis of past performance data to refine song order and pacing. In rehearsals, bands run through the sequence to identify issues like tempo clashes or audience engagement drops, using non-verbal cues like hand signals for seamless adjustments.^[2] Platforms like Setlist.fm provide aggregated data on previous shows, such as most-played songs and set lengths, enabling artists to tweak orders for variety and avoid repetition in repeat venues.^[32] Post-rehearsal notes on energy levels and flow further iterate the plan before live deployment.^[2] Strategies for adaptability include preparing backup songs to handle technical issues or unexpected changes, such as equipment failures or time overruns. Artists maintain a "gig book" or digital reserve of extra tracks, categorized by key and tempo for quick swaps, ensuring the performance remains fluid without disrupting momentum.^[2] This approach, informed by rehearsal insights, allows on-the-spot modifications while preserving the overall structure.^[2]

Variations and Formats

Standard Formats

Standard set lists in live performances are conventionally structured as linear sequences that enumerate songs or pieces in the order they are performed, providing a clear roadmap for musicians and production teams. This format typically begins with a numbered position for each entry, followed by the song title and, where relevant, an estimated duration to aid in time management during rehearsals and shows. For instance, a basic entry might appear as "1. Opening Song - 3:45," ensuring performers can track progression and maintain pacing throughout the event.^[2] In modern practice, digital tools such as apps and software are increasingly used to create and manage set lists, allowing for real-time adjustments and integration with production elements like lighting cues.^[33] Encores are routinely incorporated as distinct segments following the main set, often separated by a blank line or explicit label to denote the transition after the performer leaves the stage and returns amid audience demand. This separation highlights encores as an extension rather than an integral part of the primary sequence, allowing for high-energy closers that prolong audience engagement without disrupting the core flow. Common notations for encores include simple markers like "Encore 1" or a horizontal line, which facilitate quick reference during live execution.^[34] Tour-wide set lists emphasize consistency to build audience familiarity and streamline logistics across multiple dates, with a core sequence of 15-20 songs repeated in most venues to reflect the artist's branding and repertoire priorities. However, one-off adjustments are standard for factors such as venue acoustics, local audience preferences, or spontaneous changes, where performers might swap a mid-set track for a regional favorite while preserving the overall linear framework. These modifications are noted minimally in the list, often with annotations like "alt. version" to alert the band without altering the positional numbering.^[2] Additional notations in standard formats commonly include labels for set breaks, such as intermissions or thematic shifts (e.g., "Acoustic Set" prefixed before relevant songs), which divide the linear list into logical blocks while maintaining chronological order. Durations are estimated based on prior recordings or rehearsals, typically ranging from 3-5 minutes per song, and positions may incorporate descriptive tags like "opener" or "closer" for strategic emphasis during planning. This structured approach, informed by established planning techniques, ensures reliability in diverse performance settings.^[34]^[2]

Specialized Variations

Festival set lists are often adapted to the constraints of multi-act events, featuring shorter durations and a selection of high-impact, energetic songs to maximize audience engagement within limited time slots, typically 45 to 90 minutes.^[35] This format prioritizes crowd-pleasing hits and avoids extended intros or solos, differing from the more expansive structures of standard solo concerts.^[36] Encores are generally omitted due to rigid scheduling to ensure timely transitions between performers.^[37] In tribute or reunion shows, set lists frequently adopt chronological orders to trace an artist's or band's career trajectory. Alternatively, these performances may focus on greatest hits compilations to evoke nostalgia and satisfy long-time fans, exemplified by Slayer's 2018 farewell tour sets that drew from multiple albums across their career, focusing on well-known tracks.^[38] Reunion events, such as Radiohead's 2025 Madrid shows, blend hits with lesser-known tracks for a spanning overview.^[39] Improvisational jazz set lists maintain loose structures, with song selections often finalized moments before the performance to allow spontaneous rearrangements and extended solos, reflecting the genre's emphasis on collective creativity over fixed sequencing.^[40] This contrasts sharply with the rigid formats of pop concerts, where set lists are meticulously planned and replicated nightly to synchronize with elaborate production elements like lighting and visuals, ensuring consistency across tours.^[41] Collaborative or guest artist set lists integrate joint performances by weaving in shared songs or duets, adapting the core lineup to accommodate surprise appearances that heighten excitement, such as Eddie Vedder joining Chris Martin for a three-song medley at the 2016 Global Citizen Festival.^[42] These variations prioritize seamless transitions between artists' repertoires, often prioritizing mutual hits to foster a unified show dynamic.^[43]

Role in Performances

Artistic Impact

Set lists serve as a foundational element in crafting the narrative structure of live music performances, enabling artists to sequence songs in ways that evoke thematic arcs and tell a cohesive story. By arranging tracks to progress from introspective openings to climactic resolutions, performers create emotional journeys that mirror literary or dramatic narratives, such as Freytag's pyramid of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. For instance, in Bob Dylan's live shows from the 1960s through the 2020s, set lists curate a meta-narrative that reinterprets his catalog as evolving chapters, blending folk roots with rock explorations to reflect personal and cultural transformations.^[44] This sequencing approach transforms individual songs into interconnected scenes, fostering a sense of progression that deepens the artistic intent beyond mere playback of recordings.^[45] Pacing within set lists is meticulously designed to guide emotional flow, incorporating peaks of high-energy anthems and valleys of reflective interludes to sustain engagement and build intensity over the course of a show. Frameworks like the I.M.P.A.C.T. System—Introduce (hook with energy), Momentum (build tension), Pivot (contrast for reset), Amplify (climax), Cooldown (reflection), and Triumph (resolution)—structure these dynamics, ensuring deliberate waves of arousal that prevent monotony.^[45] Artists such as Metallica alternate explosive tracks like "Enter Sandman" with slower ballads to create contrast, culminating in anthemic closers that release built-up tension, thereby heightening the overall emotional arc.^[46] Similarly, Taylor Swift's adjustments to her Eras Tour set list, such as inserting high-impact new songs like "Fortnight" mid-sequence, recalibrate pacing to align with evolving artistic phases while maintaining narrative momentum.^[47] This rhythmic ebb and flow not only mirrors the physiological demands of performance but also amplifies the expressive power of the music.^[48] Through rearrangements of studio album tracks, set lists become a canvas for artist expression, allowing reinterpretations that infuse live renditions with fresh vitality and personal nuance. Performers often strip down arrangements—such as shifting to acoustic versions—or alter tempos to convey evolving perspectives, as seen in Radiohead's commitment to unique set lists across over 800 shows, where songs from albums like OK Computer were resequenced and reimagined to explore themes of alienation in novel contexts.^[49] Charli XCX exemplifies this by prioritizing self-directed choices in her set lists, rearranging tracks like "Von Dutch" to reflect personal growth and defy fan expectations, thereby asserting creative autonomy.^[47] These modifications enable artists to transcend static recordings, using the live format to evolve their oeuvre and communicate intimate artistic evolutions.^[50] The order of a set list profoundly influences set design and visuals, synchronizing auditory narratives with spatial and luminous elements to enhance immersive storytelling. Dynamic shifts in song sequence cue corresponding changes in staging, such as intensified lighting during energy peaks or subdued projections for cooldown phases, creating a multisensory arc that reinforces thematic depth. In The Weeknd's Coachella performance, the set list's progression from atmospheric openers to explosive closers aligned with spatial reveals—like a 30-foot masked figure descending— to build a futuristic narrative, integrating visuals as narrative extensions.^[51] Likewise, Iron Maiden's "Legacy of the Beast" tour ties song order to evolving set pieces, from historical reenactments in early tracks to pyrotechnic finales, ensuring that visual spectacle amplifies the sequenced emotional journey.^[48] This interplay transforms the stage into a living tableau, where set list architecture dictates the holistic artistic vision.^[52]

Audience Interaction

Audience interaction plays a pivotal role in shaping set lists during live performances, allowing performers to respond dynamically to the crowd's energy and preferences. Crowd requests and chants often prompt real-time adjustments, particularly for encores, where artists may incorporate demanded songs to heighten excitement and acknowledge fan enthusiasm. For instance, encores at their best serve as genuine responses to audience requests, transforming planned sequences into spontaneous celebrations of shared fandom.^[53] Incorporating fan favorites into set lists is a strategic choice to build rapport and sustain energy throughout the show. These well-known tracks, often positioned early or at key transitions, energize the audience and foster a sense of connection, ensuring the performance remains engaging even amid newer material. By prioritizing songs that resonate deeply with attendees, artists create moments of collective joy that reinforce loyalty and amplify the overall atmosphere.^[54] Set lists frequently undergo regional adaptations to align with audience demographics and cultural expectations, tailoring content to local tastes for maximum impact. Bands like Metallica analyze streaming data from platforms such as Spotify to modify selections city by city, incorporating regionally popular tracks that reflect listeners' habits and preferences. Similarly, Bob Dylan has mixed in covers of local musical heroes, such as Chuck Berry in St. Louis or Muddy Waters in Chicago, to honor regional influences and deepen cultural resonance.^[55]^[56] Sing-alongs and participatory segments, strategically placed within set lists, transform passive listening into active involvement, elevating the communal experience of concerts. Choruses designed for audience participation, like those in anthemic hits, encourage widespread singing that builds emotional peaks and strengthens bonds between performers and fans. As Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge noted, a sing-along represents the most powerful element in a set, surpassing even complex compositions in its ability to create lasting, shared memories through collective engagement.^[57]

Documentation and Preservation

Recording Methods

Performers and crew members frequently capture set lists during live events through on-stage notations, utilizing physical tools such as clipboards to mark the progression of songs in real time. These notations often consist of handwritten or printed documents listing the song order, along with practical details like keys, tempos, meters, and cues for lighting or effects to ensure smooth execution.^[2] In professional settings, stage crew may actively log completions by crossing off items on these clipboards, aiding immediate post-performance reviews.^[10] Digital devices have become prevalent for on-stage recording, with tablets and smartphones running specialized apps to display and update set lists dynamically. Applications like Set List Maker allow musicians to organize songs, lyrics, chords, and notes on iOS, Android, or Mac platforms, enabling quick navigation and annotations without paper.^[58] Similarly, Back On Stage facilitates drag-and-drop reordering of sets, assignment of parts to band members, and automatic distribution of digital sheet music, reducing preparation time and supporting real-time adjustments during shows.^[59] These tools enhance accuracy by integrating metadata such as tempos and vocal cues, which align with core components like song sequencing. Audio and video recordings provide a reliable method for syncing and documenting the exact songs performed, often by timestamping transitions to reconstruct the set list precisely. Professional crews or fans capture these via high-quality equipment, reviewing footage to verify the order and any deviations from planned lists.^[13] This approach ensures verifiability, particularly for archival submissions, where recordings serve as primary evidence of the performance sequence. Post-performance reconstructions rely on set timings—such as song durations and overall show length—combined with attendee reports to compile accurate set lists when direct notations are absent. Attendees may note the sequence from memory or partial records like ticket stubs, submitting these for verification against other sources to fill gaps in documentation.^[60] This method is common for smaller or unlogged events, prioritizing corroborated details to maintain reliability. For large tours, professional logging occurs through dedicated production software that integrates set list tracking into broader tour management. Platforms like BandHelper enable bands to log repertoire, generate set lists, and record performance specifics in a centralized database accessible across devices.^[29] Eventric's Master Tour streamlines this by incorporating schedules, real-time communications, and event details, allowing crew to input and update set lists during multi-city productions for consistent oversight.^[61] These systems support immediate capture while facilitating data sharing among team members.

Archival Resources

Fan-driven platforms have become central to the archival preservation of set lists, enabling crowdsourced contributions that create extensive, searchable databases of live performances. Setlist.fm, launched in 2003, serves as a prominent example, hosting over 9.5 million set lists from more than 427,000 artists, compiled by users who submit details from concerts they attend or research.^[7]^[32] This wiki-style repository allows fans to track tour statistics, song frequencies, and variations, fostering a collaborative effort to document musical history beyond official records.^[32] Official band resources often provide curated compilations of tour histories, offering verified set lists directly from artists or their management. For instance, the Red Hot Chili Peppers maintain a live archive on their website, detailing every performance from the band's inception, including song orders and notable changes across tours.^[62] Similarly, Phish's official site, Phish.net, archives complete set lists for thousands of shows, integrating fan-verified data with band-approved timelines to preserve improvisational elements unique to their performances.^[63] Books further extend this official documentation; Rush's Wandering the Face of the Earth: The Official Touring History 1974–1976 (2019) includes every set list from their early tours, vetted by the band for accuracy.^[64] Fan-compiled books also contribute to documentation; for example, Dead and Company Complete Setlists: 2015–2023 (2023) by Greg Gillis compiles all performances from the supergroup's tours in a research-oriented format.^[65] Institutional collections in museums and libraries safeguard historical set lists as cultural artifacts, often alongside related ephemera like posters and recordings. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library & Archives in Cleveland holds manuscripts, photographs, and performance documents from inductees and influencers, including set lists that capture pivotal moments in rock history.^[66] For example, their holdings encompass materials from artists like The Who and Jimi Hendrix, where set lists from iconic 1960s shows provide insight into evolving stagecraft.^[67] These archives are accessible by appointment, supporting preservation efforts that extend fan and official records into formal curatorial practice.^[68] In musicology, archived set lists enable scholarly analysis of performance trends, revealing patterns in artist behavior and audience preferences over time. Researchers utilize databases like setlist.fm to quantify variety in song selection; a 2024 study analyzed setlists from over 200 popular artists across genres using data from Setlist.fm, finding wide diversity in song variety, with some genres like Pop leaning toward frequent "shelf" (greatest hits) songs while others show more "tail" (deep cuts) inclusion.^[49] This approach highlights historical shifts, such as increased improvisation in jam-band set lists during the 1990s, informing broader discussions on live music's cultural evolution.^[69] Academic works, like a 2019 analysis from the University of Virginia Darden School, further explore how set list sequencing influences concert memory and enjoyment, drawing on archived data to model optimal structures.^[27]

References

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Mar 12, 2018 · Your setlist should tell a story, walking your fans through your journey and showcasing your highlights along the way.
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Enjoyment and Memory in Concert: The Ideal Set List
and this is where behavioral economists may have ...
[29]
Master Tour - Tour Management Software by Eventric
Full Guest List Management. Crew Profile Management. Personnel and Contact Saving. Customizable Visibility for Crew and Tours. Set List and Performance ...
[30]
The Top 5 Band Management Software Options | Back On Stage
Essential Qualities for Top Set List Apps: · Easy import of song data via spreadsheet (you've probably got lots of songs!) · Ability to store important data with ...Missing: industry | Show results with:industry
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The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time
Oct 27, 2025 · On Setlist.fm, users track what songs artists play at concerts (and more). The availability of so much data has changed the ways musicians and ...Missing: performances | Show results with:performances
[32]
Guidelines for editing setlists
Oct 21, 2019 · Learn how to edit setlists on setlist.fm; how to add covered songs or what to do if some other famous musician joined the stage.The Setlist · Covered Songs · Set Times
[33]
'It's two hit songs then off' – artists fight festivals' shorter sets
May 13, 2017 · Music festivals are facing an “enormous backlash” as the emerging trend to cram in more bands playing shorter sets is infuriating some musicians, industry ...
[34]
How to Create the Perfect Setlist for Any Event - Insider Tips
May 9, 2025 · Short Sets (30–60 minutes): Focus on impact. Choose your strongest, most energetic or emotionally resonant songs. There's no time for filler.
[35]
Why it's OK to Not Do Encores at Festivals – TIM THORNTON
Hell, the band knew it an hour before the gig even started, as two extra songs have been written on the set lists. ... They shall not be allowed another song!
[36]
The Monkees Reveal U.S. Summer Tour Dates - Rolling Stone
Apr 29, 2013 · The show will present the Monkees' songs in chronological order, utilizing archival video and photographs to tell their story. ... tour later that ...
[37]
Show Review: Outlaw Music Festival at SPAC - Americana Highways
Aug 6, 2025 · Outlaw Music Festival at SPAC on Saturday August 2, 2025. Arriving just as the amazing LUCINDA WILLIAMS took the Broadview Stage, ...
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https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/slayer/2018/minneapolis-armory-minneapolis-mn-33ed30f9.html
[39]
[PDF] The Improvisational Performance Practice of the Art Ensemble of ...
The set lists for Art Ensemble performances, including the event documented on Live at Mandel Hall, were chosen just before the concert, typically in the band's.Missing: loose | Show results with:loose
[40]
Have We Let Setlists Spoil the Concert Experience? Exclaim!
May 21, 2025 · This festival setlist default of playing the hits aligns with most major pop acts, who play the same set every time. Streaming apps have even ...
[41]
Watch Eddie Vedder, Chris Martin's Joint Global Citizen Set
Sep 25, 2016 · Coldplay's Chris Martin and Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder staged a surprise collaboration at Global Citizen Festival, performing a three-song set<|control11|><|separator|>
[42]
Best Surprise Guests at 2025 Concerts: Olivia, Sabrina, Drake
Aug 6, 2025 · A-listers from Olivia Rodrigo to Sabrina Carpenter to Gracie Abrams to Drake have scored some of 2025's most talked-about moments by bringing ...
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https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-surprise-guests-concerts-olivia-sabrina-1235400454/
[44]
(PDF) Designing Emotional Journeys: A Methodological Framework ...
Jun 10, 2025 · PDF | This methodological paper introduces a structured framework for setlist design in live music performance, developed over 20 years of
[45]
Taylor Swift: The art of picking songs for a setlist
### Summary of Set List Construction for Live Performances
[46]
Setlists, Playlists and the Aesthetics of Musical Sequencing - Concerty
For all their difference, playlists and setlists have one thing in common: a desire to heighten the musical experience through attention to sequence. Both ...
[47]
[PDF] Exploring Variety in Set-lists Across Artists and Musical Genres
Constructing a set list involves navigating diverse expecta- tions, and the degree of variety in an artist's performances is an intriguing topic with broader.
[48]
Performance Recordivity: Studio Music in a Live Context
The paper seeks to examine the relationships between the gestural, performative and technological practices of the recording studio and emerging performance ...
[49]
[PDF] Visual Storytelling and Spatial Design in Live Performances - Clareus
Apr 16, 2025 · Arranging may enhance performance by creating significant and memorable sequences that stay with viewers long after the lights go down. This is ...
[50]
https://www.arpjournal.com/asarpwp/performance-recordivity-studio-music-in-a-live-context/
[51]
Encore? Encore? Enough of this crushingly predictable gig ritual
May 17, 2007 · At its best, an encore will consist of genuine responses to audience requests or something off the wall. The Waterboys capped a brilliant set ...Missing: chants | Show results with:chants
[52]
The Dream Setlist for Foo Fighters' 2023 Tour - Billboard
May 24, 2023 · A classic early-set favorite, keeping the tone light and energy high, as fans of a certain age think fondly upon the days of Guitar Hero II ...
[53]
Metallica shape live shows by what fans are listening to on Spotify ...
Jul 27, 2018 · Daniel Ek says Metallica alter their setlists city by city to best suit their fans' Spotify listening habits.Missing: chants | Show results with:chants
[54]
Hear Bob Dylan Cover Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Howlin' Wolf
Oct 9, 2023 · Bob Dylan is mixing up his standard setlist to honor hometown heroes like Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Howlin' Wolf.
[55]
Alter Bridge on the Power of a Singalong: Behind the Setlist Podcast
Nov 22, 2022 · Alter Bridge appeared on Billboard's Behind the Setlist podcast, where they talk about the art of singalongs and their major concert hits.
[56]
Set List Maker for iOS, Android and Mac
Set List Maker is a powerful organizational tool for musicians. With thousands of people around the world using the app in creative ways.
[57]
Set Lists - For Live Music Businesses (Bands, DJs etc) | Back On Stage
A set list tool built to solve the endless music library chaos that every event band has endured since the beginning of time.
[58]
Frequently Asked Questions | setlist.fm
Once you've gained more editing experience, you'll be able to edit all setlists. Until then, you can submit your edits as suggestions that will be reviewed by ...
[59]
BandHelper: Band management software for iOS, Android, Mac and ...
BandHelper is an online service with iOS, Android and Mac apps to manage your band's repertoire, schedule, contacts, stage plots and finances.Log In · Pricing · Start a Free Trial · Tutorials
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Eventric - Professional Tour Management Software & Solutions
Master Tour is a comprehensive software for the live music and event industry, streamlining tour logistics, schedules, and communication.About · Master Tour Master Tour Login · Contact us · Master Tour ProMissing: logging | Show results with:logging
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setlist.fm - the setlist wiki
Over 9550000 concert setlists of more than 427100 artists including tour and song statistics, personal statistics, videos and much more.Setlists · Artists · Metallica Concert Setlists · Morrissey Concert Setlists
[62]
Red Hot Chili Peppers Live Archive
The Red Hot Chili Peppers Live Archive is the most comprehensive and extensive guide to every single performance by the band from the very beginning to the ...2006 · 2023 · 2003 · 2024
[63]
Phish.net
The Summer 2025 Tour comes to an end one day before the beginning of Fall. 31 shows in total. The first half of the summer brought with it a clear intent: ...Setlists · Phish Song List · Forum · Login
[64]
'Wandering The Face Of The Earth: The Official Touring History ...
Mar 9, 2019 · This book includes every setlist, every opening act, and every noteworthy moment meticulously researched and vetted by the band themselves.
[65]
Dead and Company Complete Setlists: 2015 – 2023 - Amazon.com
Easy to read format makes this compilation the perfect research guide for Deadheads. All shows and all setlists have been extensively researched for accuracy.
[66]
Archival Collections - LibGuides at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and ...
May 9, 2025 · The lists included in this guide include basic overviews to our processed archival collections. To view the more detailed finding aids for ...
[67]
ARC-0001 to ARC-0050 - Archival Collections
May 9, 2025 · Some prominent artists included in the collection include: Fleetwood Mac, Ella Fitzgerald, Dean Martin, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Seger, The Rolling ...
[68]
Library | Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Explore the Rock Hall's unique archival collections: Personal papers, photographs, and recordings of artists; Writings and research of scholars, journalists, ...Library & Archives · Databases · Biblioteca
[69]
[PDF] Exploring Variety in Set-lists Across Artists and Musical Genres
Here, an artist's career of set-lists are arranged in sequence and each set-list is compared to the previous set-list in terms of the amount of different songs ...