Meh. We've had this happen more times than I can count, often it's been a blessing in disguise for us...

One bar in particular we're quite well received in seems to have a habit of giving "headliners" some doubts if they'll draw a crowd (it's an old biker bar in the midst of a pretty diverse city). Quite frankly, I think it's the steady stream of Black and non-white folks that come through the bar for a drink or food that make them think the venue isn't a good draw for their kind of tunes (we're punk/grunge/metal, so we generally play with bands at least similar in style and/or genre). So often they'll ask if we'd rather take the headlining spot. Which we're all about when it's offered.

Usually means going anywhere from a half hour to 45 minute set, to an hour and a half or two hours with an intermission. Generally speaking we love this, because we can just wing it as far as what we play to fill in the excess time, rather than have to go by our (usually) previously decided setlist. Nothing like being able to play more originals, interact with the crowd and not feel rushed, throw out cover options and let the crowd decide what we play, etc.

But it's sweetest when the original headliner plays their reduced set, yet hangs around a bit for ours and sees the place start coming alive and rocking around midnight. I've seen the look of regret more than once on a previously ordained "headliner's" face, and can't say I've ever felt the slightest bit of pity. We'll play any time, and make the most out of it, whether it's 6 people watching us or a filled-to-capacity venue. 🍻😎🤘