Setlists

A setlist is a planned list of songs or pieces performed during a live music event, usually arranged to guide the show from start to finish. It may indicate the order of numbers, transitions, and sometimes notes on arrangement, medleys, or audience interaction. Setlists serve both performers, for pacing and technical cues, and audiences, who use them to anticipate what will be played. They are also of interest to music historians who study repertoire and performance practices.

The setlist is typically prepared in advance by the artist or a tour musical director, in consultation with the sound and stage crews. It can be fixed for a tour or vary by venue, date, or special guests. Some acts maintain a core core of songs with rotating sections, while others deliberately improvise or substitute numbers based on mood, crowd response, or logistical constraints. Encores are often planned but may be altered on the fly.

Documentation and analysis play a prominent role in contemporary music culture. Digital databases and fan communities routinely compile setlists, recording date, venue, and lineup. This allows tracking of frequently performed songs, changes in order, and trends across tours or periods. Beyond concerts, the concept also appears in theater and festivals, where multi-set performances or long programs rely on carefully structured setlists to manage pacing and continuity.