Strike

To strike means to remove equipment or set pieces from the stage. This can be permanent (during load-out) or temporary — for instance, striking the headliner's drum kit after soundcheck so the opening act has more space to set up their kit, then bringing the headliner's kit back during the changeover. When something is struck temporarily, its position is usually marked with gaff tape so it can be put back in the exact same spot. "Strike the stage" means clear everything off.

Strike during changeovers

Between acts on a multi-band bill, striking the outgoing act's gear is the first step of the changeover. The outgoing crew clears their backline, monitors, and any set pieces while the incoming crew waits to set up. Speed matters — every minute of strike time is a minute off the changeover clock.

Strike during load-out

At the end of the show, striking the stage is the first phase of load-out. Everything comes down in a coordinated sequence: backline first, then lighting and audio come down from the rigging, staging and risers are broken down, and everything is cased and moved to the trucks. A well-run strike is choreographed — crews know exactly what comes off in what order.