Be familiar with the venue. Prior to attending the show, take a look around for the entrances and exits.
At smaller clubs, try to befriend people who work at the venue. Typically booking agents, managers and other people who run the shows have access to the backstage area can put you on a VIP list or will introduce you personally. These connections can be helpful for meeting more than just one band, as well.
Look for internship opportunities or part-time jobs with the venue. Some clubs and concert venues may seek people to help promote shows and other events at the club. They may not all pay well (or at all) but can offer you chances to meet the bands in exchange for your efforts.
Look for the bus. At smaller clubs and theaters, this should be easy. Even at arenas, if you walk and look around enough you should be able to find it, although some do have parking beneath the venue, which may be harder to access.
Knock on the door. If you’re at the venue early enough and the band isn’t doing their soundcheck, some of them may be on the bus. Knocking on the bus door, if you can access it, can be a good way to meet the band, or a part of their crew. Depending on who is on board, even if you don’t meet the band, you may be able to score backstage passes for the night.
Talk to fans. While waiting in line to get into the club, or in-between sets, chat to the fans around you. Some of them have seen and met the band before and may have details on how you can do the same.
Befriend the door guy (or gal). If you can find the backstage entrance inside the venue (typically near the back of the stage) chat up the guy or gal keeping watch. It’s his or her job to keep people out of the backstage area, but you wouldn’t be the first exception made.
Follow the crowd. It’s a trick from the movies, but it has been known to work in real life. If you’re stealthy enough, and you see a group headed towards the backstage door, join them and sneak your way in. However, this may be difficult if you’ve already been chatting up the guard at the door as he/she may recognize you.
Use your bad luck. Certain types of concerts can lend themselves to busted glasses, scrapes and even worse injuries. Don’t get hurt on purpose, but if the mosh pit does treat you unkindly, try talking to people at the venue or the door guy. They may be able to arrange a few minutes backstage with the band to help heal you.
Check out the merchandise. Often times smaller bands and opening acts can be found selling merch after their sets. If they’re not incredibly busy, most are more than happy to chat, autograph and get pictures taken with fans. If things go particularly well, openers may also be able to invite you backstage to meet the headlining band and hang out after the show.
After the show, make a beeline for the bus. This is the band’s home while on the road and they will have to return to it eventually. Many bands and artists make a point to come out and meet fans after a show, and this is typically where they can be found.
Talk to the crew. People who work for the band and the venue can sometimes go inside and tell the band that they have fans waiting. Although lead singers can sometimes be a bit more elusive, drummers and bassists can sometimes be lured out by the crew if fans are specifically asking for them. If there isn’t a crowd, or if you stand out, the crew can sometimes manage to take you backstage as well.
Be sure to have a permanent marker and whatever you want autographed handy. While some bands have ample time to stand around and chat, others are on tight deadlines to hit the road again. Either way, they won’t be able to wait for you to run to your car to grab that vinyl record, hard to find CD or t-shirt and rock stars aren’t all equipped with permanent markers. Be sure to grab these items on your way to the bus.
Wait. And wait. And wait. If all other attempts fail, inevitably the band will come out from the venue to the bus. However, sometimes they have post-show obligations before they can leave the venue (such as interviews and meet and greets) or they just want to spend some time partying and celebrating a great show. Be patient.