Backliner

A backliner or backline technician provides technical support for live performances and is part of the technical team. Since every artist, band, and orchestra has a different mix of instruments, the duties of a backliner can vary greatly. They may be responsible for all the instruments in an entire band or for a specific instrument, such as strings or drums. For example, a sound engineer who specializes in drums sets up the drums, does a sound check with the sound engineer, makes sure the drummer is happy with the setup, and is responsible for taking care of the drums during a tour. On large live productions there are a number of backliners, on smaller productions there may be only one, who is responsible for all instruments and has other duties in addition to his role as a backliner. 

What is the job of a backliner?

A backliner unpacks the instruments and sets them up along with all the necessary accessories such as music stands, tripods, sheet music, chairs, and anything else the artist needs. He/she may also be responsible for making sure that a particular instrument, such as a guitar, sounds good during a sound check and that it is handled properly and transported safely during a tour.

What does a backliner need to know?

A backliner is often freelance, so it's an advantage if you have your own business or are self-employed. You should also be able to go on long tours and be very flexible in terms of working hours, as concerts can take place at different times and in all kinds of environments. You should be responsible and dedicated and have a lot of stamina, as the shifts can be very long. Often, a backliner has a musical background and has extensive knowledge and experience on an instrument or in their area of responsibility, not least in the ever-evolving field of music technology. As a backliner, you will be expected to be able to solve problems, so a solution-oriented personality is always appreciated.

Source: Wikipedia, StagePool, Music Jobs