Backstage Business

Backstage Business is an interactive murder mystery game set after a 1980s hair-metal rock concert for 18-22 guests (plus one host) published by Freeform Games.

(Note that if you click on the link below and then buy Backstage Business, I will earn a small commission.)

The story

Welcome to 1986. Eruption is a young band with loud guitars, big hair, spandex, and a lot of make-up. Recently, Eruption had a runaway hit with a sweet love song called “You’re the One for Me”. Tonight, at the end of their first, five-month tour, Eruption is back in their home city and has just finished the second of two shows at the Roxy A Go Go. It’s now time for the backstage end-of-tour party!

As with any successful band, backstage is not only filled with the band and their fans but also with managers, roadies, groupies, and charity organizations all looking to make a profit from the band.

However, things may not be going well for Eruption. Tonight, after obvious tension on stage, they played their encore without their lead singer, Slick Scott. Is everything okay?

how Backstage Business works

Backstage Business is an interactive murder mystery game, which means all the players receive complete details of their character, including a detailed backstory, objectives that they must try to achieve, and information about other characters.

Characters also have item cards (that represent contracts, cassette tapes, newspaper cuttings and so on), and abilities (that let them detect secrets find out information about other people).

In my opinion, once you've played an interactive murder mystery game, you won't want to go back.

While Backstage Business has a murder (although it doesn't start with one), the game is full of other plots - such as whether Eruption will survive the evening.

the casT

The cast of Backstage Business includes:

Eruption

• Slick Scott: Eruption’s charismatic singer
• Hairy Joe: Lead guitarist and pin-up
• Rollin’ Gary: Bass player
• Big Andre: Drummer

Crew and entourage

• Ash Butler: Sound technician
• Robin Ford: Stylist
• Paula Gibb: Guitar technician
• Dee Hamilton: Tattooed merchandise manager
• Charlie Hill: Tour manager
• Kelly Murphy: Former model and Slick Scott’s agent & wife
• Vinnie Ricci: Drum technician
• Billie Towell: Band psychiatrist
• Julie Warwick: Hairy Joe’s girlfriend
• Cameron White: Touring keyboard player

Roxy A Go Go

• Chris Harshaw: The Roxy A Go Go’s owner
• Viv Letov: Floor manager

Visitors

• Chrystal Crawford: Groupie
• Amy Fisher: Representative for new charity Nozone
• Bobby Hewson: Ex-hippie representing charity Save Africa
• Casey Lake: Reporter for The Weekly News
• Jordan Miller: Owner of Platinum Records and Eruption’s manager
• Jacky Rodriguez: Radio DJ and owner of Rodriguez Records
• Max Wattford: Former Eruption singer

the details

Instead of a formal dinner party, Backstage Business is better suited to a buffet meal or finger food.

Everyone needs to be able to talk quietly with each other - to plot and scheme and achieve their goals.

Backstage Business also needs a dedicated host, someone to organise the game.

They will read the entire game and will be available to answer questions.

I really enjoy being the host - you know what's going on and can watch your friends scheme and plot and be devious to one another.

how to get Backstage Business

Click here to purchase Backstage Business from Freeform Games.

You will be taken to the Freeform Games LLP website - follow the instructions to purchase Backstage Business.

Just download the game, print it out and have a great murder mystery!

Disclosure: I am a partner at Freeform Games - feel free to ask me lots of questions! (I will also earn commission if you buy Backstage Business.)

Click here to purchase Backstage Business.