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.)
Does Backstage Business come with a money-back guarantee?
Does Backstage Business come with a money-back guarantee?
Yes!
Freeform Games offer a cast-iron guarantee on all their murder mystery games. If you're not completely satisfied with Backstage Business then let them know within 30 days and they will refund you.
What age is Backstage Business suitable for?
What age is Backstage Business suitable for?
Freeform Games suggest Backstage Business is suitable for those aged 18+, as it contains adult themes and references to drugs and drug taking.
How long does Backstage Business take to play?
How long does Backstage Business take to play?
I would allow 3-4 hours to play Backstage Business. While the game itself takes 2.5-3 hours to play, I recommend allowing time to introduce the game and wind down after.
Where's my download?
Where's my download?
Shortly after buying Backstage Business you should receive an email from Freeform Games explaining how to download the game files.
If you haven't received this, please first check your spam filter - sometimes the emails end up there.
If that fails, please get in touch directly with Freeform Games - with the details of which game you bought, when you bought it, and which email address you used. Or contact me (with that same information) and I'll get in touch for you.
How many guests will I need?
How many guests will I need?
You need at least 18 guests and no more than 22.
If you have fewer than 18 guests you will have to drop a character (which may affect the plot), or play a character yourself (not ideal, but I talk about it here), or even ask a guest to play two characters at once.
If you have more than 22 guests you will need to create your own, or use one of the free extra characters provided by Freeform Games when you download Backstage Business.
Can I host Backstage Business and also play a character?
Can I host Backstage Business and also play a character?
The host has an important role in Backstage Business. The organize and coordinate the party. They also act as an impartial "referee" - so it's important that they have read the game and understand what is going on.
So I recommend not playing a character and hosting the game.
But if you still want to host a game and play a character (or you have to because a player cannot attend), I have advice on doing that here.
New game
Backstage Business - a 1980s rock music themed murder mystery for 18-22 guests.
Don't know where to start?
Here's my suggested quick route through the site:
Step 1 - Go to Choosing a Game to choose the game that suits your party best.
Step 2 - Review the Tips for Hosts for helpful advice.
Step 3 - If you want to keep up to date with the latest murder mystery game news, click on my What's New page.
Step 4 - Once you've had your party - tell me how it went! Click here to tell me your murder mystery party story.
Got a question? Click here to go to the FAQ.
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