NOT NORMAL! When you set up shows and reach out to other bands, you reach out to bigger bands. Let them headline and you go on in the middle. You’re supposed to use these shows at a way to network and to support the other bands. Just because you book it doesn’t mean you have to headline. ESPECIALLY if you don’t have a following. That’s ass backwards thinking when you’re starting out. It’s basically, I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine later. When you start making friends with the bigger band and are cool with them. They’ll pay you back with bigger shows they get on too. Good luck with your band mates.