Has anyone managed to get back stage at a concert? If so how did you do it?

if you wish to meet them it may be easier to go to their sound check and wait for them to come out. no mobs and they are more likely to be acommodating to talk or give an autograph.

How early would that normally be beforehand?

it's usually in the afternoon. when i was around20 , i got a number of autographs that way. getting backstage is not easy and can get you tossed out.

Thanks...I guess there is no easy way!