First gig advice

FPFbass · #1 02-07-2009, 06:10 PM

Hey, so tomorrow's my first gig and I'm a little nervouse about it. I know all of the songs I'm playing, and can play them near pefection. I know that playing infront of people is different than when practicing with your band mates. So what I'm looking for is just a little common advice about gigging. I could go out and rock the show or totally mess up. I'm playing either way.

erigod23 · #2 02-07-2009, 06:28 PM

Make sure you have what you need. Extra cords, strings, picks (you may wind up having to bail a bandmate out with a cord). Don't worry about the crowd, they're there for a good time and not to make sure someone is using proper playing techniques. Rock it hard and if you make a mistake, just laugh and keep going. If it's a good mistake, do it again.

shamus63 · #3 02-07-2009, 06:32 PM

I usually arrive early to check out the stage and venue, and to locate all of the stage outlets...you may not be able to set up the same way you do at rehearsal.

Don't sweat the minor mistakes on stage...they will happen (even the pros muff it).

Also, stay hydrated (booze not included)...you'd be surprised how quick you can turn into beef jerky on stage if you don't.

Enjoy!

Thunderitter · #4 02-07-2009, 07:12 PM

Everything will go a lot faster than you expect - including some of the songs, unless you're incredibly disciplined as a band, which if this is your fist gig will be hard! Expect to simplify some of the trickier bits. Expect to sweat a bit, which will make playing a little different, maybe harder!

Overall, though smile and enjoy it and don't glare at other band mates if they screw up! Remember you're in this together and you all sink or swim together. Important thing for you as the bassist is keep the bottom-end running and everyone else will fit in around you!!

Good luck!

HelloJerk · #5 02-07-2009, 07:29 PM

Have fun, and look up from your shoes every once in a while.

Thunderitter · #6 02-07-2009, 10:20 PM

Oh, I should have added that 99% of the audience won't notice your mistakes!

kevbassman · #7 02-07-2009, 10:23 PM

Have fun & rock the house!

skulletwhip · #8 02-07-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HelloJerk

Have fun, and look up from your shoes every once in a while.

i have been playing shows for about ayear straight and barely do this!

just have fun. me and my band always do dumb stuf before shows like cartwheels and freestyle contests with each other and it gets us in a good mood. then we feel comfortable to go onstage.

yeah and no one notices mistakes unless you make aface....then you have to convince people its your "bass face".

any who good luck have fun and let us all know how it goes.

peace

bluedyna · #9 02-07-2009, 10:49 PM

First time is the hardest. Mostly because everyone is on stress level "10".
Do your best (not perfect). Look like you're having fun.
At breaks, don't tell people how bad you are doing..ask them if they are having fun.
The first time is the worst, it gets easier and more fun at every show after that.
Remember there is only one "first" so capture every moment mentally that you can, they are moments you will recall for a lifetime.

Lemoore-on · #10 02-08-2009, 06:55 AM

So, How did it go?

FPFbass · #11 02-09-2009, 10:44 AM

Hey, the show went pretty well. A little strange setting up. The sound man didn't mike my amp up so I had to push it a little harder than I wanted to. Almost cut at one point. Fell about half a chord behind everyone. Other than that I had a blast. Can't wait to do it again. There weren't many people there. Besides the other four bands there were about 8 people. Thanks for the help. Rock on!

shamus63 · #12 02-09-2009, 09:45 PM

[quote=FPFbass;6951205]The sound man didn't mike my amp up so I had to push it a little harder than I wanted to. Almost cut at one point.[quote]

If you don't already own one, pick up a direct box (or a SansAmp/ToneBone/etc) so that you don't get left out of the house mix...provided there's a channel open for you on the board.

Glad the "cherry" gig went well!