First gig nerves

[Ironderby]

I have my first gig in a few weeks, i've never played a gig before and i dont know how to come across, i want to headbang and stuff but im afraid because i've never done it, it will be awkward and stuff, any ideas? thanks.

[carl h.]

Practice! Rehearse, and practice everything on your own too. Then go practice.

[Jimbob Jones]

Seriously, practice. try playing your parts while jumping around like a mad thing. I froze on my first gig; I didn't make many mistakes, but I didn't move either.

It takes time to get comfortable on stage, and it's a good idea to get to the point where the only 'new' experience you have up there is the fact that people are watching. Trying to headbang while playing (and keeping tight) for the first time ever while in a room full of staring people is rarely a good idea.

[odin70]

Is it a country gig? If thats the case headbanging is not recomended.

[madkins]

just have fun man. i had to learn 10 songs in about 5-6 days for my first gig. i messed up a few times (it happens) dont let it get in your head. if youre having fun jamming, itll show, and the people watching will see it too ! good luck

[TylerSteiz]

I was very nervous my first gig, I stood still the whole time too. Once you get off stage you'll realize its no big deal and by the second show you wont be nervous at all. My best advice is to just enjoy it, if you guys have your stuff down then you have nothing to worry about. Good luck!

[Phalex]

Never pass up an opportunity to take a leak. On the flip side hydrate.

Don't worry about trying to look cool. As the bassist you are cool!

[Testing_123]

In my experience, audiences tend to have a greater positive response to bands who are genuinely "into it" and clearly enjoy what they're doing even the playing isn't perfect, vs. bands who are concentrating intensely, play perfect, but are rigid.

In short - enjoy. Do what comes natural. Don't "act like you're rocking out"; just rock out. Rehearse ahead of time, but don't worry about screwing up during the gig. Chances are you or other bandmates will make a few mistakes -- you will notice, but your audience might be oblivious. Just keep going.

[colcifer]

Make sure you know how to play both kinds of music.

[paganjack]

It sounds like you might being playing some sort of metal (from your headbanging comment). I have two words for you.

POWER. STANCE.

[sirpug]

Practice how you want to play shows. I move around a LOT on stage (jumping, headbanging, spinning, walking/running through the audience, etc.). I'm one of those people who "feels" the music and moves with it; I've even walked out in the middle of a bar and sat on the floor with people standing around me to play one of our mellower songs. I'm just that guy but I also do those things in practice. You would be surprised how hard it is to jump around and headbang while trying to keep time and play well.

My advise is to not worry about the stage antics yet and focus on the music. Even for me the music is priority so I tend to move around less on some of our newer songs that are not yet in the "second nature" stage of playing. See how your first show goes and then start to think about adding in more movement. Maybe you will want to add some 80's metal guitar choreography; that all has to be worked out in practice (i.e. when, what and how long) with your other guitar players.

Anyway, long post short, think about how you want to be on stage and practice like that during every practice. Besides, being "the crazy one" is a good workout so I kill two birds with one stone while I'm at band practice.

[HolmeBass]

Originally Posted by Phalex

Never pass up an opportunity to take a leak. On the flip side hydrate.

Don't worry about trying to look cool. As the bassist you are cool!

I have to agree with this. What you're doing is inherently cool. Do it in a sincere way that is fun to you, and people will have fun watching you do it, even if you're a stolid Entwistle type of player.

[carl h.]

Originally Posted by Phalex

Never pass up an opportunity to take a leak. On the flip side hydrate.

Don't worry about trying to look cool. As the bassist you are cool!

Learn where the can is at the venue and use it 10 minutes before going on. Find out if there is a green room and if it has a can too. Odds are if you wait til 2-3 minutes before, someone else will be in there.

Hydrate yourself the day of the gig, but stop about 3 hours before the gig starting time. Have a good meal a few hours before the gig and then eat a banana - yes a banana - before going on. Take a water bottle on with you. Make sure the cap fits well and is easy to open and close so you don't look like an idiot trying to work a bottle. (Stage nerves can be a B!TCH) If it is warm or humid and you sweat easily have a towel handy on stage too.

Be prepared and remember, most of the people will never know if you make a mistake or 50.

[sirpug]

Let me add a couple of things to my post;

Originally Posted by Phalex

Never pass up an opportunity to take a leak. On the flip side hydrate.

This x100

Originally Posted by paganjack

POWER. STANCE.

Learn it, know it, love it, rock it.

[Tigger Bangdang]

1: Don't lock your knees
2: Hydrate
3: Hydrate
4: Go Pee or Poo before the show
5: Listen to the band "as a whole" not just yourself
6: Remember that everyone is there to see YOUR talent! and 99% of the people in the audience are not musicians and hear bands "as a whole".
7: Have freakin fun!

[testing1two]

The sports analogy holds true: you play like you practice.

[robbotbass]

This won't help for your first gig but I would advise checking this guy out.

Tom Jackson Productions

[Sleeping Giant]

Don't worry about making mistakes. If you dwell on this or worry constantly about it it pushes you into a mistake mindset.

I have been playing 30 years and do approx 140 gigs a year. My attitude to mistakes is I'll get right next time and it doesn't bother me. Nowadays it's rare I make a mistake because I can relax and enjoy myself.

You will perform much better if you relax and don't worry. Just get up there and be yourself.

[pandaman37]

just remember, nobody listens to the bassist anyways ;D
haha just have fun with it.

[TripleDouble]

If you're not relaxed on your first gig or sure what to do, don't worry about it AT ALL, you will be eventually. For now just focus on being able to play the music comfortably, do what feels natural, and enjoy the experience. All the rest will follow in time, getting better and cooler and all that the more experienced you get.

One option would be to invite a few good friends to a band practice before the show, just to get used to being watched.

And if you make mistakes, remember...who cares! I sure don't. A band member might give you "The Look", well whoop de doo. And the people watching will not notice. I've seen tons of totally A-list players make mistakes, and the majority don't even flinch or seem to care at all, and some just roll their eyes at themselves at laugh. Just keep chasin those good notes...