First gig tomorrow - 2,500 seats!!!

Mahumadi · #1 06-16-2010, 08:37 AM

I have my first gig, ever, with my first band, ever.. tomorrow We are playing a 2,500 seat venue and I feel rather grateful to have my first gig in such a large venue. I havent been thinking about it.. until now.. the doubts are setting in.. will I remember the lines? Will I get lost in all the sound? Will I get nervous and tremble until my legs give out when I look into the crowd? I have NEVER performed anything in front of an audience.. this will be interesting..

Im hoping to only puke 2 times before the show, but I think 3 may be my lucky number

I guess I just wanted to rant and see if anyone had some words of wisdom that could make me feel more comfortable.. please no negativity because Im already a nervous wreck

.

stingray56funk · #2 06-16-2010, 08:39 AM

Don't be too nervous...a little nerves will make you sharp and focused. Don't get wrapped up in the size of the venue, but focus on your playing and fitting into the music. Get into the groove and you'll love being there in an instant!

kaputsport · #3 06-16-2010, 08:40 AM

I always find a shot of jager smooths me out before a show...

snyderz · #4 06-16-2010, 08:42 AM

Just play to the front row! I'm jealous. My first gig was a bar that held about 12 people.

cbass1 · #5 06-16-2010, 08:42 AM

2500 seats.....how many people ???

just jokes. you will do fine. just remember they are there to see you, you are in charge !!

Yerf Dog · #6 06-16-2010, 08:44 AM

Good luck! You'll do fine.

Valerus · #7 06-16-2010, 08:45 AM

Dang son! Do work!

SteveC · #8 06-16-2010, 08:45 AM

2500 seats. What type of venue? sounds more like a concert.
How many "butts" will be in the seats? Is it a sell out? How/why does a band do a first gig in such a large hall? I don't mean to squash your enthusiasm or be negative at all, I'm just curious. I think about the 2,500 seat venue in our town and would never do a 1st gig there. Actually, I don't know when we'd play there.

Mahumadi · #9 06-16-2010, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

2500 seats. What type of venue? sounds more like a concert.
How many "butts" will be in the seats? Is it a sell out? How/why does a band do a first gig in such a large hall? I don't mean to squash your enthusiasm or be negative at all, I'm just curious. I think about the 2,500 seat venue in our town and would never do a 1st gig there. Actually, I don't know when we'd play there.

It isnt the bands first gig, only mine, haha. We are the entertainment between 2 movies. The good news is that our set is only 45 minutes, so if I am, for whatever reason, really messed up it wont last too long

Not sure about how many people will be attending, but were told it will be more than half full.

Thanks for the kind words gents. I hope all this nervous crap goes away after the first song

pharmakon · #10 06-16-2010, 09:00 AM

Just remember that no one is there to see you f'k it up! They want to hear you play well and are on your side!

That being said, I only watch NASCAR and ice skating for the f'k ups hahaha! otherwise... BORING!

macaroni tony · #11 06-16-2010, 09:02 AM

Dude congrats! I Just had my first gig w/my first band this past weekend. Have a drink (just one) to take the edge off. You will more easily be able to tune out the fear of the large audience. As was posted before, being a little nervous will keep you focused on your parts, but being too nervous will make you tense up and your hand may not move as freely. So be focused, but relax.
Also, I know you've heard this before, but the audience will not notice if you mess up. They really won't. Only fellow muso's will, and they'll understand b.c. they all mess up, too.
Above all else, get up there, play bass, and have fun!

I<34080 · #12 06-16-2010, 09:03 AM

Good luck! I remember my first gig could seat about 1,100. About 50 people came.

Stevem627 · #13 06-16-2010, 09:03 AM

Lock in to the band first and focus on the music -- just like a practice session. Once you are comfortable the rest will be easy. Looking out to the crowd and seeing them enjoying the music will be a thrill for you once you get settled in.

mophead · #14 06-16-2010, 09:04 AM

Just keep a smile on your face for 45 minutes and if you make a mistake no one out there will know.
Sounds like a Hoot to me. Just go nail it!

Floridabwoy · #15 06-16-2010, 09:05 AM

dont worry.... have a beer or two...

"you always play your best shows when you are nervous" - Roni Size

Mahumadi · #16 06-16-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Floridabwoy

dont worry.... have a beer or two...

"you always play your best shows when you are nervous" - Roni Size

I like that quote!

jhfishn · #17 06-16-2010, 09:16 AM

Oh Dude!!! Have a great time and enjoy yourself!

You'll never be the same afterwards .... you will be assimilated!

And ............. the folks coming to see you guys want to be entertained ... they want you to succeed .... so .... give them the best show you can!!!!

**bassman_al** · #18 06-16-2010, 09:17 AM

You will do fine, enjoy the show. Sounds like you are not the main attraction anyway, you are the show between the shows. A lot of people won't be listening or watching, some will. Nobody will know if you make a mistake. And mistakes are part of any show, its ok.

Blueszilla · #19 06-16-2010, 09:19 AM

Be grateful you have a crowd. I know some of the others will understand when I say, I've been doing this for 30 odd years and last Sunday I subbed a gig where we played to a bunch of furniture.

Abso-freakin'-lutely brutal!

big90sbasshorns · #20 06-16-2010, 09:20 AM

It's going to be a great time no matter what happens. A word of advice. Stretch before the show, it'll help get rid of jitters and you'll be nice and loose on stage.

Bend your arms around, do a few around-the worlds, v-sit-reach, those kinda things. It's surprizing how much of a difference it will make.