tips for a first gig...

[hoppusandriano]

I'm 15 and my band is playing tomorrow for a lunch at school. This is basically our first gig that's been planned out and we've worked pretty hard for. Anyone have any tips? Some singing tips would be great and anything else you can think of. Thanks.

[Tony G]

Just relax and have fun.

[DrMWP]

Originally Posted by xgabriele

Just relax and have fun.

+10000000000

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Relax is the key one, if you were older i'd say to take a dram to cool your nerves before hand, but here that would just get you kicked out of school

Also, be confident, enjoy yourselfs, that'll make more or an impression than a bunch of nervous kids playing quietly in the background.

[invader3k]

- Remember that everyone is going to be watching your every move.

- Missed notes are much more noticable on stage. Don't mess up, even once, or people will burst into laughter and point at you.

- Make sure to crank your amp as loud as possible. Teachers love deep bass tones that rattle the whole building.

- Memorize some obscene jokes to tell in between songs.

- Throw in lots of swearing during your performance. People will think you're cool that way.

- If you feel nervous before the show, a couple beers or shots of tequila can go a long way to calming your nerves.

- Make sure to take on a "rock star" attitude. Act like you're better than everyone else in the building, including the rest of the band, and be sure to be vocal about any problems with the acoustics or set up, etc. People will respect you a lot more this way, if you act like a "pro".

- Fireworks can add a lot to a performance. Having a good stage show is important, after all.

- Finally, remember that a real gig doesn't end unless someone gets arrested or a riot erupts in the crowd. The more fights, the better.

Follow these easy steps, and you will be well on your way to having a successful first gig.

[MD]

And while you're having fun... remember, we all miss, or play wrong notes from time to time (some more, some less). Don't stop playing. Just listen and keep going. Chances are the only person who's noticed is you.

Good luck.

[ibnzneksrul]

Warm up your voice (and your fingers) a little beforehand.

[Spector_Ray]

Go out and have some fun. Don't forget your little black book for all the phone numbers all the girls will give you when you're done!

[Thinkarogadum]

Don't sweat it if you miss a few notes. Chances are no one in the crowd will notice. Stage presence is important too. Don't just stand there like a statue, move around and look like you're really into it.

[HomeBrewTJ]

get wasted.

[Rakie]

Originally Posted by HomeBrewTJ

get wasted.

and come out wearing only a sock. But you better fill that sock up... Tape is a nono.

[Rumblestiltzkin]

Learn the material like the back of your hand.
When the show starts, don't freak out.
During the show, focus on playing the material as well as you can.
If you can try to look like you're having fun. Walk around a bit, check out the audience, but don't do anything that might mess you up. Don't compromise musicianship for showmanship, imo.

Unless that's your "thing"

[Wesley R]

me "Someone will always like your show, someone won't" Theese words still ring true today.
Have fun.

Best of Luck,
Wesley R.

PS, Be prepared to become addicted to gigging!

[buzzbass]

relax and enjoy yourself, the rest will work itself out.