What do you do for pre-gig energy?

[bolophonic]

When I was playing drums in a hardcore band, I would down a 5 Hour Energy shot right before the show. My current gig doesn't require that much stimulation.

[gumbynotpokey]

Water an hour before. Don't eat.

Then, I sit and stare for like 15 minutes before the gig. Chill = alert and ready. (opposite of trying to get ramped).

[ksandvik]

Too much food 1-2 hours before gig -> bad.
Moderate dinner and plenty of water + some bananas and similar things to keep your brain in shape.

Music playing is a very brain-centric activity so you need to avoid putting it into sleep due to too much food. Also does not compute to make the brain lethargic by drinking alcohol.

[mellowgerman]

1/2 a pineapple, 10 oreos, and a few lines of live Jefferson Airplane.

[NOVAX]

Gatorade or Powerade
Dried apricots, cherries or bananas
Water
Vaporized sativa before and indica or a hybrid afterwards
No Coca Cola but maybe a few gulps of original Rockstar(what else)

[cloudyorchestra]

I am like Rip Topaz. I am usually pretty calm. If I anticipate a show too much, I usually have a lot more mess ups.

I have also found if I drink too much caffiene I get super bad hand cramps.

[Syxz_ML]

Pre-gaming in the car on the way to the show, while playing music that hypes YOU up (it varies for everyone and for what show you're playing that night). Not leaving your car till you pound your beer. Going into the bar way before you're next to get a feel of the vibe, atmosphere, people there and the rest takes care of itself. No eating before because you'll fill up on beer anyways and food just makes you sluggish. What can I say, I'm better when I'm drunk ha ha

p.s. Smoking herb use to be included in the pre-gaming but I don't blaze anymore, and it would make me lazy and spaced out anyways when playing.

[Syco_bass]

It depends on the gig.

Large venue, stadium type stuff, I usually just hydrate really well and load up on carbs the night before and eat light the day of. If it's a night gig I'll nap a few hours before and drink coffee or rock-star before the gig.

If it's a little club show, I might indulge a little, but not over do it. Everything else stays the same.

I definately do not eat a heavy meal before a show. I get the farts for some reason. The rest of the band doesn't appreciate it. LOL.

[MysticMichael]

Originally Posted by mozilla314

Just wondering what you fellow bassists eat or drink or whatever, for energy and to get psyched-up before performing?

I don't need to eat or drink anything for sufficient energy. And I don't need to get psyched up. I'm already there...

MM

[Luke19Boarder]

usually an energy drink an hour or so before, and then 2-4 alcoholic beverages (any more than that and I'm noticeably sloppy)

[tplyons]

Red Bull and a banana usually.

[SBassman]

I don't need any energy to get started.
I have plenty at the start. I might have a glass of wine
to get in the artistic mood.

Now Finishing the gig is another story. Second half it's Diet Coke.

[Pacman]

My band is sponsored by Monster, so usually a big lo-carb can.

[Duckwater]

Lots of tea & coffee throughout the day (my everyday routine). And a beer or two before the show to loosen me up.

[superdick2112]

I'm usually bouncing off the walls & need to relax rather than get pumped up.
I'll come home after setting up the gear, take a 45 min. nap, & then shower & eat a light dinner about 2 hours before the show. I'll get to the club about 45 mins. before start time, and have a 7-up before the 1st set. Around the second set I switch to beer, and pace myself at about 2 per set until the 4th set is done. Then, I'll have a scotch or two after the show, followed by a late-night Taco Bell run after hauling out the gear.

[bass_study]

Take a nap if possible. And pray before the show starts

[hxcJORDAN]

Some time on the toilet letting all of the days "worries" escape, water, and a big hug and prayer with the band.

[jgroh]

Crack...and petting goats.

[alembicguy]

A great big pre gig dump gets me going.

[Basslice]

Originally Posted by hdracer

Just a little eye opener....

Yup. Does it every time.