First gig tomorrow!

JumboFriendly · #1 02-20-2009, 04:48 PM

I should have realized that when I joined my first band back in November, it would eventually come to this... but I'm nervous as heck! I've read through all the "tips" threads so (I hope) I know what to do. We've got a very busy day tomorrow! At 2p, we're going to be playing on a trailer in a Mardi Gras parade. Wonderful "first time," eh? Then that night we'll be playing at this motorcycle shop/hangout type place.

I'll post pics as soon as I'm able to get ahold of some. Wish me luck!

BigOldHarry · #2 02-20-2009, 04:51 PM

Good luck and,l most importantly, have fun. Everyone's first gig has a bit of the old "losing one's virginity" thing going on - If you can remember to relax and have fun, you'll do fine. Don't let little mistakes the band makes stress you out - no one is perfect, and no gig or set of music is perfect.

Oh, and don't drink too much. Going into party-rockstar mode is one sure way to start off on the wrong foot!

Idiotpod · #3 02-20-2009, 04:53 PM

I hope you guys open up with a simpler song, makes you calmer if u do the 1st song good according to me. ;D

sound of bass · #4 02-20-2009, 05:05 PM

Im reading and watching because I am in the same position. Im also mildly self conscious and nervous about being "looked" at for an extended period, so, Im going to try and combat this by wearing sunglasses and standing somewhat sideways,lol silly I know but hoping it helps. And I also would agree to play an easier song as Idiotpod suggested to shake off the jitters. Good luck.

JumboFriendly · #5 02-20-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Idiotpod

I hope you guys open up with a simpler song, makes you calmer if u do the 1st song good according to me. ;D

We're gonna do "No Matter What" first, so yeah. Got that part covered!

Followed by Sunshine of Your Love, then China Grove... I hope I get comfortable quickly

lousybassplayer · #6 02-20-2009, 05:21 PM

Liked the anaology of losing ones virginity. And the more you do it the better it gets and the more you want to do it all the time.

Then you get a lot older and still want to do it, so you make a few feeble attempts now and then but are usually more content and to just play with yourself. Luckily that should be along way off.

guitar ed · #7 02-20-2009, 05:49 PM

DON'T picture the crowd naked. Specially at the bike shop.

Do have fun & relax. Don't drink. Focus on the music, not the show.

Enjoy it.

edg

Flintlock · #8 02-20-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sound of bass

Im reading and watching because I am in the same position. Im also mildly self conscious and nervous about being "looked" at for an extended period, so, Im going to try and combat this by wearing sunglasses and standing somewhat sideways,lol silly I know but hoping it helps. And I also would agree to play an easier song as Idiotpod suggested to shake off the jitters. Good luck.

Don't face to the side - it shows how nervous you are. Instead look at the fire exits at the back, or focus on a few points in the background and look over the crowds heads. Forces you to face into the audience, while giving you something to be focused on and less nervous.

Larz48 · #9 02-20-2009, 10:47 PM

Good luck Jumbo! You'll be fine, be confident. Let us know how it went.

xgator4u · #10 02-20-2009, 11:23 PM

TURN IT UP, and let it rip. If you know the songs don't worry, and force yourself to remember to SMILE. Remember to SMILE. Remember to SMILE. Remember to SMILE, get the point?

sound of bass · #11 02-22-2009, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flintlock

Don't face to the side - it shows how nervous you are. Instead look at the fire exits at the back, or focus on a few points in the background and look over the crowds heads. Forces you to face into the audience, while giving you something to be focused on and less nervous.

Thanks for that tip, I'll try everything and anything. Im sure I'll get used to it...but until then..yikes!

JumboFriendly · #12 02-22-2009, 10:15 AM

I had a great time, and learned a lot. Outdoor gigs = sunscreen. I didn't realize that yesterday and I'm burnt pretty bad on my hands and forearms. I lacked time necessary before the start of the parade to empty my bladder. That wasn't cool, because a few minutes into it I was about to bust. Made for a nice, fun, bouncy ride.

I learned I like my VB-2 even more, and it was fun to use stage volume alone with my Yorky 4x10 for the outdoor gig after the parade. I also learned that even though my bandmates are older (I'm 26, they're in their 50s) there's no age limit to rocking. We played 2 hours in the parade, tore down and moved, set back up, then played about 2 and a half more hours - with no breaks. I learned that it's wise to take time to take care of yourself; yesterday I had a root beer, two beers, and a slice of pizza and that's it. I got up before 7am and didn't get a chance to eat until 6pm - not good! By the time I got home I was so tired I didn't eat then, either. Again, bad. Make sure you eat and stay hydrated.

Today wouldn't be nearly so bad if I'd taken better care of myself yesterday.

Dfinch · #13 02-22-2009, 11:13 AM

Welcome to rock and roll.

Sounds like you had a great first experience, and 10 years from now it's the pain that you will remember and get all nostalgic about.

Kareir · #14 02-22-2009, 12:44 PM

Hah, on my first gig in school, in front of about 100 people, i had to look at the guitarist for the whole thing cos he said he'd "throw the solo in somewhere" and i was watching for his hand to shoot up the neck. i was later informed that my playing was good, but that no-one could actually see it.

I did the noble thing, and tried to shift the blame to the guitarist, but no luck

_Kar

hesham8 · #15 02-22-2009, 12:50 PM

First gig was...
At a bar. About 40 people.

When we got there, there was another band playing, and nobody was really paying attention.

We get up there, we play one song, and the crowd goes wild. I mean, these boys are chanting, cheering, attempting to sing choruses to original music.

Next gig is an expected 500 people. :S