how to survive your first gig!

[Pumpkin_Howie]

post tips here

[rancidrancid]

I play with my heart on my sleeve, as in showing emotion instead of being a stationary stanley.
In my band, both the guitar player and the lead singer/lead guitar player don't move around alot, so I try to make up for it.
And just because I'm in a punk band doesn't mean I don't do complicated basslines while doing all this moving...

DO NOT LET THEM SEE THAT YOU SCREWED UP!!!
No one notices you screwed up unless you look like you did.

In light of other bands I've played with, atleast have an amp to play so you don't make me sit around and listen to you suck it up, and bring extra 9 volts you active bassers! I was not happy when I had to stay until 10:30 on a sunday night waiting for the crappy "headlining" band to finish...


EDIT: Also, from my last gig if it's your first gig, CALM THE %$#& DOWN!!!!!!!

[invader3k]

- Practice, practice, and practice.

- Bring extra everything. Your first gig is when you'll have a string break, or have an instrument cable go bad.

- Make sure everyone is on the same page as far as when to be at the venue, and how everything will be set up.

- Make sure everyone knows what they're bringing. You don't want to be standing around saying "I thought YOU were going to bring the mic stands", 15 minutes before you're supposed to play.

- Don't drink alcohol or use drugs before the show. You won't fool anyone trying to play intoxicated.

- If you're thirsty, drink water. Make sure you use the bathroom before your first set (and not two minutes before show time).

- If you're the new guy, be respectful to everyone. Shut up and don't make a scene.

- Dress the part.

- Make sure everyone has a printed copy of the set list. Tape it somewhere handy for easy reference.

- Help with load in and load out. That goes for everyone in the band. If you're playing a show with other bands and acts, tear down your stuff as quickly as possible after your set.

That's all I can think of right now.

[Vandelay]

Fill the audience with supportive friends, relatives, etc. They can provide a nice boost to the ego.

[QORC]

have 2 hard drinks right beforehand to calm yourself down

[ntimkovich]

yeah, i totally agree with invader's points.

there are two things that stick out for me as advice for musicians playing their first gig:

1. if you make a mistake, don't show it. just keep playing. this is very important, because you will make mistakes. it's OK, everyone does.

2. if being in front of people starts to affect you, close your eyes or look down at the fretboard, and just play your parts. forget all the people and just make good music.


personally, i would also recommend not trying to do stage jumps or lots of antics for your first gig. once you are comfortable on stage, then come the jumps and headbangin

good luck!
nick

[jamescalvin]

Man, the first gig is over before it even starts. I was so nervous, I thought I was gonna throw up on everyone. I played, messed up a few times no one knew, before I knew it, I was having the time of my life. people were cheering and clapping, it's the first time I've ever experienced something like that. Kind of hard to get that same "high" back.

[the_fonz]

Originally Posted by ntimkovich

personally, i would also recommend not trying to do stage jumps or lots of antics for your first gig. once you are comfortable on stage, then come the jumps and headbangin

unless that's how you keep time

[mayhem]

Originally Posted by the_fonz

unless that's how you keep time

I keep my time by headbanging (in practice). But I keep getting hair caught between my fingers and the strings!

I should have my first gig soon and its good to see some good advice on what to do/not to do. Invader - Practice is the best one I think for a first timer, I know that when I do my first gig, ill be practicing non-stop.

Good tips people, keep 'em coming. Good thread you started pumpkin .

[rancidrancid]

I've never had a problem with playing and jumping around and stuff, probably because I do it all of the time at practice.
And I've never gotten stage fright, probably because of my wrestling stint I did for a few years, so I'm used to being in front of a crowd...

[Roger Pounders]

its easy,

simply say the musicians prayer....


stand with your head bowed, your hands clasped, clear your mind of all thoughts and say clearly

"Dear Lord, Please dont let me F**k up!!"

[Phantopeth]

Originally Posted by jamescalvin

Man, the first gig is over before it even starts. I was so nervous, I thought I was gonna throw up on everyone. I played, messed up a few times no one knew, before I knew it, I was having the time of my life. people were cheering and clapping, it's the first time I've ever experienced something like that. Kind of hard to get that same "high" back.

I know just how you mean, as far as the "high" goes. I wish there was a pill you could to get that back (there probably is but I won't be touching it, hah). That and the feeling I got when the Sox won the WS in '04... holy @#$%

As far as advice goes:

- Preperation is the key, knowing your parts like the back of your hand is more than half the battle.

- Try to know exactly where the venue is, where their unloading area is, where you'll park (may be an issue if it's in the city, but if not, nvm), and what time they want you to show up.

- If you do drink, don't get drunk, but don't be afraid to have a beer or two before the show; it might help you loosen up. But if you feel it will only hinder your performance, then by all means, don't. Drink water on stage. Bring a pitcher if you can.

- Invite as many supportive friends/family members as you can, as someone mentioned before, it'll make you feel better knowing you'll get a plethora of pats on the back after the gig from your buds!

- I'll also reittirate, don't sweat the small stuff! If you make a small booboo, just catch up and keep going: DO NOT dwell on it! Chances are, no one even noticed. Just keeping playing, and chalk it up to experience. If you look like you know what you're doing (which you will if you've prepared adequately), that's all the audience will see.

- And I know this is a cliched answer, but don't forget to have fun. That's why we're all in this, right?

I think in a matter of no time, after he/she has a few gigs under his/her belt, a newbie to gigging will find that performing on stage can be one of the funnest and most rewarding experience, and will yearn for more opportunities. It's just so much damn fun!

[excane]

Liquor.

[buliwyfff]

being confident in your playing is number 1

dont drink...even to "loosen yourself up" ...some people may disagree but it only seemed to mess me up

dont try to do anything different from what you do in practice.

[nudge]

Originally Posted by excane

Liquor.

ditto

and to the inviting supportive friends down.

[WillBuckingham]

Get drunk. See if you can play your part while rolling around on the stage. Smash your bass on the drum set.

[ric1312]

When things happen like the guitar player breaking a string and not having another, and having to use someone elses guitar, or starting songs without you out of nervousness, just laugh it off and take it as a learning experience.

If you all look at each other at practice for cues for changes make sure you have that same communication live, so you don't screw up.

And when stuff like strings breaking happens don't freak out in front of the crowd, laugh and joke with them.

I've found it's also not a bad idea to put together a little drum & bass number while the guitarist get's things back together. (I can't solo for crap, but a wah and distortion and playing something rhythmically with the drummer makes it sound like I almost can)

And afterwards let it slide, don't turn it into a bitchfest and cause a scene. Stuff is going to happen, not only on the first gig but others. You have to just laugh it off when it's not due to someone just being a jerk.

[emblymouse]

smile

[AmazingGracePlayer]

Originally Posted by emblymouse

smile

+1

In order to play well and not miss key change or time changes, it's important to be confident, and smile, and pretend you don't give a crap about the audiences.

[seanm]

I think you have to find out if having a drink before is a good thing or not. For many (most?) people one, or at most two, beers helps relax them and can make them play better. I think if you normally have a beer with no problems, then you should be ok.