Pre-Gig Buzz

MikeyFingers · #1 12-04-2009, 05:53 AM

We all know the dangers of getting drunk at a gig, I've been there, and I know a lot of you have done the same. On the contrary, I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels more relaxed and confident after a few drinks. So my question to you:
In order to achieve that golden state of mind where you feel like a million bucks, you ooze confidence and have a rock-star strut onstage, and still have to ability to play your ass off, what do you like to drink before/during a gig?
My perfect drink menu:
Before going onstage:
1-2 mixed drinks, usually Jack & Coke. Followed by a beer (Beck's if available)
Onstage:
I like to nurse a beer in between songs, usually I'll go through 2 or 3 in a set.
It usually works out that I sweat enough of it out so I don't get too drunk, but I have enough coming in to keep me feeling nice

Playa · #2 12-04-2009, 06:18 AM

Agreed. There is a line between that 'Loose', 'Confident' playing that you get from a couple of beers and the sloppy, mistake-filled mess that occurs when you drink too much.

For me, its 3-4 beers (or 2 large 24-ouncers). Any more than this and I find my playing crosses the line.

I try to always remember that its NOT about me, its about the Group, the Performance, and the Audiance.

Your mileage may vary.

txbasschik · #3 12-04-2009, 07:20 AM

I have a beer during setup, or maybe a bourbon and water if its a full-service bar and they're not too expensive. I actually prefer a weed buzz, to an alcohol buzz. But its not safe to get one in/around some venues, so...beer.

Three, sometimes four, for the night, is usually my "magic number". I drink water in-between beers or shots, so that I'm not just drinking alcohol all night.

Cherie

Stinsok · #4 12-04-2009, 07:23 AM

You have to be careful. You may not sound as cool as you think. After listening to board tapes of gigs I got a wake up call.

MN_Bass · #5 12-04-2009, 07:23 AM

Half a glass of Jack straight, and I'm ready to rock, I feel like I'm in outer space, but it works.

BigMacDaddy · #6 12-04-2009, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyFingers

It usually works out that I sweat enough of it out so I don't get too drunk, but I have enough coming in to keep me feeling nice

Less anyone gets the wrong idea, you cannot sweat off the effects of alcohol. You probably don't get too drunk because you have a higher tolerance, or you aren't as sober seeming as you think

I have only performed in public vocally (singing), and generally avoided alcohol until celebrating afterwards.

edbass · #7 12-04-2009, 08:01 AM

I thoroughly enjoy getting a strong beer and bourbon buzz on; but... on my own time.
I don't think it's ever a good idea to drink at work. Regardless of how much (or little) your level of intoxication, it certainly effects your playing to some degree. I've had the same epiphany as Stinsok in years past, anybody who hasn't listened to gig tapes recorded on a "drinking gig" should do so!

I agree it's loads of fun to play intoxicated. If somebody wasn't paying me to perform, I think I'd play drunk all the time!

However, many a great job/gig has been lost through intoxication.
I suppose it really all depends on how important your playing is to you, or in essence how seriously you take your job.

I think if you feel you need a buzz to play; that your perfomance will suffer as a result of being sober, you either need to practice more, have issues that should probably be addressed professionally, or both.

lousybassplayer · #8 12-04-2009, 08:16 AM

I find adrenaline usually works for me. If I am about to play live, you could switch my beer with strong coffee(which I generally prefer) or even kool-aid and I'd never notice.

geeza · #9 12-04-2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edbass

I thoroughly enjoy getting a strong beer and bourbon buzz on; but... on my own time.
I don't think it's ever a good idea to drink at work. Regardless of how much (or little) your level of intoxication, it certainly effects your playing to some degree. I've had the same epiphany as Stinsok in years past, anybody who hasn't listened to gig tapes recorded on a "drinking gig" should do so!

I agree it's loads of fun to play intoxicated. If somebody wasn't paying me to perform, I think I'd play drunk all the time!

However, many a great job/gig has been lost through intoxication.
I suppose it really all depends on how important your playing is to you, or in essence how seriously you take your job.

I think if you feel you need a buzz to play; that your perfomance will suffer as a result of being sober, you either need to practice more, have issues that should probably be addressed professionally, or both.

I pretty much agree with this. Alcohol is pretty much a crutch, as much as some may want to think otherwise.

PBass101 · #10 12-04-2009, 08:24 AM

I don't drink before or during a show. Not that I can't handle my strong medicine; I just prefer that sober nervous energy before playing out to anything because I know how to channel it in order to play better.

Sometimes being drunk does not improve a situation.

Phalex · #11 12-04-2009, 08:30 AM

My favorite bartender at my favorite place to play makes the best Gimlet in the whole world! If we're playing there, I'll start out with one of those, and get a draft beer to take onstage with me.

Otherwise it's draft beer all night long. (Shots other people may buy for me not withstanding....)

txbasschik · #12 12-04-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinsok

You have to be careful. You may not sound as cool as you think. After listening to board tapes of gigs I got a wake up call.

The trick is to not get *too* buzzed. Three or four beers, spread over six hours, won't get me drunk. But if I have more? If people buy me shots? Then we are in risky territory. So, if someone buys me a shot, I just cut out one of the beers and back the shot with water instead. If they buy me more beer or whatever than I can drink, I discretely give the excess drinks away. There's always someone who wants a fresh drink when you have enough already. At my little home-town bar, I'll have them put the excess beer "in the hole" for me, and I'll either drink that at our jam, or give them away. I love that. "Yeah Krystal, I've already got what I need. Put 'em the hole for me!"

Cherie

robgo · #13 12-04-2009, 08:42 AM

If drinking (a small amount) makes your performance/confidance/rapport with the audiance/dance moves etc better, but maybe makes your playing a bit worse then have a drink!!!

The audience are there to have a good time, not to witness flawless playing. Don't just listen to board tapes - a video might tell a different story.

The above does not apply to Jazz players.

BillMason · #14 12-04-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robgo

If drinking (a small amount) makes your performance/confidance/rapport with the audiance/dance moves etc better, but maybe makes your playing a bit worse then have a drink!!!

The audience are there to have a good time, not to witness flawless playing. Don't just listen to board tapes - a video might tell a different story.

The above does not apply to Jazz players.

Agreed, bars are places for parties, not concerts. The band is an interactive juke box. Have a drink, jeez...

I usually have a beer per set, including the one I have before we go on.

kcole4001 · #15 12-04-2009, 08:47 AM

I almost exclusively drink water when playing. Lots of it on hot nights.

A couple or three times I've had a couple of beers before beginning, usually an hour before going on at a benefit or multi band jam and had a slight buzz.

That goes away after a few songs, and does kill some of the nervous jitters, but I definitely wouldn't do it regularly, and I don't get the jitters regularly.

I can make enough mistakes on my own without any outside help

HassBacker · #16 12-04-2009, 08:56 AM

Caffeine and THC.....wonderful

Steve · #17 12-04-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyFingers

Before going onstage:
1-2 mixed drinks, usually Jack & Coke. Followed by a beer (Beck's if available)
Onstage:
I like to nurse a beer in between songs, usually I'll go through 2 or 3 in a set.

So, it takes you 2 J&C's and a beer just to get onstage and another 8 or 12 pack to get through 4 sets?

You ain't nursing anything. You ain't "helping" anything.

IMHO YMMV

geeza · #18 12-04-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillMason

Agreed, bars are places for parties, not concerts.

No, bars are a place for the audience to party, not the band.

**pacojas** · #19 12-04-2009, 09:59 AM

somebody name one sucessful group that didn't DRINK or SMOKE, etc. my favorite musicians admit to all sorts of stimuli. theres something to be said further on taming INHIBITIONS before public performance. my last band would smoke so much weed before a show that you couldn't tell we were high!!!

lousybassplayer · #20 12-04-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

So, it takes you 2 J&C's and a beer just to get onstage and another 8 or 12 pack to get through 4 sets?

You ain't nursing anything. You ain't "helping" anything.

IMHO YMMV

Good point. Thats a pretty substantial drink total. Not casting judgement if it works for you, but I agree. That ain't really nursing.