some get stage fright me, I get manic.

jonathan_matos5 · #1 10-16-2008, 08:03 PM

is anyone else like this? performing in front of people is like a drug. i get high. i'm addicted.

i just got home from a gig!

need to calm down

mrokern · #2 10-16-2008, 08:13 PM

Yup, it's addicting. The next show can never come soon enough.

MatticusMania · #3 10-17-2008, 09:28 AM

Myself, I dont get stage fright, I love the energy in playing live.

But I used to play with a guitarist/singer who had the WORST stage fright. In 3 years we probably played 10 shows, and I remember before everyone he would tell us how he felt sick, he'd go to the bathroom and throw up.... yeah, needless to say, I dont think that guy plays out anymore.

BillMason · #4 10-17-2008, 11:01 AM

I have a one track mind for about a week after every gig. OCD perhaps.

lunarpollen · #5 10-17-2008, 11:17 AM

I've never had stage fright, no matter what size the gig or type of crowd. I am very comfortable onstage and I enjoy the energy. But in social situations I tend to be reserved and socially awkward...

NJL · #6 10-17-2008, 11:21 AM

i just want the night to be over so i can go home and try to sleep.

paganjack · #7 10-17-2008, 11:25 AM

yeah i never understood why people get stage fright or are terrified of public speaking. it's so easy and it's so much fun! i love the energy it adds- i find i play my best in front of others.

midnightsin · #8 10-17-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

I've never had stage fright, no matter what size the gig or type of crowd. I am very comfortable onstage and I enjoy the energy. But in social situations I tend to be reserved and socially awkward...

Here, here. Being on stage is a drug better than anything else I've done (natural of course)

It seems like I'm always jonesing for my next fix, lol

scottbass · #9 10-17-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paganjack

i love the energy it adds- i find i play my best in front of others.

A big +1 from me. It just goes to show how different people have different psyche's - as very-well explained by Myers-Briggs personality types, I suppose. (I'm an ENTP)

I wouldn't use the OP's description of "manic" to describe my state of mind. It is, however, the greatest (and healthiest) drug I have ever done. I can't get enough!

I try to be tolerant of those here who are bedroom players only, but I will probably never understand why many of them aren't as driven to perform live as we are.

DudeistMonk · #10 10-17-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

A big +1 from me. It just goes to show how different people have different psyche's - as very-well explained by Myers-Briggs personality types, I suppose. (I'm an ENTP)

That was interesting... I'm an INTP ... I think I'm going to ponder that for awhile

TheDarkReaver · #11 10-17-2008, 01:45 PM

Sadly I don't get the adrenaline rush as often as I did when I first started playing gigs. I think I've built up a tolerance or something.

awakefie · #12 10-17-2008, 02:21 PM

I have never gotten stage fright.

I almost always get an adrenaline rush.

Pre-gig drama (dude, I didn't know this was a wedding reception, I wore a tank top), freaked out party planners, etc... can affect that.

It's something I really need to learn to cope with.

mattq · #13 10-17-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunarpollen

I've never had stage fright, no matter what size the gig or type of crowd. I am very comfortable onstage and I enjoy the energy. But in social situations I tend to be reserved and socially awkward...

i'm the exact same way. guys like us should get together some time and awkwardly talk about how awkward we all are

capnsandwich · #14 10-17-2008, 05:25 PM

I never get stage fright unless I don't know the music and even then I just get a little nervous, but a little more self-aware also, so I end up playing more precise and usually end up making less mistakes.

After the gig I usually feel this boost of confidence and sense of euphoria that lasts for about a half hour. It's a great natural buzz that I don't get enough of.

nsmar4211 · #15 10-18-2008, 02:04 PM

If I think about it I can get stage fright.... the more I play the better I am at keeping that dog on a chain. I *hate* freezing up... luckily everyone knows the panicked "deer in the headlights i can't remember the key" look and everyone helps each other out LOL

On stage I have fun.....but on breaks I'd rather stay on stage....not a big crowd person at all. After the gig I'm usually wired, but physically tired (heck of a combo). Then the next day I wanna go play again

For what it's worth, on those personalty tests I'm an invert

They still have that test thingie online? wonder if I've changed....

fenderhutz · #16 10-18-2008, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDarkReaver

Sadly I don't get the adrenaline rush as often as I did when I first started playing gigs. I think I've built up a tolerance or something.

I actually dread the late nights and not getting sleep. I also cringed at the fact I would have to play in a smoky bar. The smoke wrecks havok on my sinuses. I actually get more of a rush recording now than I do doing live gigs.

McHaven · #17 10-18-2008, 04:57 PM

I never get stage fright unless I have a mic in front of me. I tend to never speak or sing on stage. Its why we had to actually find a lead singer. I was supposed to sing, but never could on stage without freezing up.

ScottG · #18 10-18-2008, 05:11 PM

I used to get real nervous before gigs, but in recent years I've gotten over it. I now can't wait to play again and enjoy every minute of playing live. My drummer gets pre show jitters but is fine after the first song. My guitard is close to wetting himself through the whole set

.

Bochafish · #19 10-18-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Myself, I dont get stage fright, I love the energy in playing live.

But I used to play with a guitarist/singer who had the WORST stage fright. In 3 years we probably played 10 shows, and I remember before everyone he would tell us how he felt sick, he'd go to the bathroom and throw up.... yeah, needless to say, I dont think that guy plays out anymore.

I get bad stage fright, jitters, etc.. I'm a nervous, over analytical, introverted worrier in social situations too. I too have thrown up before many a gig.

Still saying that, I was in chorus from 5th grade through high school, was the lead in my my high school musical, and have been gigging out steadily for the past 16 years. Personally, that is how I know I love music.

I never liked being the center of attention, and thats part of the reason I choose bass (and never solo). I've always got my rocks off on the preparation that goes into it, and when that pays off on stage. I love the feeling of true synergy between band mates. I guess I like the energy from the crowd too, but that feels more like communication rather than being under a microscope.
I am just as happy in a basement jam as I am playing to 500+ people, just more comfortable.

stewart8980 · #20 10-18-2008, 05:51 PM

I thought that i was gonna poop bricks, but then when I played for the first time this summer, I got knots in my stomach right before playing, whein i started my hands pretty mucvh exploded over the fretboard and my friend told me that I was insane. After the gig I felt really light-headed and really really warm and happy (no I didnt pee myself)