10 commandments if gigging

crow01 · #1 10-13-2008, 04:39 PM

Or maybe called the Gigging Protocol!

1. You shall always be on time for practice. Or at least within the 20 minutes max, being-late time

2. You shall always help your band mates load the gear. Even if you are a female singer, you don't have to carry the heavy stuff, but at least carry something.

3. You shall never get wasted before a gig, as this might ruin your performance, or improve it who knows

4. You shall never leave a gig while another band is playing. It's rude and bad karma. Leave in between bands

5. You shall always stay during a band's show if they lend you any equipment. Otherwise you can get your ass kicked.

6. You shall always introduce yourself to the sound guy and thank him/her after your show. Pre-show small talk might be beneficial as well.

7. You shall always be nice with your "fans" even if they are drunk, annoying or psychos.

8. You shall not steal gear, beer or anything that could get your ass kicked

9. You shall always practice on your own and remember your lines, be on tempo, play as there is no tomorrow.

10. You shall not desire your bandmates' girlfriend/wife or boyfriend/husband. Ok you can but never say it out loud. Or you can really get your ass kicked. They might write a song for you, called the KKK stole my girlfriend or something similar.

Addendum:
11. You shall never leave your gear in your car when is 40F or less.

bassninja7 · #2 10-13-2008, 04:50 PM

amen!

Valerus · #3 10-13-2008, 05:01 PM

Good guidelines

MatticusMania · #4 10-13-2008, 05:06 PM

Eh, why should I have to wait for a band to finish before I leave? I'll leave when I'm good and ready.

CapnSev · #5 10-13-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Eh, why should I have to wait for a band to finish before I leave? I'll leave when I'm good and ready.

Yup.

And if a "fan" is being an ass, he'll get treated like one.

tomvelsor · #6 10-13-2008, 05:48 PM

i dont stay for bands after us, unless i have reason not to leave..like borrowed equiptment/theyre worthwile/whatever else.

i fairly often leave a backup bass in my car during any type of weather..wich is stupid of me.

MatticusMania · #7 10-13-2008, 06:05 PM

Yeah, no. 5 isnt all that great either. Thank you kindly for allowing me to borrow youre gear, I'll leave when I'm ready.

crow01 · #8 10-13-2008, 06:11 PM

So I guess you don't mind and don't get upset when someone walks out while you are playing. You mastered inner-peace.

SteveC · #9 10-13-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crow01

2. You shall always help your band mates load the gear. Even if you are a female singer, you don't have to carry the heavy stuff, but at least carry something.

Should be No. 1.

I had issue with our lead guy last week. Trumpet player. Watched as we hauled the PA in. He used it on the gig just like the rest of us. Then watched me haul it out.

I told the leader. Next time, I won't keep my mouth shut. To me there is NOTHING worse than not helping with "community" gear. NOTHING.

MatticusMania · #10 10-13-2008, 06:17 PM

I mastered inner peace a long time ago, friend.

No, when I'm playing I'm too busy having a good time to notice if people up and leave. When I'm done with my set I might think back to myself "Hmm, where did everybody go?"

If I don't have anywhere to be, I'm all for sticking around and checking out the other bands though, I just don't feel obligated, even if they were kind enough to lend me their gear.

MatticusMania · #11 10-13-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveC

Should be No. 1.

I had issue with our lead guy last week. Trumpet player. Watched as we hauled the PA in. He used it on the gig just like the rest of us. Then watched me haul it out.

I told the leader. Next time, I won't keep my mouth shut. To me there is NOTHING worse than not helping with "community" gear. NOTHING.

Seriously, it doesnt even have to be community gear. A band is a community in and of itself. ALL gear should be carried in by ALL members of the band. Just because one guy plays less equipment doesnt make him any less of a member. Equal qork for equal pay!!!

fenderhutz · #12 10-13-2008, 06:43 PM

Yeah, that whole sticking around for the other band is nonsense. Whether you used their gear or not.

StyleOverShow · #13 10-13-2008, 06:47 PM

I might add be constructive in your criticisms and professional (not emotional) in demeanor.

Mike Shevlin · #14 10-13-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crow01

9. You shall always practice on your own and remember your lines, be on tempo, play as there is no tomorrow.

This one is my favorite, especially the last part. I see SO many bassists in Vegas playing lethargically like the band is supposed to drag them through the song.

Zappstorius · #15 10-13-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

I mastered inner peace a long time ago, friend.

No, when I'm playing I'm too busy having a good time to notice if people up and leave. When I'm done with my set I might think back to myself "Hmm, where did everybody go?"

If I don't have anywhere to be, I'm all for sticking around and checking out the other bands though, I just don't feel obligated, even if they were kind enough to lend me their gear.

I think it's pretty poor etiquette to not stick around for the guys set when you're borrowing his gear...kinda sends a message that you're unappreciative of his kindness.

To me, that's a big problem with musicians...extremely selfish to the point where they have no interest in interacting with the other bands and wonder why there isn't much of a "scene".

Don't get me wrong, I'm not accusing you of being one of those guys...but I see it all the time at the local shows that my band plays.

Crazyeelboy · #16 10-14-2008, 12:22 AM

Crow01 - it seems that a lot of your rules are focused on avoiding getting your "ass kicked". Getting beat up never seems to be an issue in my gigs - where and with whom are you playing?

Lesfunk · #17 10-14-2008, 12:40 AM

If I got upset every time somebody walked out while I was playing, I'd have been in a church bell tower with a rifle years ago.

**Pacman** · #18 10-14-2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zappstorius

I think it's pretty poor etiquette to not stick around for the guys set when you're borrowing his gear...kinda sends a message that you're unappreciative of his kindness.

I think it's FAR more professional to show up with everything you need to do the gig in working order. Nothing is more unprofessional than borrowing gear.

If I'm a hired gun, I'm not loading your PA unless you pay me extra for it.

dannster · #19 10-14-2008, 12:52 AM

Never leave any gear in the car EVER!
Unless you want to get rid of it cheap.

seanm · #20 10-14-2008, 01:00 AM

I don't understand the 40F rule... Are you sure you didn't mean 40 Celsius?

I could understand extreme heat or extreme cold, but 40F????