Drinking before performances?

Fassa Albrecht · #1 04-12-2008, 06:41 PM

I've just got back into performing at uni again after a long period of time away from bass. My problem is this-

Before performances I usually end up drinking in the university bar, usually having a few pints, as my performances usually start 2 hours after my lectures finish.

But I'm worried it could screw up my playing if I continue. At the moment I'm completely in control but I've found myself drinking more and more and I'm concerned that it could become a much bigger issue.

Any help?

Gintaras · #2 04-12-2008, 06:51 PM

i'm sure there are at least a few of us who started with just a pint and landed up drinking more and more. It can eventually sneak up on you and it will screw up more than your playing

It did to me and know I go to meetings!!!!
And I was always in control (so I thought)

modulusman · #3 04-12-2008, 06:53 PM

Yeah, quit drinking. If YOU think it might be a problem then it probably already is.

Fassa Albrecht · #4 04-12-2008, 06:56 PM

Problem is that I get a lot of work done whilst in the bar....

Mrdak · #5 04-12-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I've just got back into performing at uni again after a long period of time away from bass. My problem is this-

Before performances I usually end up drinking in the university bar, usually having a few pints, as my performances usually start 2 hours after my lectures finish.

But I'm worried it could screw up my playing if I continue. At the moment I'm completely in control but I've found myself drinking more and more and I'm concerned that it could become a much bigger issue.

Any help?

YES, anything like that will alter your playing. If you Are in control, then do it now. ---Stop---

Take my advice.................... before it's too late. If you drink a few pints, then you're not all there. No matter how good you THINK you feel, or sound. Be sure to record yourself both ways, and then you'll really understand.
You see, there are other bad things that come with time.
I promise you, it will dehydrate your muscles. When you least expect it, or need it to happen, you could start getting bad cramps in your hands if you keep up that kind of drinking. Especially right before you play a gig.
I'm 50, and have been partying like a 18 yr. old, since I'm 15..... I just quit drinking all together about 3 weeks ago. I have never felt this good. If you send me a PM, I'll elaborate. If you don't, I'll just say this. You may not have a bad problem. Only you know the truth. But if you do, just stop it. It's not nearly as hard as it sounds. Without booze, I'm remembering stuff I never dreamed of.
Good Luck Brohiem!!!

Ric5 · #6 04-12-2008, 07:06 PM

I think the main advantage of drinking and playing is the drinking helps releive boredom ... the down side is it also decreases the quality of your musicianship ... and of course the other negative effects of alcohol ...

Fassa Albrecht · #7 04-12-2008, 07:07 PM

The strange thing is that I wouldn't ordinarily drink but this band practice and my work schedule means that I often go to the bar just to kill time....

MysticMichael · #8 04-12-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Any help?

Help to know what to do? Or help to stop drinking?

As Modulusman said, if you think it might become a problem, then it probably already is. One thing is for sure: it won't do anything good for you - certainly not for your playing. And it could do you a great deal of harm.

Since drinking has now become habitual for you, you're already on the slippery slope. Stop now. If you find that you can't, get help - immediately.

MM

Fassa Albrecht · #9 04-12-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Help to know what to do? Or help to stop drinking?

As Modulusman said, if you think it might become a problem, then it probably already is. One thing is for sure: it won't do anything good for you - certainly not for your playing. And it could do you a great deal of harm.

Since drinking has now become habitual for you, you're already on the slippery slope. Stop now. If you find that you can't, get help - immediately.

MM

To be honest I have a tendency to be rather tense on stage anyway, so maybe my mind is trying to relax me??

nortonrider · #10 04-12-2008, 07:24 PM

Just because you go to a bar doesn't mean you have to drink alcohol.

Fassa Albrecht · #11 04-12-2008, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

Just because you go to a bar doesn't mean you have to drink alcohol.

Fair point but in my uni bar the expectation is that you're drinking alcohol...

BassieMike · #12 04-12-2008, 07:27 PM

I've made it a personal rule not to do anything that will effect my meter before playing, and I limit my self to no more than one beer per set.
This works for me,
-mike

Fassa Albrecht · #13 04-12-2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassieMike

I've made it a personal rule not to do anything that will effect my meter before playing, and I limit my self to no more than one beer per set.
This works for me,
-mike

I wish I had your self-control...

MysticMichael · #14 04-12-2008, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

To be honest I have a tendency to be rather tense on stage anyway, so maybe my mind is trying to relax me??

Sure. Maybe. But the idea is get away from relying on substances to achieve ease and relaxation on stage. That's a whole other discussion...

I used to smoke a lot of weed before gigs, and even in between sets. I would get in trouble for stupid things, like being late to start the next set, forgetting my parts, etc.

I don't do that anymore...

MM

Fassa Albrecht · #15 04-12-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Sure. Maybe. But the idea is get away from relying on substances to achieve ease and relaxation on stage. That's a whole other discussion...

I used to smoke a lot of weed before gigs, and even in between sets. I would get in trouble for stupid things, like being late to start the next set, forgetting my parts, etc.

I don't do that anymore...

MM

Maybe you're right, I'm gonna end up screwing up performances...

nortonrider · #16 04-12-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

Fair point but in my uni bar the expectation is that you're drinking alcohol...

Damn peer pressure!

Fassa Albrecht · #17 04-12-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nortonrider

Damn peer pressure!

Yes, it is a wonderful thing........

I hate being a student!

Lorenzini · #18 04-12-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fassa Albrecht

I wish I had your self-control...

It's a small matter of determination and personal ethics.
Try it: No more than 1 beer prior to the gig, no more than 1 beer per set.

capnsandwich · #19 04-12-2008, 07:39 PM

Hey, instead of going to a bar to study go to a coffee house instead. I know for a fact that I cannot play when I drink, even with a slight buzz. I haven't had as much as a beer in 13 years but I can tell you that I play a lot better after a couple shots of espresso than a couple beers.

Fassa Albrecht · #20 04-12-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lorenzini

It's a small matter of determination and personal ethics.
Try it: No more than 1 beer prior to the gig, no more than 1 beer per set.

Forgot to mention also that after the meeting (I perform at society meetings) we then go to the bar....nearly everyone goes so it's difficult to get out of it.