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Alcohol and playing ability

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Back'N'Black

Sep 25, 2009
125
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Tulsa, OK
#1
I only practise sober at home and with my first band at practise I only play drinking. I'm new at this but I'm sure you pro's get the picture (and my bandmates do more then drink:hmm:).

I'm 45 and an ol' pro at drinking, I do drive better for example with a few brews under my belt. For example in extreme winter conditions, I'm relaxed. Spare me the anti-drunk driving crap, thanks.

For the pro's, do you play sober or under the influence of alcohol or other things. I've never found alcohol to be a benefit in any other line of work.
 
#2
Rehearsals: sober.

Gigs: 2-3 beers to reduce the effect of adrenalin.


It's, as always in life, a question of the amount.
I've played in a band where it came to a point when rehearsing wasn't productive anymore, due to alcohol and other stuff. It can be funny to have a private party once a week but only for a limited range of time. For a lifetime music is only fun when you're productive.
 
#3
Never could play drunk and never played the way I wanted with a buzz so I never drink when I'm playing, rehearsals or gigs. Everyone else can get smashed and think that I'm the best player in the world but I'll be sober enough to realize I'm not.
 
#5
when we're playing at the bar a like a shot or two and a beer, it helps me with my stage presence, word is i'm shy.

if we are just jamming i like to supplement my creative side.... but so does the whole band.
 
#9
duke2004 said:
Rehearse under the same conditions as the gig for optimal performance ;)
Click to expand...
That seems to be where this band is headed, we did a couple songs songs at an open mic. We were nervous, by the time we hit it we were a little tanked, people danced on the second one, maybe they were a little tanked too. Except for one guy it was the first time in public, I had just joined the day before, I still shudder about how bad we must have been.
 
#10
I usually drink one beer during a 2-hour practice. That's about what I drink during a gig if we're playing somewhere that serves beer. After one, I get a diet Coke. Getting a touch relaxed is good, but more than that would definitely not help my playing.

When I'm playing, I'm at work, even if it's fun work. Work is not a time it is appropriate to get "a little tanked".
 
#11
Back'N'Black said:
I only practise sober at home and with my first band at practise I only play drinking. I'm new at this but I'm sure you pro's get the picture (and my bandmates do more then drink:hmm:).

I'm 45 and an ol' pro at drinking, I do drive better for example with a few brews under my belt. For example in extreme winter conditions, I'm relaxed. Spare me the anti-drunk driving crap, thanks.

For the pro's, do you play sober or under the influence of alcohol or other things. I've never found alcohol to be a benefit in any other line of work.
Click to expand...

I'd hate to be on the road with you in winter. If you need to relax before your gig, eat a banana. It acts as a beta blocker. I really don't want to offend, but at your age this all shouldn't be an issue. Good luck.
 
#12
megadan said:
It's nice to have a few drinks to loosen up.

If you need booze to drive might be time to get some real meds, you know anti-anxiety crap? Cause that's gonna get you in trouble soon! I guess if you're 45 and have a big gut you can probably absorb that booze without being impaired.
Click to expand...
Never needed it to drive normally, I dont advocate drunk driving at all. Just I drive better, for example I was living in the Northwest, this one mountain pass I had to go over was always severe, I'd take a 12 pack with me and never any problems. Todays situation with these kids that know nothing and crowded roads, no, dont drink and drive.
 
#16
duke2004 said:
Rehearse under the same conditions as the gig for optimal performance ;)
Click to expand...

This is MY way too. Nowadays it's 99% of the time -stone cold sober :smug:
In the early days- a smoke at practise meant a smoke at gig :D :hiding:. I could function fine tho- we wouldn't get plastered thats fer sure. These days in 2 of my 3 currently gigging bands, it's 100% straing 100% of the time.
In ONE band- the gtr-ist brings a smoke- so I indulge a little ;)

I think a cuppla drinks to calm nerves is a fine thing, If ya need or feel the urge. I don't get any nerves- so I don't bother. At 90% of our gigs we get given free drinks too, as many as we like. Luckily ALL the band members are cool enough to practise restraint. Some of the Wineries have NICE, NICE reds tho......:help:
 
#18
Back'N'Black said:
Never needed it to drive normally, I dont advocate drunk driving at all. Just I drive better, for example I was living in the Northwest, this one mountain pass I had to go over was always severe, I'd take a 12 pack with me and never any problems. Todays situation with these kids that know nothing and crowded roads, no, dont drink and drive.
Click to expand...


You know what else works? Snow studs.

Funny part is in my city/area the majority of people making the papers for DUI/DWI are above the age of 30. I bet if I did a study it would be 80% or more.


Either way, I like when people equate a stage performance with a job. If someone isn't down to become a wasted idiot while sitting in a cubicle or driving a forklift, then they should be just as willing to not become one playing an instrument. When I go to their shows, it makes them look like idiots and makes me depressed that someone had to self-medicate to man-up and get on stage. Besides, why waste money making money?
 
#20
michael_atw said:
You know what else works? Snow studs.

Funny part is in my city/area the majority of people making the papers for DUI/DWI are above the age of 30. I bet if I did a study it would be 80% or more.


Either way, I like when people equate a stage performance with a job. If someone isn't down to become a wasted idiot while sitting in a cubicle or driving a forklift, then they should be just as willing to not become one playing an instrument. When I go to their shows, it makes them look like idiots and makes me depressed that someone had to self-medicate to man-up and get on stage. Besides, why waste money making money?
Click to expand...
Studded tires are it, changes everything. I was just curious as a newbie about performing and alcohol. I'm no loser, I have my own business. Music seems to have its own rules, thats what I'm curious about. It seems some suck at it no matter what, some cant lose no matter what. I was wondering how alcohol played into that since it seems to be a great equalizer in real life.
 
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