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Do you still get nervous before a gig?
- Thread starter PB1962
- Start date
I have been playing all sorts of gigs for the last 30 years. I don't get nervous if it is a gig I'm comfortable with, but if I'm subbing for a big band, playing a heavy straight ahead jazz gig, or sight reading something like a circus gig, I will get a little nervous. But that usually goes away as soon as I start playing.
Nope 40+ years it is like a normal part of me to hit the stage I get my energy from the crowd. In front of them is where I am most comfortable
My anxiety level rises only if it's a new venue to me. Where are the outlets? Will there be enough space? What are the acoustics like? Where is the restroom?
Once I am set up and resigned to the situation, no nerves
Once I am set up and resigned to the situation, no nerves
No. Never really did, except once. My band was scheduled as a secondary opening act at Alpine Valley Music Theater.. The hallowed ground where people like the Dead, Stones and everyone else you can think of have played. I was super excited and a little nervous about stepping onto that stage. However, once we arrived at the venue, it was just another gig, but playing that stage was a never forget kind of moment..
That would be stressful. I would have to tone down my virtuoso playing as to not embarrass them.
Then I woke up.
Yes sir I play every Sunday and Wednesday night in church and gig on the weekends I always get nervous in front of new people ESP at church
The only times I get nervous are when I'm singing a song for the first time and I'm still not sure about it, playing with a new band for the first time, or fronting the band and trying to remember what songs everyone else sings so I can call them out. Otherwise I'm pretty relaxed up there, or as relaxed as an always slightly uncomfortable person like me can be 
I still get nervous after over 10 years of gigging. I am by no means a seriously seasoned musician but I have played a few gigs in my day and I still get nervous before and during the first 10 to 15 of a show. It will always be like that I think. I think most of it is adrenaline. My legs get shaky and I cant think very straight other than concentrating on playing but I like it, it keeps me on my toes. I try to use that energy for the show. It usually works to my advantage. But there has been times my nerves have gotten the best of me and I had a string of errors. I just kept going.
IMO there's a difference between "nerves", with a negative connotation, and "nervous energy" or anticipation, or anxiousness. I see these as a positive byproduct of enjoying your work and wanting to do a good job...BUT...if you don't learn how to harness these emotions, they can eat you alive. For a good performance, you can have high energy, but you must perform with your mind at ease. Being too anxious and hyped-up can be DEATH for maintaining tempo and feel, especially in a rhythm section, so force yourself to remain calm internally.
"Nerves", on the other hand, can be crippling to the performer, causing you do do nonsensical things, stiffen up, brain fart....generally choke your performance. Bad bad bad!
IMO it is far better to take a positive attitude, have confidence, and let the chips fall where they may. Generally speaking, audiences will forgive human errors here and there in favor of an otherwise good performance with good energy that "feels right" and is uninhibited....just don't the player who misses the cue and blows through a break!!! That'll leave a permanent scar LOL.
The key with the best performers is that they rarely make errors, and when they do, they hide them so well as to be unnoticeable. Also, many of the best entertainer/performers absolutely LOVE being in the spotlight, and have a second nature extra gear that allows them to perform at their highest level when they are the center of attention under the proverbial microscope.
"Nerves", on the other hand, can be crippling to the performer, causing you do do nonsensical things, stiffen up, brain fart....generally choke your performance. Bad bad bad!
IMO it is far better to take a positive attitude, have confidence, and let the chips fall where they may. Generally speaking, audiences will forgive human errors here and there in favor of an otherwise good performance with good energy that "feels right" and is uninhibited....just don't the player who misses the cue and blows through a break!!! That'll leave a permanent scar LOL.
The key with the best performers is that they rarely make errors, and when they do, they hide them so well as to be unnoticeable. Also, many of the best entertainer/performers absolutely LOVE being in the spotlight, and have a second nature extra gear that allows them to perform at their highest level when they are the center of attention under the proverbial microscope.
Indeed! I've been playing in public since my first recital at age 7 ... 52 years ago. Never nervous on stage, but when playing an unfamiliar venue, an important gig/showcase, or with a new band (as a fill-in) I get the butterflies, too, and it brings me back to a time when I had a lot less confidence, and the stage was a much more exciting place.
I used to, but then I started gigging with these huge egomaniacs (humping their guitars types) & after that nothing seemed to matter. although a few months ago I was pretty nervous before a big gig where a ton of new work people were coming to see me.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
If you play long enough eventually the problem you get is stage boredom ... You think oh no ... I have to play Mustang Sally ... Again ... UGH!
Before going on stage, I have a little ritual and always get myself in the right mind-state. I warm up for about 30-45 minutes before playing, just because warming up is good and it helps to clear my head because my focus is on jamming and not playing the gig. Before playing, I'll think to myself and say in my head a bunch of times, "I've already done it. I've gone out there and killed it. I hammered my parts and the crowd loved it. All I have to do now is just go on stage and play some tunes!"
At this point, I'm not nervous, but pumped to play!
If you're the type that gets nervous or thinks the worst before playing, give this a shot: Picture yourself absolutely crushing the gig. Literally picture yourself on the stage you're playing that night and hear your playing. Think of how much you've practiced and how easy the songs are! Worst case scenario, the crowd might not be into your band or genre beforehand. But, you and your band are awesome, and by the time you walk off stage, you're going to give everyone in that room something good to talk about. After all, you're a champion, and this is what champions do!
At this point, I'm not nervous, but pumped to play!
If you're the type that gets nervous or thinks the worst before playing, give this a shot: Picture yourself absolutely crushing the gig. Literally picture yourself on the stage you're playing that night and hear your playing. Think of how much you've practiced and how easy the songs are! Worst case scenario, the crowd might not be into your band or genre beforehand. But, you and your band are awesome, and by the time you walk off stage, you're going to give everyone in that room something good to talk about. After all, you're a champion, and this is what champions do!
