Drinking Before Playing?

[jwbassman]

I usually wait until the night is over and I am packed up before I have a beer.

Same here.

I find that if I drink that I'm definately not on my "A" game either.

 

[b.bandit]

1 to 2 before- no more than 4. Want to drive home afterwards.

If I got a ride then no restrictions. ha

I feel a bit looser and relaxed with 2 drinks before.

 

[MatticusMania]

It depends how early I get to the gig. If I get there an hour before we play I'll have a beer or two, and another one while we play our set. If I get there around setup I'll have one with me and another during our set.

 

[Froaderick]

I've found that a slight pre-show buzz relaxes me and I loosen up some. I make an effort to not get drunk (although it has happened, people buying you shots and stuff) but I think a buzz doesn't hurt.

Same here ... every once in awhile I catch myself thinking too much before the show and try to stay loose. Doesnt work for everyone but works for me

 

[jumbosilverette]

A few slugs of bourbon from the flask before we go on.

 

[jarrod cunningham]

It depends. I usually have about 2 or 3 beer before hand, and at least one beer on stage to keep my throat from getting dry. But I always have a shot of Jagermeister before going on stage, it's a kind of ritual for me.

dam are we related ???

 

[jaywa]

I had a bad experience many years ago overindulging in Jager on a gig.

Let's just say by third set I had lost all feeling in my fingers. Not a good way to play. Loading our gear back into the practice studio at 2 am (up a flight of stairs) and the rest of the next day was no fun either. Haven't touched the stuff since.

 

[RobertPaulson]

3-4 jameson on the rocks and maybe a couple beers before the set. Another 2-3 beers during the set.

Playing sober is not fun. Given, playing hammered isn't fun either, just have to find the right balance.

 

[TheButler]

I'll usually have a pint or so before hand, but i've stopped recently due to always needing a piss during the set.... yep.

 

[Joe.shaffer]

A shot of good vodka about 10 before I go on. It's a ritual. Water the rest of the night.

 

[wnelson]

Same here.

I find that if I drink that I'm definately not on my "A" game either.

+1....i used to have to have 2 beers and a whiskey before the set.

but now i find my stamina and playibiliity is dead on if im sober.
and yea,as soon as the gig is done and im all packed up,then ill reward myself with a beer and shot of whiskey...lol

i also find that when i stay sober while packing up,i dont leave things behind at the club..like my wife

 

[Tom Howland]

I drink, but never before playing. Learned the hard way that I need to be 100% sober to bring my "A" game.

All the above.
Plus, If your getting paid well, it's a job.
Would you drink, before a day job?
A jam is something else.
Have a cold one, after the gig.

 

[Jay Corwin]

1 beer per set

and maybe 1 to warm up before hand

and I too mix in the waters in between

 

[JMarkD]

Back in the days at the old Cracker House (for all you central Floridians) I used to slam them down pretty good. Not any more. I stay sober for gigs now. I don't play as well and the drive home is just too long.

Getting old I guess. Just a "pro" thing for me. I consider it a job and I no longer like to drink on the job. Not dead set against it, nor am I trying to preach, I just evolved to the point that I no longer want to drink when playing.

The older I get the more I appreciate clarity. My brain is muddled enough!

 

[MatticusMania]

Would you drink, before a day job?

Yes.

 

[MatticusMania]

On my last gig I was low on funds. So I bought myself a half pint of SoCo and finished it off with some Dr. Pepper before the gig. Had a few beers in my guitarists truck after the set. Only spent $7 and got a nice buzz, I may start doing that instead of a few beers, which I can drink alot of before getting a good buzz.

 

[Haysoochreesto]

Playing sober is not fun. Given, playing hammered isn't fun either, just have to find the right balance.

I wouldn't say that playing sober isn't fun. When things are really poppin' at rehearsal, it's fun. BUT, given that I've played Radar Love too many times to count in my life, it takes a few beers to really get into playing that song (and most others that we do). It's not that I don't like the song but I'd be bored stiff playing it for the millionth time without some kind of head change.

 

[two fingers]

I keep a drink with me up on stage, and I'll get a refresher for the 2nd set. Over the course of a typical bar gig I'll usually have 3-4 drinks spread out over ~5hr time period. For me, the hardest part is not having to pee in the middle of a 2hr set. Sometimes I just have to end a song and run for the bathroom

WOW! 5 hour shows? 2 hour sets? What kind of shows are you playing?

 

[thumpbass1]

It's just water or diet cola for me during a gig these days, and I'll save the couple of beers for afterwards. At my age, if I drank beer at a gig like I did in my youth, I'd most likely feel like taking a nap.

 

[MNAirHead]

I'll always show up early and BUY a drink from the manager - I'll let them choose their "best secret" - or a suggestion. Gives the opportunity to have a quick thank you, establish any of thier requests, let them show off their bartending, and have them understand that only maggot bands expect to be comped drinks.

Managers really don't care as selling drinks are their core business.. I'll then prepay a drink for each guy in the band.. some take it in pop.. some beer whatever... I'll drop them a $20 and tell them to keep the change... this $20 is taken out of the night's take... we appear to be better unified.. cooler guys.. and more gracious.

I'll then give a waitress a $10.. ask her to notice the waterpitcher and please fill it as time permits. When she refills it, we tip her again.

Few folks understand what the core job of a bar manager really is.

Many teatoatlers forget the basic PR issues of being in a band.

IF their core business is NOT selling drinks I don't have any before going on.

IF it's church - I'll take communion.

Tim