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Ever been too drunk to play?!

A

Alex_Of_Icarus

Nov 15, 2012
22
0
Guildford, UK
www.sonsoficarus.com
#1
So I was just thinking about the time I got too drunk to play a gig (not a proud moment I might add; I'll get to that in a second) and thought it might be interesting to see if anyone else learned the hard way that drinking excessively before a gig is a bad move... Not trying to start an AA meeting or anything, just thought it'd be interesting! My shame story below:

When I was about 15, both of my old bands were playing a NYE gig at a friend's house (it was actually a helicopter hanger converted into a stage/skate ramp; his family were pretty well off!) One of my bands (Moneyshot) opening the show and the other (The Angry Pirates) headlining. During the Moneyshot set, me and the guitarist, with reckless bravado, were swigging copious amounts of bourbon between songs. Like I said, I was 15.. And we were a glam band so we thought we were cool.. Mistake No.1.

Needless to say by the time my second set came around, I was in no fit state to stand up, never mind play bass for and hour and a half! Didn't stop me trying though! Mistake No.2. I got as far as plugging in before retreating backstage to spew for a few hours while a mate stepped in who was almost as drunk as me..

I don't think I need to explain the 'fallout' the next day, it's pretty obvious that my band, and everyone else were a mixture of p***ed off and disappointed!

A respect for alcohol before/during gigs was learned of course and now debauchery is reserved for after the show!

Anyone else??
 
#2
I started playing in bars when I was 16. By the time I was old enough to actually order a drink at a gig, I had seen enough silliness to not want to drink and play.

I had one notable (and stupid) exception. At age twenty I decided to move to Florida (temporarily) where my father was in the last stages of cancer. The last gig before I moved served also as my going away party. A replacement drummer was ready for their next gig. (He was a good friend, still is) He was at the gig/party and it's a good thing. I got drunk enough that I literally fell off of my throne during a song. He jumped in and finished the gig. I learned that lesson and have not repeated it in the past 34 years.
 
#3
Never when money or some tangible consideration was involved. At parties and stuff, who knows? But I've definitely had experiences when I probably shouldn't have indulged and did anyway. Sometimes it is wise to listen to one's 'better' angels.
 
#11
I have had some house gigs at small bars in small towns where everyone knows everyone and everyone gets thoroughly drunk, including the band. One such experience in particular deserves retelling here. As the last set was drawing to an end, I was impressed with how very, very drunk I was and still managing to play. When we were done, I took off my bass, went to take a step forward and fell on my face. I was not able to walk.
 
#12
Too drunk to play? Not once. The closest? I played a gig at a club one time where the drug of choice was cocaine. I will admit to doing many lines off the back of the toilet in the men's room. (Actually, it was the final time I ever indulged in such a "pleasure"; nowadays, when I want that experience, I simply catch a head cold and then drink too much espresso. And there's nothing quite like doing lines off the back of a toilet to realize that you're on the wrong path).

A few joints were involved, followed by a long stint at the bar. (Bartender: "Don't you have to play?" Me: "Don't worry, I'm Irish. :D." Yeah, and coked to the gills. :hmm:)

A girl was flirting with me after the show, but I was too wrecked to pick up on it. Actually, I was so wasted, I thought she was starting **** with me, and actually got into a fight with the guitarist/singer, because I was jealous that women flirt with him and only pick on me. :rollno:

I'm not going to pretend that I'm some kind of church-going saint today, but I've learned that the white powder is a bad idea (my story comes from more than 10 years ago) and I have a strict policy of playing all gigs with a straight head nowadays. You might think you play better wasted, but trust me, you don't. (Or, at the very least, I don't).
 
#16
I like to have one beer before I go on stage and sometimes take one up with me. Other than that I never drink at all. It just seems to prevent jitters and over-thinking for me.

I have an absolute iron-clad zero THC policy on gig days though. That never goes well. I get too much into my head. The one beer thing does the opposite: It relaxes me just enough to actually listen to the songs while I'm playing them rather than think my way through them technically as if I'm in my basement by myself practicing them. It's great when you have done enough shedding on the song to stand back from it at performance time and let it unfold rather than imposing yourself on it.
 
#18
Just once... About 14 years ago. It was a combination of drinking and getting stoned. Which I have learned is a mind eraser / attention killer for me. Won't ever combine the 2 again.

We were playing our CD release party. It was about 3/4 of the way through our set and I'm just jamming and jamming this one riff and I suddenly realize I'm the only one playing. The song ended or I never came out of the chorus of this tune. Wasn't a pleasant feeling. I did finish the gig... but I'm sure it wasn't good.
 
#19
theLibrarian said:
I have an absolute iron-clad zero THC policy on gig days though.
Click to expand...

There was one point in my life that I had an absolute iron-clad extra THC policy on gig days. The type of music I played back in the day attracted members who would basically always have an unlimited supply and pass a couple around before gigs.

Now, I'm out of college and working and haven't touched the stuff in a long time. And I don't miss it one bit!
 

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