• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

First gig in a lifetime is coming!!! I'm scared!!!

#61
Bass_Band said:
I wish I discover my passion for bass playing before...
Click to expand...

I first touched a bass when I was 13 years old. I'm now 43 and sometimes I get stuck - all I can think about was all the time I wasted in my younger years when I should have been practicing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of my abilities today, I officially classify myself (when people ask me) as "pretty good". But you and I both know if I had put a LOT more emphasis on practicing that I'd be "really good" today. For the last few years, there has only been a hand full of days that I haven't held a bass in my hands and made a serious attempt at getting better at playing it. And I know, I am better today than I have ever been.

And so are you.

Take THAT thought to your gig.

Enjoy yourself and know that you're going to be even better at your next gig.

Those booties are shaking because of you....
 
#63
paparoof said:
I am better today than I have ever been. And so are you. Take THAT thought to your gig. Those booties are shaking because of you....
Click to expand...

I'll remember that.

INTP said:
For me, this is one of the most satisfying parts of playing.
Click to expand...

A month ago, as I were in a music store trying a TC212. The vendor says: 'That thing is powerful, here it's a big area and we just hear you all over the place! He took the bass and ask me to go hear him at the other side of the area. I told myself: Darn! Why don't you just let me play... I go hear the 212 for a minute at the other end of the room. I come back and says: Yeah, its awesome. He the let the volume at high level on the Rebel450 and I continue my jam time. A couple came in with their kid, he was about 4 or 5. He stands in front of me at 4-5 feet with his eyes wide open as I were a rosckstar... lol! He shakes his head to rythm. After a minute I stop and look at him and he says: 'You're really good!' I thank him, this kid probably don't know it but he makes my day.

If some girls dance in front of us at the show I'll be extatic. I'll be satisfied with some folks bobbing their head to my rythm.

Last day before the gig. My week is over. I better get that bass and work!
 
#66
Good luck on the gig! It took time for me to realize that the begining of every show I was tense and was gripping my neck like a baseball bat. I still do it sometimes! If you can get some easy songs to start the show, it might give you a chance to unwind and be more relaxed once you get to some of the harder stuff later in the set. And nailing the songs early on will also give you a great boost of confidance.

I've been giging semi regularly for 15 years or so, and I still make mistakes on the simplest of tunes. Regardless of what happens have fun, and don't dwell on the mistakes, chances are no one will notice it.

Oh yeah......the adrenaline rush of a live show gets addictive. Get ready cause you're gonna be on such a high after the show!!!!

Where are you playing? I'm from Montreal, I might come out and see you...
 
#67
Double check your gig bag and make sure you are bringing everything you need in case.
bring a backup bass you never know. Other then that have fun don't worry about mistakes no faces and just keep going. if you do get lost better to play nothing and get back into the song at a different part than to play a bunch of wrong notes looking for your place. relax and do not eat a heavy meal. Good luck and I hope you kill it!
 
#68
rtslinger said:
Double check your gig bag and make sure you are bringing everything you need in case.
bring a backup bass you never know.
Click to expand...

Excellent tip right there, about checking your gig bag. I always bring a backup bass as well, but that's not QUITE as necessary as making sure you have all your cables. :)

Oh, and taking a pre-game bathroom break is a good idea too. Getting one song into the first set and realizing you need to take a leak... Not so fun! :hmm: hehehe

5sg.
 
#70
I havent play so much yesterday and I drink alot of water. I tried to relax and preparing my gig stuff. I play a little this morning but I realize it's useless.

Here we are. I quit in 2 hours and it's a 2 hour road to get there. I feel strange. My stomach is kinda weird. I'm in control though; well... I guess. It's gonna be a nice sunny day. Meteo said 24 degree between 4 pm and 6 pm.

Get there and rock that place dammit!!

Rock'n roll! :bassist:
 
#71
Bass_Band said:
I havent play so much yesterday and I drink alot of water. I tried to relax and preparing my gig stuff. I play a little this morning but I realize it's useless.

Here we are. I quit in 2 hours and it's a 2 hour road to get there. I feel strange. My stomach is kinda weird. I'm in control though; well... I guess. It's gonna be a nice sunny day. Meteo said 24 degree between 4 pm and 6 pm.

Get there and rock that place dammit!!

Rock'n roll! :bassist:
Click to expand...

Good luck, I hope you have fun and the band is well received.
 
#75
Just came back home from the gig. I'm washed out. Mixed feelings about that first gig. It's really a great experience. Lot of food to think about. All in all it went great. I had fun! :cool:

I'll bring you a full report later. :bassist:
 
#79
Your comment doesn't sound very "euphoric",and I think the reason why is :
There is a lot more in gigs than playing the songs (good or bad).
There is a new setup you have to learn to go through,and you can only learn it by doing it.
This are the rules : no two gigs will ever be the same,sound the same,feel the same.
You will be a newbie for a while until playing on stage becomes more "normal",and the pre and post show do not produce strange feelings of insecurity.
Congrats for the gig done,and don;t let the build up of past weeks get in the way of your enjoyment.
 
#80
One thing i didn't read yet:p just be yourself on stage as: don't keep thinking stuff like: i GOTTA move around, i GOTTA smile. Having thoughts like that will probably **** up your playing. Just go with the flow, after the first note the crowd will be smiling (or better haha) when i see the crowd and my bandmembers are enjoying themselves i just get a huge rush! And that rush is the best reward you can get for all the time you've spend on learning how to play bass :D
Looking forward to the post-gig report haha

And on the clothes departement, that depends on wjat kind of music you play;)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back