Gadzooks! Gig coming up as sub...

Good luck. You'll be fine, just practice. And remember to relax. (Harder than it seems). You'll be amazed at the energy an audience puts out.

The 2nd gig I ever played was in front of 1100 people. (My first gig was the week before at a private party for some rich guy).

 

I always have stage fright. I usually asked the band for a
throwaway warmup tune, and once I was through that the
adrenalin and nausea would finally subside and I would get
right in the groove.

Be sure you can cover the 10 tunes blindfolded.

Have a great time!

 

As far as the unlined fretless bass thing... is it yours? If it is, and you've had it more than a couple weeks, no excuses!

If it's new, or it's borrowed for whatever reason, I'd advise practicing with your eyes closed. Let your ear work for you.

 

Are you listening to their songs as you type this? If not, you should be

I assume you do have a recording or CD of their music? If so, listen to it about 5 times before you even pick up the bass. Then, play along to the record a zillion times between then and the gig. The rest is cake Good luck.

John

 

Excellent advice. Get the song in your head first before you try to get it in your hands. The rest is easy.

Make sure that you can hear yourself clearly at the gig. This is even more critical with a fretless. Lower the lights at home while you practice. Touching yourself is optional.


And above all else... relax.


Good luck. I sub all the time. Last week on a gig I did almost an entire set of original songs, in a trio, that I'd never heard before, on the fly. The leader gave me signals on where to go. Turned out well.

 

The first time you sub with no rehearsal, you're scared to death. The second time, it's a little easier. By the 10th one, it becomes second nature. Well, maybe not second nature, but you don't fear it anymore.