Gig Report - 6/11/16 - The Good, the Bad & the Ugly

My band is down to a 3 piece now, we were a 5 piece with 2 guitarists but we all know how bands change, members move on, etc. Anywhoo, played our first gig as a 3 piece last night, I was a little more nervous than usual since the bass would be more "front and center" and I could not "hide" behind 2 guitars AND I would be doing backing vocals as well, which I'm not strong on, but as Yoda once said, "remember your training" or practice in my case and it turned out to be an awesome experience.....

The Good: We rocked the house! We play quite a few songs that really need a lead guitar but we pulled it off, the crowd was into us, received lots of compliments, beers were flowing, just an all around awesome time that is hard to describe. I always think back to all the hours and hours of practice, both alone and as a band really pays off and is so well worth it in the end. Also, we don't put out tip jars but someone in the audience actually put one out for us, I thought that was pretty cool!

The Bad: Outdoor gig! I was sooooo looking forward to using my Ampeg V4B head with Ampeg 8x10 Classic "Fridge". Despite my best Tetris skills, I could not fit it into my wife's Ford Escape along with all the PA equipment (4 speaker cabinets of various sizes). Had to go with my backup rig, Mesa D800 head with Carvin B115 15" cabinet. Luckily, it was loud enough to be heard by all and it actually sounded really good. Only other "bad" was since it was an outdoor gig and we played from 8pm to 10:30pm, I was getting eaten alive by mosquitos and other bugs flying/crawling all over me. Hopefully I didn't catch the Zika.

The Ugly: Last song of Set List 1, we play "Ace of Spades" by Motorhead, towards the end of the song, my bass cuts out completely. I look back, my Mesa D800 is gone! I keep "playing" along with the guitarist for the last 10 seconds or so to finish out the song, but it seemed like forever! After the song is finally over, I look back and see that the D800 fell backwards (I had it setup on top of the mixer since I was also trying to be the Soundguy since the other 3 people I asked all backed out) and the cord came out. Luckily the amp still works, I was able to play the entire Set 2 with no further issues (I left the amp on the floor for the last set out of the way)


All in all, had a great time, I survived some glitches and would do it all again!

TL/DR: Outdoor gig, Lot's of bugs, Amp fell and cut out sound during song, Still put on great show

 

Photobucket is blocked here at work, will try and post some pics. when I get home later

Yeah I now know for next time. First time ever using the D800 outside of the house.

Rabbit Hole Brewing in Justin.

Will try that next time

 

Forgot to mention, the Ugly part II --> My right hand cramped up something fierce near the end of our last song. I can play 2+ hours at home with no issues but playing 45 minutes at a gig for some reason cramps me up. I was drinking plenty of water but I guess I was still dehydrated. Need to figure out how to resolve this....