A big gig sounds like you’re working with a sound tech, and I presume a stage amp. If so, set your bass’ volume at sound check. If you need to adjust your stage volume (and you likely will), use your amp’s master volume. Constant monkeying with the volume ahead of the DI can be an issue, unless you can walk the tech through any pedals, etc ahead of time - which is rare IME.
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Going in for my first gig later this week.
- Thread starter mysterial
- Start date
…assuming your drummer knows where 1 is
. Believe me, I’ve had them ask!
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
- 14,723
- 20,970
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- I suck, but nobody really notices
Show up early, bring extra supplies (power cord, cables, strings) just in case, load yourself in then help the drummer.
Don't worry, you're only nervous til you screw up the first song. Then it's smooth sailing the rest of the night.
Make an equipment list - check it multiple times before you head out. In another band I used to play in our guitarist forgot his guitar for a show in Chicago (we are from Indianapolis).
Be on time - this means show up thirty minutes early if possible and stay out of the way.
Bring spare batteries and cables - if you don't you will need them.
Do EXACTLY what the stage manager tells you EXACTLY when he tells you and EXACTLY how he tells you. Watch the band setting up before you to see what they do wrong or what they do that creates problems. Pay attention to how they load in and setup - make a mental note of what you can do to make your own load in and setup more efficient.
Be polite. Be professional. Be quite until the sound man tells you to play for sound check. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Soundmen tend to get a bit flustered if they ask you to play and you are busy gabbing with the guitarist or daydreaming.
DO NOT noodle during sound check.
If you bring a water bottle or other drink on stage be sure to clear it with the stage manager first. DON'T leave your empties on stage when you are done. That's not being cool - that's being a phallus.
If the other band's gear is on stage DO NOT TOUCH IT. ASK the owner of the gear if you need to move it slightly to run a cable or whatnot. ABSOLUTEY DO NOT put a drink on or near someone's gear.
Hydrate with water before you play. Pee before you play. Take a massive dump BEFORE you play.
Stretch before stage and warm up your hands.
Smile - unless you are playing angry music in which case scowl.
Don't be afraid to interact with the audience. Make eye contact with random people in the crowd.
Have fun and relax - it's the entire reason for playing music.
Take a bow when you are done or show some form of gratitude for having the opportunity to play.
When you are done get your gear the eff of stage FAST. Help the drummer with his stuff or anyone else that needs gear moved off stage. Work together as a team. We can clear the stage in just under five minutes - faster if its a hometown gig and our crew is there.
Don't bother the soundman but at some point after you play be sure to thank him for his patience, help, and for making you guys sound so good. Tell them him you had a great time. Do the same with monitor engineers and light guys.
Make sure to thank whoever got you in the door for this gig at least twice - once at the beginning and at the end before you guys leave. Don't make a novel out of it. People like that are stupid busy. A simple "we really appreciate the opportunity and hope we can do something with you again soon" will suffice.
If you are an opener be cool and stick around to see the headliner play. If you are the second of three bands be sure to catch both of their sets.
Did I mention to have fun? Oh yeah - HAVE FUN!
Just one other thing to add: don't dwell on the mistake you just made. That will only lead to more mistakes. Forget it and focus on having fun. The audience most likely won't notice your flubbed note - but they will notice if you look like a panic-stricken, nervous wreck.
Just one other thing to add: don't dwell on the mistake you just made. That will only lead to more mistakes. Forget it and focus on having fun. The audience most likely won't notice your flubbed note - but they will notice if you look like a panic-stricken, nervous wreck.
Yep! Just keep on playing, smiling and nodding!
Trust us, every live band you've ever seen, at every level, has made mistakes.
Rock star point... even if it's your reflection in the bathroom vanity mirror.
Pretend that the entire audience is naked. Unless you’re at a clothing optional senior resort. In that case, pretend that they’re all clothed.
A friend told me the story about his first band and their first gig. His bassist would destress by hand-washing dishes, so after sound check he went into the kitchen in the bar and washed dishes until it was time to play. He got on stage, with a fresh set of rounds on his bass, and opened the first song with a tasty slide down the E string...
...and had to play the rest of the gig trying not to fret with his index finger.
If it's a large venue, you will be running through the FOH (Front Of House) system.
There will be a person present at the big mixing table. This is the most important person in the room along with your fellow musicians. They will be responsible for your sound in quantities so large, it is uncomfortable at first.
Be friendly to these people. Maybe explain that this is your first rodeo and ask them how they want to do bass and what you can do to get a good sound both on and off stage.
Whatever you or they do or say, don't piss them off.
There will be a person present at the big mixing table. This is the most important person in the room along with your fellow musicians. They will be responsible for your sound in quantities so large, it is uncomfortable at first.
Be friendly to these people. Maybe explain that this is your first rodeo and ask them how they want to do bass and what you can do to get a good sound both on and off stage.
Whatever you or they do or say, don't piss them off.
....and eat! Eat something healthy enough during the day to make sure you don't get cramps and eat your fill so you're neither bloated nor hungry when gig time comes.
I know a few people that will, on an empty stomach, paired with the excitement of being on stage, constantly feel the need to empty their bladder. It's great when that feeling settles in after the first song.
Make sure you eat, even if you're excited.
I know a few people that will, on an empty stomach, paired with the excitement of being on stage, constantly feel the need to empty their bladder. It's great when that feeling settles in after the first song.
Make sure you eat, even if you're excited.
Congrats! Take a deep breath and enjoy it. You'll be fine. Report back (with pics) when it's done!
(My first gig was in the Fall of 1986 at 15 years old. I'll never forget it. It changed my life.)
If you or a band member mess up, pretend nobody messed up and keep rocking as if everything is going according to plan.
Most of it has been covered. I'll ditto the groove - roots and or root-five to the beat will be OK. IMO.
For the feel of the song sing along with the lead vocalist - under your breath will help with the feeling of where the song is going. Happy, sad, excited, etc.
Etiquette - help the older players in with their stuff will get you help should you need it. Should you need it, ask or lay out, till you find your place, i.e. don't mess up the groove.
Have fun, less is more when and if you get lost... Did I mention have fun?
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it feels "overwhelming" while you anticipate it, but when you're doin' it = it all becomes clear! you're gonna have a blast!break a leg!
Accept that there will be mistakes made. Just keep playing. Enjoy yourself and make sure the audience SEES that you are enjoying yourself. They will feed off your energy, and you, in turn, will feed off theirs. Creates an amazing feedback loop!
let the music flow through you to the audience.
before you know it, you'll be on the last song in the set list.
before you know it, you'll be on the last song in the set list.
Don’t take it personally when I yell, “Play Freebird”
That being said, much respect if you do play it.
That being said, much respect if you do play it.
Just like when you go to the dentist, don't worry about it, relax and and enjoy it, because it'll be over before you know it.
