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Having to use the restroom onstage

powderfinger

powderfinger

Feb 24, 2009
791
53
#1
I know this might sound like "humor" here, but Im honestly curious about this. Ive been gigging on and off since the 90s, and never once have I had to use the restroom (neither #1 nor #2) while onstage. I mean, sure I have taken a leak during break, but I never had to pee onstage so bad that I couldnt play... certainly never had to do the "other".

Have any of you ever had to use the restroom onstage so bad that you went in your pants, or had to leave stage?

I also wonder if pro touring bands that have been at it for 50 years (ie. The Stones, The Who, etc.) have ever had any issues like this. Odds would say if you play THAT many gigs, its bound to happen.

Again, not trying to be funny here, but Ive just always wondered, and I doubt theres ever been a thread about this.
 
#2
I've always been able to grit my teeth and hold it, but I've seen a few of my band mates dash off to the bathroom mid-set.

A drummer once told me about a surgical procedure he had that required him to be catheterized for a few days after he left the hospital. He had a gig that weekend, and joyfully recounted about how he was able to drink beer all night and never leave his stool once. Maybe that's how the old pros do it. Of course, there's always Depends.
 
#5
preside said:
I think we can tell now how Rock music is aging ;-)
Click to expand...
Notice that rock stars have been wearing leather pants on stage at least since the 1960s, so they could pee themselves without it being too visibly obvious. And back then, as weird as it sounds now, rock wasn't just for grey-haired guys from English-speaking countries.
 
#7
I was at a sold out jazz fest (35K people) featuring Al Jarreau, David Sandborn, George Duke, Joe Sample etc. Towards the end of Al's 2nd number, he cut the band off live! Waved them off! Suddenly the whole stage broke out in laughter. Al grabbed the mic and said "Sorry y'all. I ain't as young as I used to be. I gots to go pee!" Dropped the mic and walked off stage. George held a quick huddle and they started the next song.
 
#8
I have had a drummer go to the bathroom before, it called for an acoustic song. He was drunk... obviously.

I once saw Opeth and Michael Akerfeld didn't do an encore because he had to poop, when he came back on stage announcing the urge had passed by the time he walked off they came back and did the encore. I imagined he pinched a loaf once he was done but I cannot confirm that part of the story.
 
#11
Great replies, everyone.

Ive had a nervous stomach before shows. A pre show dump oftentimes does work. But when I can't seem to pinch one out, I usually will make a quick run to the convenience store and pick up some anti diareah medication (Imodium,Kapoptec, etc.). That stuff will usually plug you up quick, and for about 3 days afterwards.

Ive always thought though, that anytime a band goes into a random bass, drum, or guitar solo... its because someone in the band had to take a dump. In other words.... Eddie whispers to David Lee Roth, "I gotta take a dump, Dave"..... Dave Lee whispers back, "ok... one dump... cooooooooooming up!!!. Michael Anthony does his ridiculous bass solo. Alex and DLR get to rest for a few minutes. Eddie gets to pinch a loaf.
 
#12
Local band near me has a bunch of fake Marshall cabinets and a few 5 gallon buckets within them. On certain songs, they go behind the fake cabinets and relieve themselves. Disgusting cleanup later, but it works!

My guitar player disappeared from stage once to wiz. Of course it was the show I was NOT at. My band mates had no idea where he was.... :D
 
#14
Gearhead17 said:
Local band near me has a bunch of fake Marshall cabinets and a few 5 gallon buckets within them. On certain songs, they go behind the fake cabinets and relieve themselves. Disgusting cleanup later, but it works!

My guitar player disappeared from stage once to wiz. Of course it was the show I was NOT at. My band mates had no idea where he was.... :D
Click to expand...

Could they dump inside the fake Marshalls?
 
#18
An empty Gatorade bottle makes for a nice port a potty to take a leak in..back stage...out of site of course. Dont drink a lot...I bring Tic Tacs or something to keep my mouth moist...pre hydrate. Usually works out OK.

Diapers?? If ya cant wont dont and have to?? Ha!
 

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