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How early do you get to a gig?

#81
my take -

festival: 24 hours

sketchy venue: 2-4 hours (just me not the whole band)

standard venue: 1 hour


I can set up in less. In the 2000s we did a little tour with a band called The Raft, and that unit could set up in 30 minutes and tear your face off.
 
#82
Depends on the venue and what band playing with. If it's just a bar gig and I'm not running the sound typically an hour before. If I'm running the sound maybe a little earlier just to make sure everything is set up okay. If it's my tribute band sometimes they want to set up earlier like we will get there at four for a 730 show. There's a couple places we play where unfortunately we have to be set up earlier and then play later and those tend to be long days especially if they're out of town trips.

I would rather kill time after being set up then rush to get going and have something go wrong.
 
#84
With my band where I am cook, waiter, and bottle washer? Usually about three hours before downbeat minimum, but depends on logistics. We're self-contained and run a full range PA and light show for stage and dance floor. It's astounding how my regular members want to gig and be paid fairly but can't make it to load in, even on a Saturday night.

When I'm subbing for another band, I show up with enough time to set my rig and soundcheck before downbeat. That sort of evens things out a bit. Of course, I always stay and help until everything is packed and loaded out.
 
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#85
electracoyote said:
It's astounding how my regular members want to gig and be paid fairly but can't make it to load in, even on a Saturday night.
Click to expand...
Yep, amazing what happens when you start introducing a pay penalty on their fair share of schlepping and setup/pack up.

A previous guitarist in my band used to have this magical ability show up after the gear was loaded in. He would then setup his gear, then disappear saying he hadn't had dinner and had to go get something to eat, return with his feast and watch us (me) setup the entire show, while the drummer is slowly setting up his kit, and then practicing for ages.
The guitarist would then never want to do a sound check, then complain that we are running late to start the show.
Then at the start of the show, discover something is wrong with his setup and delay us more.
And then don't get me started on having to buy and lend him a $1000 guitar multi effects, and a new guitar because the cheap one he had, had a broken nut and couldn't be bothered fixing it, and then break a string and ask me (the bass player) if I had any spare strings.
Then at the end of the show had to have a dump, and reappeared as the last item was loaded up.
He is long gone now, but he never realised his pay used to be docked for his efforts.
 
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#86
electracoyote said:
. It's astounding how my regular members want to gig and be paid fairly but can't make it to load in, even on a Saturday night.
/QUOTE]
Click to expand...

I've never understood this. Friday was my first gig with this band. First thing I did when I got there was carry in the mains and monitors, and after I brought in my rig I was watching to learn their system. Soon as the gig was over, I loaded my amp, then started carring the PA cabs back to the van when they were unhooked. I've always assumed that's what you do, especially since they won't have help unloading the van when they get home.
 
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#89
buldog5151bass said:
I'm talking smaller clubs, where you have to set up your own PA (mains, 1 or 2 subs in some places).

I was in a band for about 5 years that had it down to a science. We'd get there an hour before a gig. The drummer would set up his kit while we moved everything in and set it up around him. About 15 minutes before gig time, we would do a quick sound check, and then grab some ice water for the gig on stage.

I've been playing with some other bands since then who insist on getting there at least two hours ahead of time. That seems to me earlier than necessary, and involves me doing more sitting around doing nothing, when I could be doing something important, like sitting home and going on TB.

So tell me, is that the norm, and I was just spoiled, or are they spending too much time setting up? Thanks.
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An hour, I also have PA and monitor setup, guitarist patches to board, we sound check, change into stage duds before down beat.
 
#90
Snaxster said:
Wow, Wesley, that's pretty specific. I mean, maybe the requirement was 8:00 plus a 3-minute grace period. But usually things are scheduled to the whole or half hour.

Anyway, what did the place do if those women weren't out there dancing by 8:03? Throw out the band?

;)
Click to expand...

Valid question that O do not know the answer too. Possibly shut it down and send everyone home.
 
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#92
Two hours has been the norm for us. Here in Central WI we always set up our own sound and lights. Can be done and checked within an hour, then we use the rest of the time to socialize with friends or just each other. Since we live in different towns it's our time to hang out.

Knocking on wood, it's been awhile since I've had to scramble to get something working. Probably due for a calamity of some kind.
 
#93
I like two hours, so I can have a relaxed load-in and PA/lights setup. Then I stand around and make smart-ass suggestions to the others. Honestly though, I'd rather have the extra time in case something goes wrong. We try hard to start right on time. We're all real good about loading in/out together and helping each other carry.
 
#96
I have my band members get there two hours ahead. (or that's what I tell them. If they all showed up promptly I could move it to an hour and a half) We set up our own sound and lights, risers. etc. We also have 6 people that need to change clothes. We usually have time to spare but I don't like to cut it too close. If we can do it in 55 minutes and allow an hour what happens if there is an accident causing traffic backup? or someone gets a flat? 1 1/2 to two is plenty for us but much less is cutting it too close for my comfort. That being said, when i was just showing up and setting up my stuff in another band I would get there 1/2 hour early, and usually have 25 minutes to spare.
 
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