How early do you get to a gig?

[Richland123]

2 to 3 hours

 

[Eilif]

I show up 30 min before the gig. It's just me, my 2 basses and an Amp
We always bring our own PA (usually playing in restaurants and bars), but it's only a 2-speaker mini unit and only used by the singer/acoustic-guitarist so he handles that.
Steel Player usually shows up 60 minutes before but he's got a bit more in the way of setup.

 

[donkeygrl]

The 4 of us get there 2 hours before start time -gives us time to set all our PA/gear up as well as time to eat together which we always do. Plus I need time to change and get my face on lol ...

 

[nixdad]

2+ hours for our band. 7 members, lots of moving pieces plus P.A. & lights.

 

[Tony In Philly]

Drummer: Three hours early to set up his kit, order dinner, and generally annoy the girls behind the bar.

Rest of the band: About an hour and fifteen minutes before showtime.

 

[jmhaslip]

Two hours, I provide P.A. and lights for my current band.

 

[mellowinman]

I have had cases where I got there 4-5 hours early. The least I could handle is 2-3 hours early. I had the stage set up, and had done sound check on mics, and my instruments. The rest of the band could just set up 1 hour early if they liked, and the drummer showed up when he did. If you are respectful of others' time, and show you are willing to work hard, a lot of times those others will be respectful of your OCD. I find a lot of players initially think I'm a lunatic, and then slowly warm to the idea of being prepared. It depends on what is important to you. I always did the PA in stereo; had acoustic guitars, keyboards, multiple bass rigs and everyone doing vocals/harmonies. I cared what the music sounded like out front, and I was a stickler for great sound/great performances.

Did I mention I am not currently in a band?

 

[zjanderson]

It’s always 3 hours for me. I handle most of the PA setup and lights. It’s more than I need, but I also like to have some time to hang and talk to people before the show starts.

 

[JohnMCA72]

I like to arrive as early as I can & set up as soon as the venue lets me. If I'm providing sound & lights, I can get set up in about 1:30-1:45 if there are no problems or distractions. I like to chill for awhile, maybe eat, after everything is set up, checked out, & ready to go. What I don't like is having to rush around & scramble.

 

[Russell L]

If it's just me and my stuff to deal with, 30-45 minutes is plenty. I can be ready within ten minutes, but don't wanna rush.