I might be opening for Victor Wooten

[Largedon]

I just found out that one of the bands I play in might be opening for Victor Wooten this Friday in St. Louis, and honestly, I'm kind of freaked out a little. I've played in bigger venues, but this would be the first time I've ever played in front of a very bass-centered audience.

Has anyone else been in this situation? I know Victor will be cool, everything I've seen or read shows him as a great guy. I just don't want to go up there and screw up in front of this kind of crowd.

I realize that there really is no question or true point to my post. I just needed to vent a little to some people who would understand. Guess I'll be hitting the practice room extra hard the next couple of days.

 

[Stickk]

I hate you. But seriously, just relax, Victor's a cool dude, I wouldn't worry about it. But if you get to meet Victor... this will be me>.

 

[funkybass4ever]

Time to show off all that woodshedding! Just do your best

 

[KeithPas]

Just relax and have fun and have a deep groove and you'll be fine.
BTW: I envy you!!

 

[Tenma4]

Represent the STL Largedon! Just do your thing like no one else is there.

 

[JonathanD]

It is going to be a wonderful time. You might get the most comments after the show for once! It is bass heaven!

 

[agreatheight]

A band I played in years ago opened for Mr Big. The best advice I can give is look at it like a normal show - Don't feel like you have to play more or less for the crowd; just do your thing!

Good luck!

 

[Largedon]

I am gonna approach it by just going up there and doing my thing. I'm not going to try to do more than is needed. After 20 years of gigging I've learned that lesson.

Its a good band and I trust in my ability to play. Kind of wish we had some original material worked up but the band has only done maybe 3 gigs and a radio show so far. This is probably the first time I've been a little nervous about a gig in a long time.

The funniest thing is that the rest of the band was wagering on what my reaction would be.

 

[Joel S.]

I just found out that one of the bands I play in might be opening for Victor Wooten this Friday in St. Louis.

Cool, where? I live near STL.

 

[Largedon]

He'll be at the Pageant in the Loop on Friday. Not sure of ticket prices.

 

[Jehos]

I think I'd rather do a pay-for-play gig doing acoustic folk jazz jams in a biker bar than open for Wooten.

Or in other words I applaud your attitude.

 

[Joel S.]

He'll be at the Pageant in the Loop on Friday. Not sure of ticket prices.

They're $22 advance, $25 at the door according to The Pageant's site. Cool, I might try to make it up and cheer you on.

Good luck!

 

[eddbassman]

That'll be a great gig!
I agree, you just gotta play how you would normally and don't try anything super extravagent to maybe try and impress Victor or anything stupid like that.
Have a good time!

 

[Pilgrim]

I am gonna approach it by just going up there and doing my thing. I'm not going to try to do more than is needed. After 20 years of gigging I've learned that lesson.

You got it. Just do what YOU do, and do it well. Every bass player appreciates another player who does his part well.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Largedon, I may come check you out! Don't sweat Victor Wooten. The bassheads will be coming there to see him, not you! Just do your thing, and do it well, and I guarrantee that you will be fine!

 

[Moogeddy]

Your really lucky to be seeing him play and even luckier to open for him.

Good luck Largedon. Have fun and just play like normal!

 

[slackdaddy]

Congratulations! I am sure you will have a great time. Victor has been very nice every time I have spoken to him.

 

[MEKer]

Should be great for you. What sort of material will you be playing?

 

[Largedon]

Should be great for you. What sort of material will you be playing?

We haven't gotten the final OK to open, apparently all the opening bands get approved by Victor so hopefully he'll like it, but it sounded like a fairly done deal (as done as anything gets in the music business) I should know something today.

This band does more of the soul/funk type stuff. Along the lines of Soulive, RH Factor, Groove Collective. I'm hoping to add some more 70s type stuff like Eddie Henderson and originals.

We've just been focusing on getting 3-4 hours of covers together first so we can start gigging.

 

[DennyOnBass]

I had the same opportunity once, which ultimately and unfortunately fell through. As one of my friends told me, "You aren't going to play the guy off the stage. Nobody is going to expect you to play the guy off the stage. If you try, you're just going to look like an idiot. Do your thing and people are either going to dig it or they aren't."

Either way, you're the guy on the stage and the rest of the bass players in the house (other than Vic) are in the audience, so you automatically win.