My first gig

[rob_appo]

I've got my first gig in a few weeks and I was wanting to ask the community at large if they had any tips, or any warnings on any traps that bands which are just starting out fall into (other than guitarists thinkin they are gods gift to music and oing a five min solo on there first gig ofcourse). It is not the band I am playing withs first gig however, but it is mine as I joined after they removed there previous bassist for not turning up to a gig (I think turning up sounds like a good start ).

 

[Mesa XI]

Only advice I have is don't take it too seriously. Too many people treat every gig like the most important gig of their lives and they forget to have fun

 

[canamrotax]

If you feel this band is important to you then show it. Personally, I refuse to drink any alcohol before a performance. I have seen too many musicians get drunk "to calm nerves" and end up useless on stage.
They kicked that last member out for not showing up, right? So go the extra mile, bring extra supplies, patch cords, tools, money, water, etc. Be irreplaceable!
I agree, remember to have fun, and be prepared for ANYTHING!
If you can bring extra instruments, always do so. There is no time to restring between songs...

 

[skysos]

A) Sound checks are usually pretty random, so remember your levels from practice and adjust (usually up) in proportion to what the guitarist is doing. It's easy to go too loud.
B) Have fun and move around. Stage presence is a big part of "The Show".
C) Don't add stuff you haven't practiced with the other band members unless you are all experience musicians.
D) Show up early so you don't have to rush.
E) Don't mess around with your equipment between songs unless something is really messed up. Delaying the show is not cool.

 

[rust_preacher]

A) Sound checks are usually pretty random, so remember your levels from practice and adjust (usually up) in proportion to what the guitarist is doing. It's easy to go too loud. Leave room for adjustment, volume-wise, up and down.
B) Have fun and move around. Stage presence is a big part of "The Show". Watch out for your cord while doing that.
C) Don't add stuff you haven't practiced with the other band members unless you are all experience musicians. ...or bring a cheat sheet.
D) Show up early so you don't have to rush. Show up FIRST!
E) Don't mess around with your equipment between songs unless something is really messed up. Delaying the show is not cool. Tune up at soundcheck and before you go on stage as well. Temperature changes mess up tuning.

And as it was said, relax and have fun! remember that YOU are the one who practiced those songs and can play them better than anyone in the audience.

 

[Marginal Tom]

Play through your mistakes. preferably with out making a face. Remember that most of the audience and even some of your bandmates won't notice you've made a mistake.

Playing the wrong note at the right time is better than speeding up (easy to do when you're nervous) or slowing down.

Show up early with all of your gear and all the backups you can manage. Use a checklist when you pack your gear.

 

[centrefold]

I agree with lots of the points and will restate from exp which I think were most useful.

1 - have fun. your going to be stressed yes, but pretend your practices are the show.

2 - if you mess up dont make a face or do anything that would show you screwed up, 90% of the time no one knows but you.

3 - dont over drink to compensate for nerves. I dont drink until i get onstage to be fresh. drinking ruins that.

4 - eat healthy as part of a balanced diet (not relating to your first show, I'm just saying in general its a smart idea )

 

[jay tay]

Play through your mistakes. preferably with out making a face. Remember that most of the audience and even some of your bandmates won't notice you've made a mistake.

Playing the wrong note at the right time is better than speeding up (easy to do when you're nervous) or slowing down.

Show up early with all of your gear and all the backups you can manage. Use a checklist when you pack your gear.

use the same check list when you pack your gear back up at the end of the gig... The adrenalin will be pumping, and its easy to forget about that pedal, or tuner.

Basic gear, my gig bag consists of a simple tool kit (string winder, strings, screw drivers, pliers, Hex Keys, wire cutters, and for tours a soldering station, and a set of components) a Towel, some blue tack(for charts, sheets, and even picks) guitar polish and a cloth, a tuner, a flash light (looking for that patch lead that fell behind the amp, in a dark staging area is no fun) and I put reflective tape on all my stuff, so I can find it quickly in the dark. also take spears of any gear you need, leads, patch leads, batteries, straps, and a spare bass if you have one.

ohh and bring extra batteries... you may not need them, but some one will!

 

[bassthumpersf]

Lock in with the kick drum.

 

[autodidact]

Stag presence is always a plus but unless you're comfortable with the song don't get too flashy, solid playing is more valuable than a sloppy showman.

Also if you do feel comfortable enough to move around, don't force it just let the music flow through you. People can tell if you're faking it ;D