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New band. First real gig... ever...

#21
JoeDaddio said:
thanks for the support and advice, guys. I appreciate it.

Just seems a little odd me coming at this so late in life. Remember to breathe, and keep moving forward. I think I can pull those things off!

Hopefully tonight we'll start playing the set list. I know I'm going to push for it, and push for the more simple songs. I have no idea how long the set is going to be, but I would assume it's going to be with multiple bands because we don't have enough material to play a full night.


Joe
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I was in my mid 30's when I got into my first gigging band, so it's never too late. Be as prepared as you can be, carry yourself in a professional manner. If it's a multi band gig find out if you're sharing equipment or if there is a house PA. Plan on setting up quickly so know your basic amp settings and have them set beforehand so all you need to do is make adjustments for the room. make sure you and your guitarist(s) are tuned up before you go on. As others have mentioned, stay hydrated with non alcoholic beverages, use the bathroom right before going on, relax and have fun. You will make mistakes, most likely only you and maybe your band mates will notice.

Good luck
 
#22
I was petrified at my first gig and there were only about 9 people there including the band and bartenders. I looked at my bass the whole time and if I made a mistake I played it twice so people would think it was intentional (I still do this). That was ~400 gigs ago. I stopped being nervous around number 50. Just know your stuff and if you or someone else makes a mistake just keep on truckin'. The audience rarely knows or cares if you mess up. They want to have fun, not analyze your playing.

Don't drink. You'll play better.
 
#24
1.) Heavy amounts of alcohol.
2.) Massive quantites of narcotics..preferably opiates
3.) Be as un-prepared and care-free as possible..just play what you feel. Chords, notes, etc mean nothing.
4.) Stage dive. I don't care if there is 11 people there. Stage dive.
5.) Smash your bass after the final song. Start lighting random, flammable objects on fire.

Give us a full report.
 
#25
HeadyVan Halen said:
1.) Heavy amounts of alcohol.
2.) Massive quantites of narcotics..preferably opiates
3.) Be as un-prepared and care-free as possible..just play what you feel. Chords, notes, etc mean nothing.
4.) Stage dive. I don't care if there is 11 people there. Stage dive.
5.) Smash your bass after the final song. Start lighting random, flammable objects on fire.

Give us a full report.
Click to expand...


Charlie-Sheen-Winning-Poster.jpg



joe
 
#26
I remember my first show with a band I used to play in, I got a call at about 5pm at work, asking if I can play a gig that night. I'd only been to two practices, but one of them was an audition and I didn't actually know any of the songs, just a riff here or there.
Thankfully the sound guy had been mixing the bass out all night, so I just jumped around and had fun.
 
#28
tom once dead said:
I remember my first show with a band I used to play in, I got a call at about 5pm at work, asking if I can play a gig that night. I'd only been to two practices, but one of them was an audition and I didn't actually know any of the songs, just a riff here or there.
Thankfully the sound guy had been mixing the bass out all night, so I just jumped around and had fun.
Click to expand...


The good news: we just picked up a rhythm guitar player who has been playing for ages and who knows his stuff.

I never really understood the dynamics of how a rhythm guitar fit in to a band (never played with one before) but I have to say: in our last practice his presence made my mistakes much less noticeable and I felt like it actually opened me up to run around a little bit more.

Whereas before I was "meh" about them, now I am all about having one :D


joe
 
#29
JoeDaddio said:
The good news: we just picked up a rhythm guitar player who has been playing for ages and who knows his stuff.

I never really understood the dynamics of how a rhythm guitar fit in to a band (never played with one before) but I have to say: in our last practice his presence made my mistakes much less noticeable and I felt like it actually opened me up to run around a little bit more.

Whereas before I was "meh" about them, now I am all about having one :D


Joe
Click to expand...

A good rhythm guitarist is a blessing. He provides a cohesive background when the lead instruments are soloing and he makes your job easier as he helps anchor the rhythm section. My gage for guitarists is how well they play rhythm. There are lots of good soloists, much fewer good rhythm players.
 
#32
guy n. cognito said:
I'm never nervous before a gig. Something must be wrong.

Still on that 45 year thing, huh? ;)
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if it's exactly 45

I'm 59, my first gig was in 1966, my 6th grade talent show and my next gig is this Friday. I never stopped, in college I played in jazz and stage band for 4 years. Never stopped during my 2 failed mariges.

I think it's been 46 years.
 
#35
#36
My best advice is to take ownership of the stage. Its your stage, Ýou are the entertainment. Don't be the victim of the audience and become intimidated. If you mess up, play it off and act like its no big deal. There is nothing worse than a band that watches their feet and shells up when someone makes an error. Also bring a backup bass/guitar/snare etc, whatever your instrument is.
 
#37
guy n. cognito said:
I know we've covered this before, and I don't want to belabor the point, but:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f67/my-return-stage-after-30-years-563168/

There's just no reason to lie about it.
Click to expand...

No reason you KNOW OF! The statute of limitations is VERY LONG for some things, and you never know who needs an alibi! It's always the ones you least expect.

To the OP: Relax, relax, relax. Preparation is your best friend. Bring 1 extra speaker cable, 2 extra instrument cables, a fresh change of batteries, your own extension cord, a screwdriver, some duct tape, a second bass, 2 spare shirts (one in case you get gross and sweaty, and one just in case), and a spare amp if you can manage it.
 
#38
guy n. cognito said:
I know we've covered this before, and I don't want to belabor the point, but:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f67/my-return-stage-after-30-years-563168/

There's just no reason to lie about it.
Click to expand...

Guy, the 30 year return to the stage was for dramatic effect. I think it was because it was a band that was doing a lot more work than previous Milwaukee based bands I played in.

I understand your concern, but I'm not budging from the 46 years.

If you consider me a liar, I'm fine with that.

Blue
 
#40
guy n. cognito said:
I know we've covered this before, and I don't want to belabor the point, but:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f67/my-return-stage-after-30-years-563168/

There's just no reason to lie about it.
Click to expand...

I love Mo'Phat's comment.

To the OP, bring spares of absolutely everything, even not pertaining to your instrument, be very very nice to the soundguy, don't lose the groove to find a note, and, most important, if you're playing with energy and having fun, neither you nor the audience will care if you screw up.
 

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