Double Bass No drinking while performing. Anyone else do this?

[HateyMcAmp]

My New Year’s resolution is to keep it just a beer after we play, if at all. In recent years I’ve been doing gig at theater and bigger clubs. We always need to get there hours before doors for soundcheck (several hours if I’m playing with the headliner) and there’s always a case of beer in the green room fridge. I never get drunk, but I can’t help but feel like having a beer or two before the show slows me down in a way that is at least perceptible to me. I’d rather be absolutely clear than even slightly fuzzy.

When I was in my 20s and playing 5-10 bar/brunch/casual gigs a week (and took the subway home) I could get a little bored and drinking would help. It’s a little embarrassing in retrospect. At this stage in my life music is way more interesting than pabst blue ribbon. I have become considerably more grateful for and aware of the privilege of having the opportunities I have in the past few years, and I want to be my best. Best of luck to everyone in 2022 and reach out for some help and guidance if you’re struggling, and if anyone needs someone to listen I’m always here for another bassist

 

[Samatza]

Being in an environment where alcohol is easily available it’s easy to overdo it.

I don’t drink any more, I’ve seen a lot of friends in bands that were completely damaged by overdoing it with alcohol. We had one guy who fell off the stage and had to go to hospital because he liked to drink as soon as we arrived at the venue.

I drink lots of water, I found I get dehydrated under those lights so I keep bottles of water next to me at all times.

I suppose one or two drinks is ok if your body can handle it.

 

[kerrycares]

I don’t drink on a gig just like I don’t drink on my other jobs.

I treat every event where I’m hired to do work as professionally as possible.

When I started playing out professionally I was coached by an older musician who taught me:
Be prompt
Be professional
Be paid
Be gone

 

[El Thumpo]

What about church services where they serve wine for communion?

Sorry, I’m a child of new age pagan/hippie parents. Didn’t set foot inside a church until my 40s, and even then only for the occasional wedding/baptism. Still don’t understand what all that hoopla is about, but I do like Gospel music.

 

[5StringBlues]

I figured out pretty quick that I couldn't drink and play because my hands would feel all swolt.




Up.

 

[Groove Doctor]

I recommend a flask for those gigs

After the service share a drink with Pastor Flagon.

Still don’t understand what all that hoopla is about, but I do like Gospel music.

Came for the free wine, stayed for the gospel music.

 

[zontar]

I do play at church--and we have communion--which involves a small bit of wine.
So I guess I play post communion after drinking a shot of wine.

But other than that--no.
I don't like playing when drinking.

 

[CalgAaron]

Depends on the gig. If it’s a 3 set kinda night at a bar with the cover band or blues trio, I’ll have max 2 gin and sodas (looks like water). Than it’s coffee and water for the rest of the night. Granted the cover band has played some drunk sloppy shows. It’s hard when the father off the bride keeps sending rounds to the stage. I’d sometimes drink the singers drinks so she could do her thing haha. Singer songwriter or country gigs not until after. Orchestra gigs, not until I’m home and done schlepping the upright bass around

 

[s van order]

Depends on the gig. If it’s a 3 set kinda night at a bar with the cover band or blues trio, I’ll have max 2 gin and sodas (looks like water). Than it’s coffee and water for the rest of the night. Granted the cover band has played some drunk sloppy shows. It’s hard when the father off the bride keeps sending rounds to the stage. I’d sometimes drink the singers drinks so she could do her thing haha. Singer songwriter or country gigs not until after. Orchestra gigs, not until I’m home and done schlepping the upright bass around

CalgAaron gave a concise spectrum of music genres and drinking, lol. Following on his comments, one way to break a drinking habit is to switch to playing classical, too many body parts moving, the eyes reading and watching the leader, the fine motor skills with the bow, you can’t handle using booze. Plus, you get home early. Downside is in the cold months too many gigs are on Saturday or Sunday afternoon and interfere with football and hoops watching.

 

[iAsh]

Depends on the other musicians. If they don’t drink, I don’t drink.
If they’re hard cases I match ‘em shot for shot.
I just want get along with everyone.

 

[Earl]

For around 25 years I HAD to drink in order to play (get out of my head/loosen up/feel confident etc.). For the last 2 1/2 years I have been learning how to play (and live) without it. VERY difficult in the beginning, now getting better. Conscious breathing, meditation, clean diet, daily walking and basically not giving a shag anymore about what anyone thinks of my playing.

 

[zontar]

Depends on the other musicians. If they don’t drink, I don’t drink.
If they’re hard cases I match ‘em shot for shot.
I just want get along with everyone.

I can get along with people if they drink & i don't--as long as they aren't acting like idiots.
I've done it in many cases.

 

[Kijuer]

ROFLMAO. No. But I know when enough is enough.