I see lots of posts from obviously young/inexperienced guys about the frustrations they have with bookings, clients, club owners, audience members, etc. The bickering goes back and forth and everyone seems to be missing the point. It isn't about who is right or how well you played. There are elements to doing a successful gig that are beyond the obvious, yet you need to learn them and master them.
I put it in a simple list. This took decades to compile. You can argue all you want. But they are the truth. You'll find that out sooner or later.
#1: Take criticism seriously.
If somebody thinks you suck, they may not be right -- but they have their reasons. Try to figure out what that is and rectify it. Hint: They aren't jealous.
#2: Don't make excuses
So many problems can be avoided with simple professionalism. Being on time, talking to the owners. Acting personable. Don't do those things and you're halfway toward having a problem.
#3: Don't assume the audience doesn't know what's good.
They know what they like. They may not be able to articulate it but they know.
#4: Learn to read a crowd
Too many band launch into what they do and don't understand why they aren't connecting with the audience. You have to find the tone that clicks and follow that lead.
#5: Have a variety of styles
It's always good to be able to shift gears. If you do classic rock, have a few pop songs or folk songs or oldies in there. Sometimes that can save a gig. You may not want to play rooms like that all the time but at least you'll get paid.
#6: Keep the sets moving
Songs should have a s little time in-between as possible unless you're talking to the audience. Discussion among the band in-between songs looks terrible and way too many bands do it way too often.
#7: Play the room
If it's a big room, have the proper equipment to cut it. If it's a small room, be prepared to make adjustments in your volume.
#8: The Singer is the Focal Point
Without a good singer, and preferably one who is charismatic and/or good looking, you'll forever wonder why your band isn't liked as much as you think they deserve to be.
#9: Connect with the audience
They're your greatest ally, yet too many bands treat them like the enemy. Don't argue with idiots. If someone says YOU SUCK! Say..."you're probably right. And for our next song..." You'll negate their attack better than defending yourself.
#10: Remember -- You're working
Never forget you're being paid to provide a service. Do your job. Do what you're told. Don't get s***faced. Don't wander off in between sets and get lost. Make friends with the other employees. Having the right attitude goes a long way and a bad one gets around faster than you might realize.
Follow these commandments and save yourself a ton of trouble. Trust me.
I put it in a simple list. This took decades to compile. You can argue all you want. But they are the truth. You'll find that out sooner or later.
#1: Take criticism seriously.
If somebody thinks you suck, they may not be right -- but they have their reasons. Try to figure out what that is and rectify it. Hint: They aren't jealous.
#2: Don't make excuses
So many problems can be avoided with simple professionalism. Being on time, talking to the owners. Acting personable. Don't do those things and you're halfway toward having a problem.
#3: Don't assume the audience doesn't know what's good.
They know what they like. They may not be able to articulate it but they know.
#4: Learn to read a crowd
Too many band launch into what they do and don't understand why they aren't connecting with the audience. You have to find the tone that clicks and follow that lead.
#5: Have a variety of styles
It's always good to be able to shift gears. If you do classic rock, have a few pop songs or folk songs or oldies in there. Sometimes that can save a gig. You may not want to play rooms like that all the time but at least you'll get paid.
#6: Keep the sets moving
Songs should have a s little time in-between as possible unless you're talking to the audience. Discussion among the band in-between songs looks terrible and way too many bands do it way too often.
#7: Play the room
If it's a big room, have the proper equipment to cut it. If it's a small room, be prepared to make adjustments in your volume.
#8: The Singer is the Focal Point
Without a good singer, and preferably one who is charismatic and/or good looking, you'll forever wonder why your band isn't liked as much as you think they deserve to be.
#9: Connect with the audience
They're your greatest ally, yet too many bands treat them like the enemy. Don't argue with idiots. If someone says YOU SUCK! Say..."you're probably right. And for our next song..." You'll negate their attack better than defending yourself.
#10: Remember -- You're working
Never forget you're being paid to provide a service. Do your job. Do what you're told. Don't get s***faced. Don't wander off in between sets and get lost. Make friends with the other employees. Having the right attitude goes a long way and a bad one gets around faster than you might realize.
Follow these commandments and save yourself a ton of trouble. Trust me.
Last edited:
