Time for a stool!

[stratovani]

I played a four-hour gig last night, and by the end of the night my legs were killing me. Add to this the load-out where I'm not only loading my gear but also helping my other bandmates as well. I think it's time for a stool to sit on when we play long gigs. These four-hour long gigs are hard on an old man!

 

[McG]

I've used a stool a few times when my wonky old back asked for one.

Jack Bruce uses one sometimes too so I guess it ok.

 

[Stumbo]

I played a four-hour gig last night, and by the end of the night my legs were killing me. Add to this the load-out where I'm not only loading my gear but also helping my other bandmates as well. I think it's time for a stool to sit on when we play long gigs. These four-hour long gigs are hard on an old man!

Black(don't look like you're going to the gym) trail-runner shoes with gel inserts, Pressure socks and a padded mat(think kitchen) will really help your legs and feet.

Trail runners provide more support and protect the soles of your feet better.

Also, a warm water/ Epsom salt soak does some feet good at the end of a long night.

Keep on keepin' on, bro.

 

[JRA]

Time for a stool!
when you gotta go --- you gotta go!

seriously: even when i was younger i'd sit while playing at times (reading gigs, mostly). these days: i use a stool most of the time, at least part of the time...maybe i stand for important parts/solos/leading. i don't apologize to anyone about it and no one gives me any grief. my assumption is that if i can still kick some a$$ playing = that counts more than anything else. looks are for kids.

most venues i play have taller, padded, bar-stool types, but i always bring my own just in case: either my adjustable-height drum throne or a collapsible piece i got from one of the discount stores.

bottom line: you don't give up music just because you need to sit while playing. also: if a drummer gets to sit = so do i!

 

[Stumbo]

...if a drummer gets to sit = so do i!

Most keys too.

 

[oldrocker]

I've used a stool a few times when my wonky old back asked for one.

Jack Bruce uses one sometimes too so I guess it ok.

View attachment 3735354

Jack used this stool during the Cream reunion shows at Royal Albert Hall while still recovering from his liver transplant.

By the time of the reunion shows the next year at MSG in NYC he had lost the Stool.

 

[btmpancake]

This is the one I use, but Amazon has these cheaper. Super well built and heavy weigh-heavy duty and really worth the money if you buy a throne.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

Oh. That kind of stool. I was all prepared with an elk scat story, but never mind.

 

[2cooltoolz]

Well, I'm 66 and was gigging pretty regularly until December. I've been carrying a folding stool to leave behind my amp for a couple years. It usually comes out around the 3rd set.

I'm on temporary hiatus now, awaiting back surgery. (It was scheduled for March 3rd, but was postponed due to low platelet count )

 

[Wasnex]

I played a four-hour gig last night, and by the end of the night my legs were killing me. Add to this the load-out where I'm not only loading my gear but also helping my other bandmates as well. I think it's time for a stool to sit on when we play long gigs. These four-hour long gigs are hard on an old man!

If it's okay with your bandmates, it's okay with me .

You might also consider getting some comfy shoes and exploring physical therapy to strengthen you core. I have a nagging injury and finally went to a physical therapist after about 10 months. I don't know if I will ever get back to 100%, but my hips and lower back are feeling much better. The home work outs are tedious IMHO, but they can make a pretty significant quality of life improvement in a short period of time. Not exercising is probably the worst thing you can do.

 

[JZQuantum]

Roc n Soc drum throne with back support anyone?

 

[Pilgrim]

I carry a folding stool to every gig. If I don't use it during the gig (and I may) I darn sure do whenever we take a break.

My feet have given me trouble for 20+ years. I also carry a rubber 3x3 foot-saving work mat with me, and I stand on it throughout every gig. It does really help.

If I had to stand on concrete for 3 hours with no padding and no time to sit down, I'd probably be crying by the end of the evening. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. And I'm already wearing New Balance trail runners with orthotics.

 

[roccobass]

I played a four-hour gig last night, and by the end of the night my legs were killing me. Add to this the load-out where I'm not only loading my gear but also helping my other bandmates as well. I think it's time for a stool to sit on when we play long gigs. These four-hour long gigs are hard on an old man!

Stools and comfy shoes are great ideas. You might try one of those nice thick rubber mats. The kind you see security guards or anyone else who has to stand in place for a considerable period of time. I have one. I’m not promoting this brand, just using them as an example.
Anti-Fatigue Mats, Standing Mats, Ergo Mats in Stock - Uline

 

[Thumpin6string]

Here you go. One stool coming up.

 

[2playbass]

I had a congenital defect in my lumbar spine for years that I didn't know I had until I could barely walk. I stopped playing in electric bands that wanted me to stand all night because I just couldn't. I joined an acoustic band where we ALL sit to play. What a relief that was.

I have since had back surgery (spinal fusion), and I can now stand for longer periods. I still take a stool to all my "stand up" gigs. If I'm not singing or playing any prominent bass lines, I sit. Nobody cares. I'm not in my twenties anymore. I'm in my fifties, and will take the opportunity to be comfortable if I can.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi Grant,

I've used a stool a few times when my wonky old back asked for one.

Jack Bruce uses one sometimes too so I guess it ok.

View attachment 3735354

That's actually a great stool for the stage. It's high with a saddle seat, easy on and off, and you're not really sitting down. I just might see if I can find something like that on Amazon.

Of course, sometimes a rug works pretty well too.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

I've used a stool a few times when my wonky old back asked for one.

Jack Bruce uses one sometimes too so I guess it ok.

View attachment 3735354

Jack started using one AFTER his liver transplant I believe.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I played a four-hour gig last night, and by the end of the night my legs were killing me. Add to this the load-out where I'm not only loading my gear but also helping my other bandmates as well. I think it's time for a stool to sit on when we play long gigs. These four-hour long gigs are hard on an old man!

Look into “anti fatigue standing mats” we use them in the operating room at work because were on our feet all day. They help a lot. Good shoes make a big difference also.

 

[Jhengsman]

When the acoustic guitars come out the stool is part of my acoustic simulator

 

[TheReceder]

I bought one of these on sale at walmart for under 10 bucks... ( I think they're under 15 usually.) They fold... can carry them with a bunch of other stuff and aren't so comfortable that I feel the need to plant my butt for too long, but if I need a verse or two to take a load off... it works fine.