Unprofessional

[grimjim]

this gets a little dicey so.....,

I did the most unprofessional thing I have ever done this weekend.

I had a really late show,1:30 AM. Had a couple adult beverages with a friend before going to practice and loading out. Got to the venue at 10:00 for scheduled load in. Sipped on a couple more drinks and next thing I know, without even feeling it coming, I was trashed. Bad.

I stumbled out to my truck and got the spins when I closed my eyes. So I kept them closed to make myself throw up.

The guys started texting me ten minutes before we were supposed to go on. I didn't think I was gonna make the show until then.

I made my way back inside, played the show and played pretty well according to patrons and the other bands.

I have never done this before, ever. I have tremors and actually need to mellow myself out a little or else the Adrenalin makes it worse. Usually this means one maybe two drinks or else I shake to the point of it impeding my playing.

I shouldn't have started at 6 for that late a show and it's bugging me. It all ended okay but hopefully I've learned a valuable lesson,

 

[bholder]

Let's be careful out there, folks...

 

[Stumbo]

Did you eat somewhere along the way?

Maybe there's an alternative to alcohol? Meditation, breathing, hypnosis?

 

[eJake]

Things happen, don't beat yourself up too much.... Learn from your mistakes.

 

[trailer]

Worse things have happened. The important thing is that you've owned it.

 

[dbase]

Been there in my early days .. I like your line "I played pretty well according to patrons and other bands" /// which means you don't remember playing at all .. maybe that's a good thing

 

[Jrussblues]

I don't think I know one gigging musician that hasn't screwed up and gotten hammered at a bar gig at least one time.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I'm just glad you weren't wearing shorts.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[redwingxix]

I'm betting you need to eat better if you're going to drink before hand. 4-6 drinks over several hours really isn't a lot (for a lot of us) unless it had been a while since you ate or it's possibly a symptom of some other health issue.

For me that's the worst thing about having a lot of time at the venue before playing.

 

[friskinator]

Also, please use good judgment when driving home. Shows come and go, but a DUI or accident can have lifelong consequences.

 

[ONYX]

"Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them."
--Bruce Lee

 

[Pilgrim]

Life is a learning experience. As part of the process, we make mistakes which teach us what never to do again. It's good that you've thought about it and recognize the mistake.

But to me, it sounds like a lot of drinks. Might be a good idea to consider what your typical booze intake is, and consider moderating in general, not just at gigs. I used to drink my share of beer in college, but for me, more than one beer per hour puts me in mode to hand the car keys to someone else. Don't think I'd do more than that before playing.

 

[DCGuy]

Experiences like yours have taught me to cut way back on gigs or anywhere I'm driving. I typically have one beer between the first and second set. Caffeine in the third set to keep my energy up. Please be careful with the driving. Good on you for being aware of these issues.

 

[leegreenman]

Are the tremors you described due to anxiety about playing, or due to withdrawal from alcohol?

 

[dloase]

Unprofessional? By a bass player? Never happens

 

[BassYerFaceoff]

I hear mushrooms will take the edge off...*smirks*

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

this gets a little dicey so.....,

I did the most unprofessional thing I have ever done this weekend.

I had a really late show,1:30 AM. Had a couple adult beverages with a friend before going to practice and loading out. Got to the venue at 10:00 for scheduled load in. Sipped on a couple more drinks and next thing I know, without even feeling it coming, I was trashed. Bad.

I stumbled out to my truck and got the spins when I closed my eyes. So I kept them closed to make myself throw up.

The guys started texting me ten minutes before we were supposed to go on. I didn't think I was gonna make the show until then.

I made my way back inside, played the show and played pretty well according to patrons and the other bands.

I have never done this before, ever. I have tremors and actually need to mellow myself out a little or else the Adrenalin makes it worse. Usually this means one maybe two drinks or else I shake to the point of it impeding my playing.

I shouldn't have started at 6 for that late a show and it's bugging me. It all ended okay but hopefully I've learned a valuable lesson,

Ha, at least you're not that guy, "Dude, I was on it!!! Ya'll sucked!! Couldnt hold a beat, the rhythm was all off, but I rocked!! I'm gonna get trashed before every show!! I played sooo much better! You guys really need to step your game up!"

You know...that guy

 

[saabfender]

I don't think I know one gigging musician that hasn't screwed up and gotten hammered at a bar gig at least one time.

Howdy! Allow me to introduce myself!

I learned in high school (!) that getting drunk and trying to play music in front of people doesn't work. "It's just beer." Yeah...

 

[jamro217]

Have you tried taking a nap before a gig? A friend of mine in a band years ago had terrible stage fright. He tried all sorts of things to combat it without success. He stayed awake one night prior to a gig and had to take a two hour nap shortly before the show. When he awoke he was relaxed, the nerves didn't have enough time to kick in, so he never had the chance to get anxious. By the time the third set rolled around, he was fine and sober. He made it part of his regimen from then on. It's safe, cheap and legal. All good. Hope this helps.

 

[JRA]

are you young?