Whaddaya do when the gig is going really great?

I agree completely with that.

Worst NYE gig I ever did was one where the BL was asked repeatedly to go with higher energy music early in the gig. He refused, saying, “I don’t want to burn the crowd out too early.”

After the ball dropped, everyone left. We were told to stop playing and GTFO.

Lesson learned.

 

That. Right there. Especially in the wedding scenario versus a bar gig. Keep 'em happy and dancing.

 

Never let them off the dance floor. Don't stop to change guitars, don't stop to talk to the crowd. Just keep the energy and songs going. If they get burnt out, you still had a good night.

 

Keep it going! A couple of months ago we were playing a gig, we got to our last song - Ain't No Stopping Us Now - the crowd were up and dancing, they made us play it for about 15 minutes straight. Isn't that why we play bass?

 

yup, as long as it isn't Billie Jean (sound of hand falling off at the wrist)

 

...back in the day, we doubled up on "Billie Jean" & "Into The Groove".
About 7 minutes each.

 

Without doubt! Flap their pantlegs & make booties shake!

 

Ride the wave, my friend, ride the wave.....

 

I used to do some corporate band work. The service was usually jazz trio followed by a short break; then dance music. On occasion we played through the break straight into the dance set and got into the same dilemma. Sometimes we would wind up playing for 2 1/2 hours non-stop.

I totally get the idea of keeping the momentum going, but some consideration for the toll this takes on the human body is in order as well. After such a long set my elbow and fingers would go numb on my plucking side. At first I could play for about 90 minutes without a problems, but it steadily got worse, so the damage was apparently cumulative. I was in my late 30s at the time and my band sometimes played four or more 45 minute sets in day and I never had any problems.

 

Love it when that happens!

 

I tend to keep it at right around 90 minutes in situations like that before I have to take a break. My bladder demands it. But I do know bands that make their bread and butter by doing 3 hour gigs with no break and their crowds do like it.

 

Keep the music and energy going. Catheters and leg bags if necessary.

 

Keep going. Breaks have killed a number of gigs in my experiences.

 

In my last bar band we only did 2 sets. The first set was the normal length and the second set runs until the end of the gig. It was kind of tough to do but that really worked for that particular crowd.

 

It depends on the gig. I would prefer to keep playing but some venues require that bands take a break.

 

My secret weapon for long gigs is my Danelectro DC Bass.