Tips for first time performers

smitty_p said:
For us, usually at the rehearsal immediately prior to a gig, we’ll focus on making it like the gig as much as possible. The band leader may not rehearse each word she’s going to say for banter, but she‘s kind of developed an “outline”, if you will, of the kinds of things she’ll say.

But, she’s also good at reading the crowd and doing things very impromptu to perpetuate the energy.
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You "get it."
 
smitty_p said:
For us, usually at the rehearsal immediately prior to a gig, we’ll focus on making it like the gig as much as possible. The band leader may not rehearse each word she’s going to say for banter, but she‘s kind of developed an “outline”, if you will, of the kinds of things she’ll say.

But, she’s also good at reading the crowd and doing things very impromptu to perpetuate the energy.
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We are quite loose. We waste too much time between songs sometimes but otherwise just go with the flow.
 
As I age I find I need comfortable shoes to stand and play. I have a pair of very comfortable low top sneakers I only use for gigs. Likewise I need a comfortable strap. I have a really well padded Well-Hung strap. I wear different clothes based on the gig. At our last rehearsal before the gig we run through the proposed set list and I use and wear the exact gear I will use and wear at the gig. If I’m comfortable and confident that I’m not going to be surprised by my gear or clothes it goes a long way to steadying the nerves. Oh yeah. Have a backup for everything and test playing with the backup gear. I usually do that at the second last practice. During the sound check use your gear and your backup gear.
 
If you can get through the first song, you will be fine.
Whatever song you know the best, open with that one.

The audience feeds off of your energy, if you are all stoic and staring at the floor, they may copy that.
If you are happy and enjoying whatever it is that you do, they will feed off that and enjoy the show too.
Most of us would rather see a band having a blast and messing up than a band that nails every song and looks like they don't enjoy playing. My opinion.

Don't focus on messing up, you'll stress yourself into doing just that. Start daydreaming about how great you guys will do. Positive mindset.

A spare guitar and amp is always a good idea.
(I generally even pack an entire spare pedalboard)

Try to be the band that YOU would like to go see, sometimes that means creating a stage ego and becoming that person.

Bottom line is, you go have fun and do whatever it is that you do, enjoy the moment.

I usually have to work hard at slowing my drummer down, as he gets nervous, he plays faster and faster..... If I can keep him in line, the show will go smoothly. Give each other support.

Everyone has their own ideas about what a show should look and feel like.... And they are all way off base ha ha ha ha ha each show is different based on the crowd, the venue, the front of house guy, and if there are any hot chicks to stare at.... Ha ha ha

Congrats on getting up on the stage!

Remember that stage is YOURS! WHEN YOU ARE ON THE STAGE, YOU OWN THAT MUTHA!!
 
Kerry Brown said:
As I age I find I need comfortable shoes to stand and play. I
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Man for sure! I started taking 2 different pairs for stage plus a third for load in. I move around lots and got horrid blisters last year from the same pair of shoes. Kaka.
Headache said:
Most of us would rather see a band having a blast and messing up than a band that nails every song and looks like they don't enjoy playing. My opinion
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That is it right there. If it becomes too pre arranged it is like robotic IMO.
What's the venue? What's the crowd and event? Can I swear? Maybe not? Etc That's the stuff that is improvised.
 
One other mental tidbit….

This one is really hard for me as I am quite self-deprecating when it comes to this stuff, but don’t think about your mistakes.

You WILL make mistakes!

Usually by the end of an evening, I’ve compiled a mental list of every mistake I’ve made, no matter how minor.

On the one hand this is good as it will help you focus on things you need to improve after the gig. During the gig, however, you need to put them out of your mind as much as possible. Fix what you can during the gig, but move on when you can’t. It will sap your energy if you don’t and cause you to make more mistakes.

Again, I admit that this is way easier said than done, but it’s important to learn.
 
gball said:
This is the most salient piece of advice so far.

But really, the first time is less scary than the first time you get in a girls pants for real, so just have fun with it. At least you actually got to practice for this first time. And no, wanking alone in your room is not practice for either scenario.
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@gball, for the wanking part, as a wee 2nd grader, would having Ms. Miller as your teacher in the early 70's count? This is when tight hot pants, curve accentuating tops, and those "boots that were made for walkin" were in. Rumor has it that none of the fathers missed a parent/teacher conference when their kids had Ms Miller for 2nd grade.
 
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smitty_p said:
One other mental tidbit….

This one is really hard for me as I am quite self-deprecating when it comes to this stuff, but don’t think about your mistakes.

You WILL make mistakes!

Usually by the end of an evening, I’ve compiled a mental list of every mistake I’ve made, no matter how minor.

On the one hand this is good as it will help you focus on things you need to improve after the gig. During the gig, however, you need to put them out of your mind as much as possible. Fix what you can during the gig, but move on when you can’t. It will sap your energy if you don’t and cause you to make more mistakes.

Again, I admit that this is way easier said than done, but it’s important to learn.
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Yep don't make a big deal of them as they happen.
Here is an excellent example.
One Randy Rhoads at around 1:50 in. An obvious flat chord. He plays through, but smiles looks at drummer amd grins. On tv yet. Obviously didn't lose any sleep over it.

 
SG John said:
I was going to post something but realized it might get me in trouble.

I lived in biker bars for years. Granted, I rode a ‘59 Pan to them. Behave until they get to know you. The debauchery will inevitably start at some point after.
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Oh BOY. Debauchery,

I wonder if Biker gangs have gotten with the times and become more PC these days. Especially in SOCAL, SF, Pacific NorthWest yadda yadda,
 
chilipeppermaniac said:
Oh BOY. Debauchery,

I wonder if Biker gangs have gotten with the times and become more PC these days. Especially in SOCAL, SF, Pacific NorthWest yadda yadda,
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Couldn’t tell you. My bike has been on a lift in the garage needing some transmission and brake work for twelve years. My wife is determined to keep me from riding that, or racing one of the KRs in pieces in the cellar. As soon as all the lumber and other crap that is leaning against the lift and bike for the current kitchen and house mods are done, she’ll bury it with something else.
 
SG John said:
Couldn’t tell you. My bike has been on a lift in the garage needing some transmission and brake work for twelve years. My wife is determined to keep me from riding that, or racing one of the KRs in pieces in the cellar. As soon as all the lumber and other crap that is leaning against the lift and bike for the current kitchen and house mods are done, she’ll bury it with something else.
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@SG John, are you going to race out and buy a plug in EV motorcycle and trade in your Earth Killer internal combustion SMOG HOG?
I know I am, the guilt has finally made me see the error of my ways. I am trading in my gas stove too.
 
chilipeppermaniac said:
Blinky, WHAT TYPE Music are you guys going to be playing?

I wonder what the show might go like if you started out with something like Mama, Weer All CrazeeNOW?
Pretty much sure the audience would be primed to have a great time after that send off.

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It's....metallic.


CoyotesGator said:
It took me a long time to realize why I never worried before a show when I would been a complete wreck behind a lecturne.

There isn't a just a right way risking failure, but an opportunity for presentation. Music should always be a safe zone.

Have fun Brother, don't forget to smile for us.
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I hope to present a passable oil on canvas painting rather than a sloppy crayon drawing if it's at all possible haha!

ibmorjamn said:
Call the band ...." Seven Rings"
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This...is a possibility!

There were a few I was hoping the other guys would like, but they seemed rather indifferent.

I liked The Ritual Stone, but it didn't get much love from the others lol
 
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