Performing Live Tonight

[Dr. MIX]

My band is about to play a show at a local school tonight, this Battle of the Bands has given us 20 minutes to play and 5 minutes for set up. We intend on doing two originals and two covers, the covers being Enter Sandman by Metallica and The Trooper by Iron Maiden. I'm the drummer, and this'll be my first show, now I'd like some experienced posters to tell me about their experiences playing live and if there are things to watch out for, or any advice would be appreciated.

 

[PLAS]

soundcheck is very important
tune your instruments BEFORE going onstage, there's nothing worse than watching dudes tune onstage
don't feel worried it sounds like crap, you'll have plenty of time to fine tune details
this is not to make you feel bad or anything, but it's a scientific fact: it will sound like crap, on the upside, you can make up for it by really having fun up onstage
make sure you have all the cables, drumsticks, stompboxes, connections ready so that you don't take that much time
if anybody wants to throw up, let them
it's just a gig, your first gig, so enjoy
if you can, have it video taped for references if you plan to keep doing this
have fun

 

[Dr. MIX]

Thanks alot.

 

[jaguarr]

Can't add TOO much more to what PLAS has already said, but I will say "Don't forget to breathe!". This will help keep you more focused and help keep you from freaking out about playing in front of people. Try to relax, focus on your music and try to have as much fun as you can. If something goes wrong, and this is a strong possibilty at any gig not just the first one, roll with it and don't get flustered as that will get you negative points from the judges and the audience. And don't forget, the audience will be full of guys from other bands (and their friends) that are competing against YOU, so they might be A-Holes and heckle you. Ignore them, play to the crowd that is supportive, and have fun. The first gig is always the scariest, without a doubt. Just remember, most of the people in the audience (guys from other bands aside who can be equally supportive as they can be disruptive) are usually there to have a good time and listen to some music and be entertained. Good luck!

jag

 

[PLAS]

and don't play any porn on the school monitors, that's just plain tacky

 

[Dr. MIX]

I'll do my best to fight the urge up:

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Well, remember, you're the driver. Everyone follows you, so make sure you don't speed up and slow down. That's alot of responsibility, but that's how it is. If you have issues playing in front of people then don't look at anyone but your bandmates. Definitely have fun. Good luck man!!!! You're gonna rock!!!!

 

[Equinox]

Enter Sandman from Metallica..... Nice

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Oh, one last thing, if you get nervous as all hell before, don't worry. The first drum you hit will make that all go away. I don't know what it is, but as soon as you start, all the fear goes out the window. You basically just run on autopilot.

 

[Dr. MIX]

Oh I'm not concerned with being anxious, I'm sure after our first song, if all goes well, the crowd will get my adrenaline pumping and fuel me into playing more. I'm just worried about worst case scenarios such as dropping my sticks to the floor, ouch how embarrassing. But that's not likely to happen.

 

[Super_Ludacris]

Good luck with it tonight dude

 

[PLAS]

Oh I'm not concerned with being anxious, I'm sure after our first song, if all goes well, the crowd will get my adrenaline pumping and fuel me into playing more. I'm just worried about worst case scenarios such as dropping my sticks to the floor, ouch how embarrassing. But that's not likely to happen.

buy more sticks and keep them handy

 

[Dr. MIX]

Will do.

 

[jaguarr]

buy more sticks and keep them handy

Good suggestion. Every drummer I've ever known has had a bag of sticks they hang off of one of their tom's so that they can always get ahold of another stick quickly if they drop one.

jag

 

[Dr. MIX]

Alright folks all went well, the reactions were great. Bring on the next show

Although they had to cut us off for our last song which was The Trooper since the band before us took forever, grrrr.

 

[jaguarr]

Glad it went well, man. Sounds like you caught the performing bug last night.

jag

 

[guitarsingerguy]

Glad it went well, man. Sounds like you caught the performing bug last night.

jag

You're screwed now. It's like crack.

 

[jaguarr]

You're screwed now. It's like crack.

I'd laugh, but it's really no joke. It's addicting as hell. I jones for it often and I haven't performed in quite awhile.

jag

 

[PLAS]

Alright folks all went well, the reactions were great. Bring on the next show

Although they had to cut us off for our last song which was The Trooper since the band before us took forever, grrrr.

congratulations!!!
here's hoping it all just gets better and better
and never forget your first gig