Nervous about a gig.

[JeffLoomisIsMyHomeboy]

2nd gig ever tomorrow, 1500 people, I'm on bass, I figured you guys know alot about putting on a good preformance... The songs are easy, but I'll still probably screw up alot and all that, as my first gig was a disaster in front of 200.

So.
1. How do you guys stay calm?
2. Is it acceptable to want them to shut off those ****ing bright *** lights?
3. What are some neat things to do live on bass?

[rage f*****g rule]

do what you feel natural doing...
i hate bright lights on stage, they dazel you and make you all sweaty...
just make sure you feel comfartable with your set list... make sure you nail the first few songs... as that'll make you ease up on the nerves.
one thing to note is that not many people will even notice if you **** up unless they are musicians themselves so don't worry too much about mistakes...
other than that, relax and have fun

[JeffLoomisIsMyHomeboy]

We're only playing a few, It's just Thunderstruck and Crazy Train, but yeah.... I had a bad experience at my first gig, equipmentwise, and playingwise...

*Hugs borrowed 70s Bassman*

Hopefully no equipment problems.

[The Forgotten Bassist]

1. How do you guys stay calm?
2. Is it acceptable to want them to shut off those ****ing bright *** lights?
3. What are some neat things to do live on bass?

1 Nail the first fwe songs and you should relax, and if you make a mestake just contonue on and you'll be able to cover for the mistake, maybe eve ncover up to the mistake

2 Yes

3 Just do what you want, personally I like to fire in a few neat riffs in between songs to cheer up the crowd and keep your fingers going. Plus you may end up having some cool jams with the rest of your band, I have.

[bryce_the_cat]

dont worry about it. I'm playing by myself infront of my school in a couple of weeks. when you are on stage just think about how bad I have it, then I'm sure you will loosen up

[pukeboy66]

2nd gig ever tomorrow, 1500 people, I'm on bass, I figured you guys know alot about putting on a good preformance... The songs are easy, but I'll still probably screw up alot and all that, as my first gig was a disaster in front of 200.

So.
1. How do you guys stay calm?
2. Is it acceptable to want them to shut off those ****ing bright *** lights?
3. What are some neat things to do live on bass?

i can only answer number one, and seriously ... as soon as i got on stage i was calm... i knew all the songs and the people are there to see YOU not the other way around ... so just remember that and you will be gold

[rage f*****g rule]

if none of the above work, try a shot or two of a nice strong liquer... (unless your underage, in which case just get someone else to buy)

[JeffLoomisIsMyHomeboy]

if none of the above work, try a shot or two of a nice strong liquer... (unless your underage, in which case just get someone else to buy)
I could have that arranged.

There's a liqour cabinet filled with exotic strong alcohol to my left.

Sneaking it would be hard.

[rage f*****g rule]

then don't sneak... down a few shots before leaving.

*disclaimer* the consumption of spirits may affect your memory and ability to play your instrument and/or string together sentences so excessive consumption is not advised.

[Chris K]

Sup Jamie, making things up again?

[rustyburrito55]

I hate those lights too. For some reason they always end up right in my face. I doubt people will notice if you mess up a few little parts. They will most likely be concentrating on the guitar and singing in those songs anyway. Good luck!

[rage f*****g rule]

I hate those lights too. For some reason they always end up right in my face. I doubt people will notice if you mess up a few little parts. They will most likely be concentrating on the guitar and singing in those songs anyway. Good luck!

yeah exactly, who even thinks about bass when listening to thunderstruck??? not I!

[trumpeter]

well, i know from working lights+sound board(s) that its kind of annoying if a band wants the stage lights shut off, becuase usually they are set and no one likes changing them, but if you want them off talk to the lighting guy BEFORE your set, be friendly with him.

[ViolenceBass]

2nd gig ever tomorrow, 1500 people, I'm on bass, I figured you guys know alot about putting on a good preformance... The songs are easy, but I'll still probably screw up alot and all that, as my first gig was a disaster in front of 200.

So.
1. How do you guys stay calm?
2. Is it acceptable to want them to shut off those ****ing bright *** lights?
3. What are some neat things to do live on bass?

First off, I know your gonna do fine, youve got the support of all the bassists in the greater part of the civilized world!
Ok ...now to the questions!
1. When the band im in goes to play in front of people, we realize that its a team effort, so were all supportin eachother, I dont feel as nervous when i realize there are two other good friends of mine rite besides me. I always feel a little nervous, but we usually play our most practiced song first, Hey Joe, and Jam through it at the end. And we also try to get involved with the audience, talk to them (dont know if your singing or not), and not just stay in the corner of the stage. As a bass player, you may feel inclined to just stay back, serving a good line, but if its possible, before the show, go out and talk to some people in the venue, tell them your in the band, what the band has been doing, your bands website, interesting info about the band, etc. It helps to establish a friendship with audience members. Since its 1500 people, I asume it may be outside, so go to the gate between the audience and the stage and talk to the front row people. Also , between songs, throw up the horns to the audience, point out random people for random reasons.
2. Well, as bright and hard to see as it may be for you, its also probably the only way the audience can see whos playing the music, but seeing as yall are playing some Ozzy and AC/DC, its ok to have a darker stage. Talking to the Light people, the Sound man, and the owner or organizer of the place or event goes a long way. Thank them, talk to them about how you hope the show will go, ask them any questions about sound and light. Also, slipping the sound guy or light guy a $10 bill, or whatever currency your using, it makes people easier to work with sometimes. Remember, they have to do this a lot, a tip may just brighten their day, and who knows? You may make some friends for the next gig?
3. I answered a bunch of things for this one in question #1, sorry, got carried away. As a recap, Throw horns, Point out random people, Headbang, open your mouth and pretend to scream and growl, like WHAAAAAAA, you know? haha.

Good luck man, post some pics, I hope this helped out!
You guys are gonna kick some major ***

[Sauron]

One of the most important things to do is just to have fun. Have a good time on stage! It's ok to smile at your band members and the audience or to laugh with enjoyment during a song. Do what the music makes you feel like doing, whether that is dancing or swaying, headbanging or swinging your bass around.

Also, make sure the audience sees that you are having a good time because it really helps the performance to be more fun to watch and listen to. Try not to do anything that compromises your ability to play well, but even if you mess up the audience wont care because they see you're having a great time doing what you're doing.:thumb:

[ProZach]

Be clutch relax, realize that if you **** up no one else but you will even remember it in 5 minutes.

Last year in marching band I had to play in a trio at the begining of our 3rd song, me playing barri sax between a picilo(sp?) and a flute :D I am by no means a good musician and always ****ed it up in practice and drove our instructors nuts but I always nailed(except for once in pouring rain) in front of crowds. Playing at the Silver Dome(Where the Lions used to play) was amazing tho so many ****ing people looking at you.

I just delt with it by realizing no one is gona give a **** in 5 minutes wether I hit a note or not.

[Efrim]

Pretend you're better than everyone in the crowd, and I guarantee you won't get nervous.

[peeted]

just forget about the crowd and do whatever the music makes you want to do. if the crowds realy geting down though try to feel like one of them. the main things to remember is that people have payed to see you perform and not to see you just stand there, just because people arnt runing around like headless chickens doesnt mean that there not enjoying the music and people barley ever notice little mistakes so dont be to scared about em.
i usualy have a couple of pints and read a book before playing. it realy settles the nearves. i wouldnt advise you to drink before playing unless you realy know the songs and stuff though.