Stage fright? How do you get it together before a show?

[here_is_to_hope]

I am a long time musician and have played some fairly large shows back in the day, I am fairly comfortable on stage...however...

I have a new band and tonight is our first full blown gig, actually pays big money...

Trouble is, three of my bandmates are high strung and prone to getting very nervous and you what happens when you get a nervous musician.

Any one have any tips for calming these kids down? Besides getting them laid/drunk/stoned?

What do you do before the 'big show'?

[east texas lib]

1. Play to each other as well as the crowd...and try to have fun doing it.

Before the show, check your gear and your tuning, try to warm up a little, then GO KICK THEIR ASS!
Break a leg!:headbang:

[here_is_to_hope]

2. Woo Hoo! I am all for it....

I think I will light myself on fire to break their nervousness! What a show!

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang:
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

[MilesColtrane]

3. Preparation is important.

Have the music down cold.

Be able to play it backwards and forwards. To really get inside the music, it really helps to know everbody's part not just your own.

I'm a bass player, but for a high profile gig, I try to learn the chord changes, the melody, and if it's applicable, the lyrics to every song.

The night before the day of the gig you might take some time to close your eyes and visualize the best performance possible. Imagine each tune, and really SEE yourself, and your band mates, just playing your asses off.

Before you go on stage, after you've warmed up, take a little time if possible to be quiet, with no one talking to you, or distracting you. Breathe deeply and consciously try to relax your whole body.

Finally remember that everyone; you, the other musicians, and most importantly the audience, is pulling for you. You are all in this together, and everyone wants to hear the best performance and be emotionally moved by it.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

4. I don't know how visually entertaining you have to be

I'm probably the last person to comment on that aspect. I'm into jazz where the musicians just come and play. It depends on the venue and whether it's a place where people show up just to listen or if it's a place where people come to hook up with someone else. It can be nerve-wracking if you're playing a place for the first time with a lot of knowledgeable musicians in the audience. Unless you're performing somersaults on stage and biting off the heads of little animals, I'd just concentrate on the music and forget about the audience. Play as if no one was there and only the music existed and you are your worst critic. Start off the first set with the most familiar tunes. And remember that it's just a show. If you blow a solo or have equipment problems it's not the end of the earth. You're a pro and believe in yourself and you will persevere on to greatness.

Joe Pass used to eat a good dinner and have a glass or two of wine with it before he played, not enough alcohol to affect his playing but enough to put him in a mellow mood.

[stevebreeze]

5. develop a routine

be methodical, check guitar tuning amps, always in the same order. What ever would be helpful for peace of mind that you are not going to have sudden equipment problems. Do this every time you practice weeks before performing in front of an audience. When you then do them in front of a performance you will fall into a routine and keep positively focused.

[here_is_to_hope]

6. Checking back in....

That show went really well, second set was stretched out to 1.5 hours by some inspired solo's, including one lasting three minutes by moi on mandolin (through a wah, looper pedal and a MusicMan 112 RD!!!), we rocked it and were contracted back for a weekend a month.
Not band for a band that does no covers...

Thanks for all the tips.
What worked for them was a few jokes and tokes in the parking lot, a band meeting to try and set the tone of the gig and a lot of encouragement.
The bassman tripped up a few times, the drummer lost tempo twice but both were noticeable only to the band really.
My wifes belly dance troupe showed up halfway through the first set and did an impromptu number to one of our tunes.

[paparush]

7. Three Words - KNOW YOUR MATERIAL

Don't go out until and unless you've got it cold. Embellish during your set. Rock out during your set. Lose your mind, but behind it, know your shit.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

8. Do what I do

drink heavily.

[old mark]

9. Know and ENJOY what you are playing. I never had a problem

with this, and I'm glad things went well for you.


mark