My First Gig

[Fierce_LiNk]

If you saw my post in the "post your meaningless post" thread, you will know what this is about.

For those of you who have missed it, my friends have asked me to be a "stand-in" drummer for a gig which takes place in two weeks.
I got called up yesterday, completely out of the blue, and was asked if i could do it. I said...yeeessss.

But, it suddenly dawned on me what they were asking. I was a bit intimidated to play infront of friends, as i hate being judged. Now, i'm a bit scared about playing this gig.

The reason behind it is that i am scared people will judge me. The last thing i want is for people to say "oh, he was a shit drummer", or my mates to hate me if i mess up. I messed up a few times during the practice yesterday, but after a break, i was refreshed and got really into it.

Thing is, i am scared of people judging me. I was scared that they would say to me, "uuuh, you're rubbish, don't come back!" It's not just with music that i feel this. If i have to talk infront of a group, i sometimes feel really really light-headed and i get a sick feeling in my stomach. Sometimes, it doesn't feel like the real me is talking. I think i do have bad nerves too, but i have definitely grown in confidence since i went to uni.

But, still, i am quite worried right now about this.

My questions to you:

What can i do to ease myself?
Have you ever had experiences like this?
And finally, if you did have experiences like this, what did you do to ease yourself?

[The Bard]

Firstly, if you're nervous, have a pint before you go on, it wont fuck you up, it'll help you relax and get into your stride. Secondly, even if you do mess up, gigging is a vital experience for any musician, any idiot can sit in his room and play, but playing a set list in front of an audience will improve you like nothing else, so see it as more of a learning experience than a chance to impress your mates.

A year ago, my and my mates were in a gigging frenzy, we finally had a working band so we played our asses off, everywhere we could find an empty slot we said fuck it, and played. I messed up a little bit here and there, but not enough for people to notice, but your experience builds your nerves, and you start to get into the music and forget about the crowd.

Edit:...oh wait, shit, i forgot, you can't drink. damn.

[Tom]

where are you playing, somewhere around birmingham?

[EchoDesiato]

Don't worry man. I had about three or four gigs already, and everything went fine. Sure, due to being a bit nervous it's possible to screw up (like I did multiple times), but people won't notice, they're just there to have a good time. But you're probably a good drummer anyway.

[Zygo Ape]

Just think of it like this man, you're playing infront of people you know. If theyre good guys, theyre not going to Judge you atall, youve helped them out in a tight spot and theyll be thankful for it.
I dont reckon youll screw up though, if your committed enough to manage THESE forums, you must be a half decent drummer.

By the way, are you playing cover versions or have they got some of their own material lined up?

[Fierce_LiNk]

The Bard: Good advice (apart from the drinking bit, haha), it'll definitely be an experience. I know i'll learn from it, i'm just a bit worried about the actual day, tough. Hmm.

Tom: It's a college campus in Wales.

EchoDesiato: I haven't really played much within the last year, because i couldn't take my kit to uni with me.

Zygo: Heh, thanks. We'll be playing their own material, which means i have to learn all their songs in two weeks. Oh noes! Although, they have given me a tape of them playing, so it makes it easier to learn their songs.

[soag]

Just take lots of drugs, its what the professional rockers do.

[Zygo Ape]

Just take lots of drugs, its what the professional rockers do.

And thats why some of them end up beating the hell out of their fans or, worse, going awol.
Pete Doherty Anyone?

[JonSt]

I'd love to say its easy, but the truth of it is that its even worse being a drummer because you are the beat of the song, and if you mess up everyone will hear it, and it could possibly through the other instruments off. That being said, make sure you learn all the songs perfectly, then its just a case of saying I can play everything fine, just imagine it as another practice sessiosn. As much as it sounds easier to say than do, you cant be nervous, if your nervous, your tight and tense, which do not go well with rythmn. Just loosen up and be confident.

[Ginger_Chris]

Just go out there and have fun, I've had to give speaches to over 750 people and that was scary. I'd recomend just zoning yourself out, just go out there and do it. The hardest part is the beginning, just don;t think about doing it or the people out there. You've practices, so just go out and do that again. If you mess up just stop and pick up, people will notice but they'll also notice that you got back into correctly, theres such a good atmosphere at most gigs, people won't care or judge you if you do mess up. After the 10 or so minutes you get use to it and you'll start to perform and enjoy it.

Good luck

[soag]

And thats why some of them end up beating the hell out of their fans or, worse, going awol.
Pete Doherty Anyone?

Ah the rock n roll life style.

Pere Doherty is just a tit end of story.

Don't worry flinky you will do great :D

[Charlie]

In response to your questions, I've not had an experience exactly like this but I did have to make a speech in front of a third of the school.

I just made sure I knew exactly what I was going to say and when I was going to say it. It is just practice, know what you are going to do, then just do it. I just blocked out the audience entirely, I just knew when to pause or when to carry on speaking.

I know it's different, but for other people making speeches, when you make an important point, leave a decent sized pause after it to give the people a chance to realise it is actually an important thing you're saying.

To calm nerves, I didn't really do anything, I wasn't really all that nervous to being with. I was shitting myself the night before about it, but as I said before, I knew what I was going to do and I just did it.

[gaggle64]

A little stage fright is natural, but once you're up on stage your focus hits you, and each time after that is much less daunting. If your mates invite you to stand in I'm sure you're a good drummer. It'll be alright on the night.

[mcj metroid]

i do acting and piano in front of a shit load of people on a regular bases!If u are good then u need not worry,always think to yourself that the cynics are only jealous of u!
though i must admit nobody has the guuts to coem up to me and say i'm shit yet!

[Roostophe]

I had to do 4 Drama performances at school. My first one was where I was most nervous as it was the first one and I wasn't so comfortable with doing Drama at this time plus I was performing in the school hall which made it more nerve-racking but I got through it in the end.
My second performance was a smaller piece in a smaller classroom with a smaller audience, I was more comfortable with Drama this time as I'd been doing it longer.
My third performance was the main performance and it was in the same classroom but it was a longer piece with a larger audience, plus we were first group up, but by this time I was very comfortable with doing Drama and I didn't get nervous at all.
My last performance was in with an even smaller audience (they were Year 5's) and again we were first group. But as this was a comedy I was a lot more comfortable, like lying on a nice new bed.

I suppose the lesson to take away from this lecture is that I don't half bloody go on. :o

Anyway, you'll do fine Flinky. If you don't enter the stage negative, your performance won't be. :wink:

[conzer16]

1)What can i do to ease myself?


1)To ease yourself, or calm yourself down why not buy a vial of Rescue Remedy? Its a natural remedy for nerves.

2)Have you ever had experiences like this?

Yes I have played gigs before, I also played for a friends and my sisters Leaving Cert Music Practical exam (A-Levels....maybe???). I have been is about 15 Plays and Musicals and have done work for RTÉ and BBC before.

3)And finally, if you did have experiences like this, what did you do to ease yourself?

To calm myself down for these occasions I took the simple approach. I made sure I was wearing comfortable (suitable) clothes, made sure I had a cold bottle of water and took a few deep breaths before I went on.

The apprehension of the gig is worse than the actual gig itself. Just think of it as a jammin' session and relax and enjoy yourself.

Remember, if you dont feel nervous there's something wrong. Its perfectly normal to be nervous. Take a deep breath, give them the count in, and play your heart out!

Best of luck!

:)

[AshMat]

Play with a blindfold! then you wont see the crowd and get nervous.
Persoanlly ive enver found drumming blindfolded any harder, as long as you know where each drum/cymbal is..

though ive never drummed before a crowd, i used to paly classical guitar with a music school, and palyed in the town hall, i used to jsut stare tat the music, and nothing else as not to see the crowd, so maybe if you keep your eyes on the drums, just a thought.

[Platty]

Damn Flinky if you were playing in Brighton i might have come down to see ya :)

[demonmike04]

Well i've got a few friends in a band, one was in the town center so thats a bit nerve racking.

All they say is just pretend its just you and your band, or the audience are your friends checking it out. I know its shit advice, but it works.

How i know it works is another story, they gave me that advice when they got me to do a cameo. In the middle of their session, during the bass solo i had to get up on stage and dance like a fricken lunatic. I did so, with much positive response =)

Good luck fierce, remember teh advice!

[Fierce_LiNk]

Thanks for the advice guys. :)

Right now, i'm listening to the tape that the guys have put together. It's got their drummers work on it, so i can here what sort of stuff to go for.

So far, i think i can bring something new to it. Some new ideas. There's a few songs where i think "hmmm, at this point, i did this and this whereas the drummer did this and this."

[Zygo Ape]

Own it man, put the Flinky stamp of....erm....whatever on it lol.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Sorry for the bump, but there have been developments.

We haven't had a practice all week. There was even talk of pulling out of the gig, which left me a bit disappointed.
However, today, we had a practice, and the guys said that they felt confident having me as the drummer. We've got another practice tomorrow, and then Saturday is the big day!

All week, i've been listening to that tape, and they said that it really paid off. Apparantly, i've improved A LOT since last week.

w00t! The show will go on!

[Shorty]

I don't want this to come out badly but... in my experience nobody will notice if the drummer plays well or screws up unless he is really, really amazing or absolutely terrible. So if you think everythings going great, or you're doing better lately... or even average I think you'll just be part of the show and the whole thing will come together just fine :)

[Gaijin von Snikbah]

Try to expect the best. A cheap trick that sometimes works, is to stare at a single point infront of you, and not looking everywhere.

[Sparko]

The apprehension of the gig is worse than the actual gig itself. Just think of it as a jammin' session and relax and enjoy yourself.

Conzer makes a good point. It's totally normal to feel nervous beforehand, but trust me, once you're on stage you'll be fine. You've clearly been practicing a lot and if the other guys have confidence in you there really shouldn't be any problems.

I've always been so terrified when I've had to perform in front of a crowd. I was in a few dramas in school, and I've had to do some presentations in college. But I've always found as long as I focus on doing the best I can it all just falls into place. Remember, the crowd aren't there just to pick out any mistakes you might make. They're there to support you. Best of luck anyway, try and get a few recordings for us!

[Fierce_LiNk]

I don't want this to come out badly but... in my experience nobody will notice if the drummer plays well or screws up unless he is really, really amazing or absolutely terrible. So if you think everythings going great, or you're doing better lately... or even average I think you'll just be part of the show and the whole thing will come together just fine :)

Well, if i fit in, then my mission has been accomplished. I'm not the band's main drummer, i'm just a stand-in, so i'm not looking to really blitz the whole show. As long as i give a decent account of myself and don't screw up, i'll be happy.

Try to expect the best. A cheap trick that sometimes works, is to stare at a single point infront of you, and not looking everywhere.

Yeah, staring at faces puts me off, haha. When i mess up in practice, its usually because i'm laughing at some of the other guys. I did it a few times today. :)

Conzer makes a good point. It's totally normal to feel nervous beforehand, but trust me, once you're on stage you'll be fine. You've clearly been practicing a lot and if the other guys have confidence in you there really shouldn't be any problems.

I've always been so terrified when I've had to perform in front of a crowd. I was in a few dramas in school, and I've had to do some presentations in college. But I've always found as long as I focus on doing the best I can it all just falls into place. Remember, the crowd aren't there just to pick out any mistakes you might make. They're there to support you. Best of luck anyway, try and get a few recordings for us!

I'm hoping to get some recordings! I wanna hear what i sound like. After today, i'm really buzzing, and i think that i can actually pull this off now.

[conzer16]

Gigging is a major buzz. You'll be so hyped!


The only way you'll tighten your beats is if you record yourself and listen back at your mistakes (if any!).

One think I remember from reading this thread when you wrote it first, was someone (not going back a page to find out who it was.....yes I am that lazy...) saying to you to have a drink before you go on. Now I know you dont drink anyways, but I feel i should disagree with this advice. You should never have a drink to calm nerves when attempting to do something so techinhal as drumming, or playing a gig at all no matter the instrument.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Ok, technically, the gig is happening today. Hmm, i'm quite nervous. The thing is, i'm fairly confident with most of the songs. Just pre-gig nerves.

I can't wait to get up there, though. It's exciting but scary at the same time! The band keep saying thanks to me every time we practice. "cheers for doing this, we really appreciate it!"

Ahhh, i just wanna get it over with!

[Haden]

HOW DID IT GO THEN YOU OLD LEGEND! :bouncy:

[Twozzok]

Yes, did you rawk, or did you shawk.

(i'm sorry :()

[Fierce_LiNk]

I have mixed feelings.

In terms of mistakes, all the band made mistakes. The thing is, we only made minor mistakes, which meant that nobody really noticed.
I think the only mistakes i made was when i dropped my sticks. I dropped them twice throughout the whole thing. But, i did keep going with my snare hand. It was quite funny, as i was keeping time on the snare with one hand whilst fumbling around for another stick with the other.

Personally, i didn't think i played THAT great. As a band, i think we played good and i suppose i did keep time and keep everything together. But, i think if i had another shot at it, i could do so much better.

Another thing that kept annoying me was that my kit kept moving away from me! I think this may have been down to the vibrations from the amps and because of the really smooth surface on the stage. At one point, the kit had moved about a metre ahead of where it originally started!

We played about 11 songs, and got asked to do an encore by the crowd and person in charge. We weren't prepared for the encore, so it really was improvisation!

We did covers of American Idiot and Basket Case (as the band are massive green day fans), and i think these were pretty sweet. I think there was a bit of "WTF! where did that come from!" in the audience, and these were some of our best songs.
For our encore, we did a Blink182 song called Dammit. We have only practiced this song once, and i had only heard the song on...thursday! But, i think it sounded fucking sweet, if i say so myself. A great end, imo.

We got some great applause from the crowd throughout, which was great. Especially when i thought "hmm, i coulda done better" they seemed to like what we were doing. So, yay!
We told the person organising about our situation and how we had only practiced together 3 times, and only twice when i actually knew what the songs sounded like, and he was surprised. Overall, i think i did good.

Another thing...they've got another gig on Tuesday. The band's drummer is getting back off holiday today, and apparantly, he's a bit hyper. Sometimes, he doesn't want to drum...
Well, they said to me that if he doesn't want to do the gig on tuesday, or if they don't want him to do it, then they'll ask me to! I was a bit taken aback, but i think i would love to do this again!

[Haden]

well done flinky! I'm sure I would have loved it.

[demonmike04]

Atleast you did it Flink, you've made a young man proud!
God bless!

Plus, every band makes mistakes, one band here went COMPLETELY out of sync, it was hillarious but im sure they didnt see the funny side of it..

[Twozzok]

Glad it went well :D Gigs are always the best when you get a good applause.

It might have been mentioned earlier, but whats the band called?

[Fierce_LiNk]

Cheers, guys. :)

Twozzok: The band are called Purple Thursday.

Me and my girlfriend call them Orange Wednesdays.:heh:

[Gaijin von Snikbah]

Nice work Fierce_Link. Even when you dropped the stick you kept playing.

[weeyellowbloke]

Nice one. Sound like a true pro, despite things going wrong you carried on regardless and came out on top.

[Sparko]

Nice one man, I knew it'd be grand. I would have loved to see you fumbling for the fallen drumstick while continuing playing with the other one, must have been hilarious!

[Fierce_LiNk]

Nice one man, I knew it'd be grand. I would have loved to see you fumbling for the fallen drumstick while continuing playing with the other one, must have been hilarious!

Hahaha, i wish somebody had taped it now. We kinda went without any support, because everyone was either working or couldn't make it down. Therefore, nobody to tape the show. :(

But, yeah, it was funny! Its unusual for me to drop sticks though, so i was a bit surprised i dropped them twice. Well, it had to happen to somebody!:heh:

[conzer16]

Hey, well done Fierce!

Two bits of advice: Why dont you get yourself a few extra sets (2 maybe) of sticks for the next gig, and leave them on the bass drum? If you drop a stick you have spare ones within reaching distance. And to stop the kit sliding bring along a non-slip mat with you and put the bass drum down on that.

[Charlie]

Did you throw your sticks into the crowd afterwards? That's what all cool drummers do. :heh: (meant to be a :heh : in here)

Nice work though, apart from playing Blink 182 and especially that song (Dammit), my wee brother listens to it all the time and I hate it.

Edit - Bloody smileys not working.

[Roostophe]

Pleased to hear the gig went well Flinky. I'd have loved to hear the cover of Dammit. That song is easy to play on guitar and very freakin' enjoyable.

[Fierce_LiNk]

Hey, well done Fierce!

Two bits of advice: Why dont you get yourself a few extra sets (2 maybe) of sticks for the next gig, and leave them on the bass drum? If you drop a stick you have spare ones within reaching distance. And to stop the kit sliding bring along a non-slip mat with you and put the bass drum down on that.

I had some extra sticks on the floor next to me. Hmm, i may have to get a stick bag or something, as i am fairly rubbish at picking stuff up. :heh:
The mat idea is excellent. I am definitely going to try and remember that for the next time i'm on stage. :)


Did you throw your sticks into the crowd afterwards? That's what all cool drummers do. :heh: (meant to be a :heh : in here)

Nice work though, apart from playing Blink 182 and especially that song (Dammit), my wee brother listens to it all the time and I hate it.

Edit - Bloody smileys not working.

I didn't throw the sticks into the crowd. Mainly because, knowing my luck, somebody would lose an eye!

Pleased to hear the gig went well Flinky. I'd have loved to hear the cover of Dammit. That song is easy to play on guitar and very freakin' enjoyable.

I think we did the song justice. Even better considering that we hardly practiced that song, and didn't even have the intention of playing it. Awesome song, though. :)

[Sarka]

I didn't throw the sticks into the crowd. Mainly because, knowing my luck, somebody would lose an eye!

At the last gig (or one of the last) I was at the drummer threw the stick and it hit a girl on the back of the head - who proceeded to run to the bathroom. The drummer was to high to care though, he's great! And only plays in shorts.

Anyway, well done! :yay: