Preparing for the BIG GIG...
Aug 05 '00
Hello again, fellow musicians. If you've read my piece "SHMOOZING 101" and followed my esteemed advice, then you probably now have a gig booked for your cool new band. Now then, here is some advice as to how to prepare for the big show, so that it doesn't turn into a disaster... READ ON!
Guitarists - The worst thing that can happen during a show is to break a string. You don't want to stop the show to change a string, no. Make sure you always bring a backup guitar to each show! Make sure that guitar is in tune, and is set out on stage (or nearby) with it's own strap and pick, ready to be picked up and played at a moment's notice. If you have two guitarists, they should each bring a backup guitar. Also, you should put new strings on your axe a couple days before a big gig - this will cut down on broken strings. Just make sure you play your axe a few times before the show, so that the strings are properly stretched. A big mistake is to restring THE NIGHT of the show - chances are the guitar will go hideously out of tune AT LEAST A FEW TIMES during the set.
You should also always carry an extra guitar chord, extra batteries (for your stomp boxes), extra picks,and if you can afford it - an extra set of power tubes for your amp head. You never know when something will go wrong with your gear, but rest assured it WILL HAPPEN eventually... be prepared!
Drummers - It's always a good idea to replace your drum heads occasionally, especially the snare head. Not only will the drums sound better for it, but this will help you avoid busting a drum head during a gig. Bring a couple spare pair of sticks to the show - we all know how easily they break in the heat of the moment, don't we?
Bass players - Well, just make sure you're in tune, dammit! Bass strings don't break that easily, but it's always a good idea to have a spare set with you, and if you have two basses BRING 'EM BOTH! The bass player in a band I was in once broke TWO strings during a show, and he was not prepared. We had to beg for a new string from the other bands... very embarrassing.
Singers - I read in an interview with Don Dokken once, that he'd always drink a shot of whiskey before a concert to lube up his vocal chords. I tried it myself, and IT REALLY WORKS! 'Course, more than one shot may slur your speech. You can also try hot tea with lots of honey... mmmm, good! I recommend drinking your shot 5 minutes before you take the stage.
The whole band - Okay, you're at the show on time to load in, you've tuned up, checked your gear - all systems are go. Now, you feel like having a few pre-show brewskis... STOP! A couple beers is allright, but DON'T GET DRUNK BEFORE THE SHOW!!! That is, if you want to sound good and have everyone in the band remember how to play the songs... Save the free drink tickets for after you've played. It's also a good idea to get a couple pitchers of water on stage before you play, in case you get thirsty... especially for the drummer and the vocalist. Those stage lights can get pretty hot...
Make sure you have SET LISTS for the show, on large (11x17) paper written with a jumbo marker. I always make three copies - one for each side of the stage, and one for the drummer.
Assorted tips - Never set a drink on top of your amp head - if it spills you could destroy your amp! Make sure you have long (20 foot is good) guitar chords - unless you plan on standing next to your amp all night. Do not throw the stage mics on the floor during or after your set- the soundmen REALLY HATE THIS! Bring lots of stickers, CDs, and tee-shirts to each show - throw 'em out at the crowd during your set, and people will love you!
Okay, that's all I have for now. These tips also are good for preparing for the recording studio. Now, GO KNOCK 'EM DEAD!!!
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