Any rituals or steps that you take before you go out and play a show? Singers - what special things do you do before a big gig? What goes on just before the curtain goes up? Any beverages of choice? Since I'm most concerned with my vocals I like to take a nice hot shower before I have to go play just to loosen up and breathe in all that steam. I usually chug a Red Bull before going over to load equipment and set up. While on stage I usually drink a Corona with a lime (or a few). Ok.....your turn!

This from a guitarist and former vocalist: it actually takes fluid about half an hour to reach the tissues of your throat. So make sure you're drinking enough all afternoon.
As for guitar playing: I like to set up my gear last (so no nervous bandmates or smart-ass sound engineer types can't kick it over running around the stage) and just use the sound check for what its says: to check my sound (my cable's long enough so I can walk into the room and listen from there too). Then when it's time to play, I make sure I get to the stage in time, so I have ample time to make sure I'm in tune and everything's working. Also I ALWAYS put the guitar in a case before the gig, during the breaks and immediately afterward. And I get rid of any drinks/coats etc people may have put on the edge of the stage before I start playing. I don't do extensive warm-ups etc, they just make me nervous. My hands might be a little shaky before going on stage, but as soon as the drummer counts off, I KNOW I'll do fine (experience). I do wash my hands about half an hour before playing. That way they won't be sticky but they'll also be dry and firm (don't do it five minutes prior!). That's about it! Oh and when the gig starts, I focus on the drums and especially the hi-hat. I know that when I'm locked to those, I'll do fine. From then on it's look at the audience, listen to your bandmates and make sure you look at the setlist BEFORE the lights guy turns off the lights during the beak between the songs! (and keep an extra pick in your pocket)

Suprisingly, hot chocolate sets my velvetty throat up for the night. Avoid caffeine (like your red bull) as it messes up the chords. Drink water.

If you need that extra buzz, try mainlining heroin. Oh, I kid.

Drink a warm beverage. Alchohol dries out your vocal chords. Period. So, in the event that you're experiencing trouble with your throat, avoid the booze and cokes, stick to hot tea or whatever. Anything dairy will also phlegm up your throat.

Okay enough with the safety tips. In all honesty, I get to the bar and knock back a vodka-coke. Yeah, yeah, i know, i just broke two of my rules. The offset here is that my voice sounds so awesome to start with, I have to bring it down a few notches - I can't be bringing my A-game to these cheap-ass bars. I also punch myself in the adam's apple a couple of times, and try to sing from my throat instead of my diaphragm as much as possible.

Glad I could help!

pack bowl to capacity.strap guitar to yourself.borrow drummers lighter,inhale deeply-go rock like a motherfucker...
works everytime for me!

The only thing I do is throw up about 15 minutes before I go on...(nerves-always nerves)

After that, I step onto the stage and its all good...

No joke!





Jshua

Red Bull
I usually wear different clothes when I gig, not cos I need a certain look or a uniform or anything, I just pic the clothes I feel most comfortable in. I have a tatty old pair of jeans that are falling apart but are just perfect for gigs - These are now my "Gig Jeans".
I try and wiggle my fingers a bit before I go on, just to loosen up (oh, I play guitar btw).
I get to the stage with time to spare, so I can check everything.

I also have a "word with myself" where I just tell myself to loosen up and not be so uptight, you know? - "ENJOY YOURSELF FER CHRISSAKES!!"

Always always always soundcheck

I'm gigging tonight and tomorrow night - wish me luck!!
[Edited 1/28/05 6:03am]

good luck bro!

RocknRollDave said:

Me too. My meditative phrase is usually "why are you nervous? this is what you've wanted to do since you were four" and that calms me down. That and a punch to the adam's apple.

otan said:

Oh, and I always stand inside a stone circle, with a chalk pentagram and cast evil charms against the people who aren't gonna clap, whilst drinking virgins' blood (which is damn hard to find round here )

As a Guitarist who can't / doesn't sing; I don't have to worry bout the vocal chords, just the music ones. I just grunt or nod, wink whatever to other's as my major form of communication, once all's been said and setup. Sound check is so important that I can get pretty fussed that all is well with the board volumes. Once your up there it's no use waving at the sound guy to lower or lift your volume. You only set a pedal too loud once. Unfortunately it was at a pub full of biker's , who didn't appreciate their ears being turned to stone when I kicked my Boss distortion pedal.
My worst trait is wandering round wearing my guitar, and tuning it every five minutes. Once It's stage time I get a nice wave of relaxed warmth, it's mainly the prelude that get's me nervous. If I wasn't totally relaxed I couldn't perform, and somehow getting onstage cut's the tension and I'm fine . The odd V.B. ( Vic Bitter), aussie beer, is handy beforehand to drop my shoulder's down from around the ear lobes, which enevitably happens, and aint a cool look. Alternatively I like to have a good stretch.
Live performance is something that there's no comparison to. So unburdening, if you can relate . Like you think that the whole world is gonna tip upside down or a hole is gonna open up and swallow you up, but when it doesn't the high of playing is like no other, and the release really stabilising , settling and leaves a wonderful comforting feeling of achievement.
Worst thing I've done was to be at the bar when the band started playing. Limit of one beer 1/2 hour before stage time nowaday's.

wallysafford said:

YOUR WELCOME