Our last drummer was so nervous, all the shows we must cancel. I.m still not ready he said, now there's another drummer and it's great doing a show, everyone is nervous, although some say there not but they reacting differently then normal. Everyone has it's own way to cope with it. One is agitated, the other very quiet.
Make a good setlist, don't play the hardest parts in the beginning.
We start the show with a very easy song, lets say 2 chords and introduce ourself. You can play anything you want to get it warm. Don't forget a good warm up before going on stage and focus on the instrument.
Important as band is to relie on eachother. When someone didn't do his homework your own efforts will not be heared.
By the way only musicians look and listen very critical.
In the public most people can't play any instrument. When the sound is good and the song is good they find it great.
Oh did something go wrong, I didn't hear it they say.
It's good to realize this. With all the preparations for a show I know I can play it all, I want to play it also alive but when the sound is good and people liked it it's allright with me if I made some mistakes.
Before playing my heart beats like hell, so let it beat, it's worse when it don't, take a deep breath , sigh and sing. I like singing but only with my guitar in my hands. I never sing when someone asks me.
Every show you learn from it. The day before is my worst day, then I think, suppose I forget it all??? My lyrics, the solo positions, the changes, the ending, the mistakes i'm going to make etc.... I drink a bottle of wine, see it all in a relative way and try to enjoy the exitement of it all. That's where you do it for.
After all there comes a day that it's all perfect. Everybody has a good day and inspiration and the music is excellent.... but.......the public didn't heared it.
