General Music Chat

I used to have it (probably still do), but have overcome it.

In my old days, I couldn't stand at a podium and deliver a speech to 10 people without stammering, turning red, shaking, etc..

Same with playing guitar. I would take the stage and shake so hard that I could hardly play.

Most of my adult life, I didn't drink- never touched a drop, but at a show early on (when I got back into music about 4-5 years ago), a bandmate convinced me to do a few shots before going on ... and it worked! I was relaxed and calm (and buzzed hard!). Since then, I always have a few beers or a couple of shots before going on, and if I get buzzed enough, I can 100% let go and rock my ass off and actually put on a "show".

I CAN now play shows sober, we sometimes do shows at venues or shows that don't have alcohol, and I won't stammer or shake, but I'm uncomfortable and tend to make more mistakes overall.


So, any stories from you guys and girls?

I used to have it (probably still do), but have overcome it.

In my old days, I couldn't stand at a podium and deliver a speech to 10 people without stammering, turning red, shaking, etc..

Same with playing guitar. I would take the stage and shake so hard that I could hardly play.

Most of my adult life, I didn't drink- never touched a drop, but at a show early on (when I got back into music about 4-5 years ago), a bandmate convinced me to do a few shots before going on ... and it worked! I was relaxed and calm (and buzzed hard!). Since then, I always have a few beers or a couple of shots before going on, and if I get buzzed enough, I can 100% let go and rock my ass off and actually put on a "show".

I CAN now play shows sober, we sometimes do shows at venues or shows that don't have alcohol, and I won't stammer or shake, but I'm uncomfortable and tend to make more mistakes overall.


So, any stories from you guys and girls?

I have been playing on stage so long I have forgotten if I had stage fright back in the late 60's I was 13 on stage doing a duet with the principle of my Jr. high school he accompanied me. Him on guitar and me on fiddle! I guess I was just goofy enough to really not be that scared we performed in front of the student body, teachers and parents about 2k. Having said that it is entirely possible I could still be somewhat goofy! Just thought I'd throw that out before one of you other peckerheads said it! Seriously these days I am most comfortable on stage!

Meg White does the same thing.
Her pre-show warm-up consists of "whiskey and Red Bull."

I never really got stage fright.
Although, every time, it always felt weird being onstage at first.
Like every time was the first time.

Beta blockers help if you have physical symptoms (racing heart beat, sweating, nervousness, etc). They don't impaire you cognitively like alcohol, are cheap and have few side effects. Better living through chemistry!

For me the hour or so before the gig is the worst but once we start playing its cool

It's good to have a little nervousness before the show, as long as it doesn't interfere with your performance. I've been playing on stage for over thirty years and I still get a little geeked up.

Beta blockers help if you have physical symptoms (racing heart beat, sweating, nervousness, etc). They don't impaire you cognitively like alcohol, are cheap and have few side effects. Better living through chemistry!

Pass on the chemistry..

I don't mind the 'buzz', I loosen up so much, I'd argue that I even play better .. and I've recorded a few gigs, just to watch back later and make sure I don't get all sloppy on guitar while thinking "I nailed that one!" lol

Not to be a "buzzkill" but alcohol is a chemical. Alcohol must be used with great care and respect. It can also be a trap - ask Eddie Van Halen, Alice Cooper or Ozzy Osbourne.

When you go see an orchestra half of the people on stage will be on a beta blocker. You're not one of those "beware the evil pharmaceuticals" people are you? Better medicine is helping people live longer, happier and more productive lives.

Not to be a "buzzkill" but alcohol is a chemical. Alcohol must be used with great care and respect. It can also be a trap - ask Eddie Van Halen, Alice Cooper or Ozzy Osbourne.

When you go see an orchestra half of the people on stage will be on a beta blocker. You're not one of those "beware the evil pharmaceuticals" people are you? Better medicine is helping people live longer, happier and more productive lives.

Hmm. I've been drinking moderately at rehearsals once per week and at gigs maybe twice per month on average, for about the last 5 years. I'm stone cold sober probably 25 out of every 30 days, looking at it from a monthly point of view. I'd argue that's not much of a drinking problem.

Not to be a "buzzkill" but alcohol is a chemical. Alcohol must be used with great care and respect. It can also be a trap - ask Eddie Van Halen, Alice Cooper or Ozzy Osbourne.

When you go see an orchestra half of the people on stage will be on a beta blocker. You're not one of those "beware the evil pharmaceuticals" people are you? Better medicine is helping people live longer, happier and more productive lives.

Oh great! Now I lost my buzz! Well Hell, todays Friday guess I'll have to fix that tonight!

I do get butterflies or a heightened awareness just before a gig but I wouldn't call it stage fright. I have played with guys who would literally freeze, "deer in headlights" in the first set.

Alcohol is definitely a mixed bag. Not a cure for stage fright but it does temporarily ease anxiety symptoms by making you comfortably numb. Alcohol dependence is a home wrecker and often a killer. I have lost several friends and excellent players to it.

Nothing wrong with a few cold ones at rehearsal or the gig as long as it doesn't become the show. Anything that gets in the way of the music must go!

In college I had a seminar style Public Speaking course.
After you have to deliver a speech once a week to 150+ people, you get over being nervous and do what you have to do to get the job done.

I think everyone is a little nervous until you get through the first tune you do.

Otherwise you may just be "robotic".

I've never really had stage fright. Like J I started performing on stage at 8 year old .. I may have had some stage fright back at that age but can't remember.

I do remember getting embarrassed .. and a woody, playing a strip bar for the first time when I was 16 .. but I'm sure that only lasted the first week, then it was old hat after that.

I dont think Ive ever had stage fright, when Im playing a gig, er er a show, what happens to me is the first 2-3 songs I have to get my ears adjusted if that makes sense, sometimes even in a room Ive played before something will just be off with my ears.

Does that make sense to anyone? I mean we use the same pa set up the same way, but sometimes it just takes a little bit to get my ears right, and I need about 4 songs to warm up, after that Im good to go.

Of course the 6 pack, and 3 or 4 Yagar Bombs probably help!!!!!!!

Actually the days of shots and bombs are over for me, I ussually have a couple of beers and the last few "SHOWS" Ive backed it down to water for the last set so I was in good shape driving home.