Be prepared for disaster. Remember this phrase; "If it can go wrong, it will go wrong!". I will never forget the time my last duo were playing an important showcase for some of the local managers and licensees. 30 seconds into the first song and a string broke on my guitar. The song was a washout and we couldn't continue until the string was fixed. Another time we were mid-song and all of the power was cut. The PA, Lights, Guitar, everything went quiet. So the point is; be prepared for anything! Carry spare fuses, strings, leads, a small tool kit, and anything else you can think of. Most of the time it will be simply a chore to carry all this stuff about, but and it's the important but. The time WILL come when the difference between finishing the gig or going home early with your tail between your legs will depend on how prepared for disaster you are.
Get the next booking now! Right, so the gig went down a storm. The crowd were baying for more and you were worried you wouldn't be able to get off the stage and you might have to play that number that's never quite sounded right but it's the only other one you all know. Now is the time to get the next booking! Approach the manager or person responsible for booking you in the first place and ask when he/she wants you back. Choose your moment wisely though, it's never a good idea to interrupt someone who is already harassed with getting rid of stragglers and clearing away the debris of a hectic night. But there should be an opportunity while you are packing up (usually when you get paid!) to have a quick word. The manager may ask you to call back tomorrow or even later in the week. Don't be put off by this, simply call back.
Drinking Alcohol - Don't do it! You might feel more relaxed and even have a great time on it, but believe me; it will seriously hamper your ability and your performance. It's ok to have one or two drinks but any more and it will become very obvious to your audience that you are less than on form! Save the alcohol until after the gig, and then celebrate!
You need a frontman/woman/person! However good musically your band is, to be succesful on a live stage it is essential that you have an appealing frontperson. It may well be that all of the members of your band are extrovert showpeople - in which case all well and good. This makes for a lively presentation and helps to keep the audience interest high. A good performer will interact with his/her audience.
Never rest on your laurels! So you've had a few successful gigs and all of a sudden you're God's gift to the performing arts? Ermm... maybe but the chances are not. You should constantly monitor your performance and improve along the way. Ask friends in the audience; "what could I have improved on?" - Any friend worth their salt will want to see you get better and better and should be eager to offer some constructive criticism. I say 'constructive' criticism, because this is quite a different thing to the 'destructive' criticism you may hear from critics and jealous individuals intent on putting you down. Could you improve the way you played or sang a certain part of a song? Could you have involved the audience more in parts? Would it be better if you moved to the other side of the stage for a particular number?
Always act in a professional manner - Remember you are in the entertainment business. Top stars may be able to get away with all sorts of shenanigans, but that's because they are earning an awful lot of money for other people. You are not (yet!). Make sure you arrive on time, are reliable, and that you fulfill any expectations regarding start and finish times.
Leave them wanting more! - It probably sounds obvious, but it is so much better to leave an audience wanting more than to leave them thinking they've seen and heard it all. After all, you want them to come back and support you again next time, don't you? Tempting though it is when a gig is going well to carry on all night, it always pays to hold back and finish while the crowd are baying for more. If they leave the gig wishing you could have gone on for longer then they will surely be back again next time.
Good Luck!
About the author: Tony Williams is a musician, writer, and self-confessed eBay fanatic. He is also the webmaster of MuZiCk! - The irreverent rock music lexicon.
