How to Succeed at Your First Gig (Tips from Touring Musicians)

First Gig? Here's Everything You Need to Know to CRUSH IT

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[philippes]

I remember my first gig at a festival - We had a perfect plan for load-in and soundcheck. Quick, coordinated, great sound from the start. We has ZERO plan for load-out. Was just a big mess. I lost my wallet, keys and a bunch of cables that night.

[benthompson]

Dear Rob just gonna say I've been watching you for years and you're such a huge inspiration to keep playing music even with the kids its not easy. don't ever stop rocking pal

[ThatBaritoneGuitarGuy]

Looking in my tour case, I will also add:
* Phillips screwdriver. Seriously. Don't leave home without one.
* Allen wrench kit. SOMEONE is going to need SOMETHING adjusted.
* Pens/Sharpies. Trust me. You WILL need them.
* Pocket knife. Again, you WILL need it.

[GraemeCampbellMusic]

I do solo gigs as a big part of my living and I agree with all of the above, especially having a back up of everything. I even bring a spare PA speaker and a box of spare leads etc that I leave in the car. That said, I did have a recent gig whenere I had spare everything but forgot a guitar strap 🤣. Managed to get through the gig sitting for a change, Also its worth being friendly and chatty while setting up, especially playing in a pub. You can win folk over before you hit the first note.

[plasticoflamingo]

As a guy who roadied a bit, and has played in a couple of bands no one ever heard of, here's a few things I can add.
Have extra amp fuses, and even tubes/valves. Trust me.
ALWAYS be cool to the sound guys, they can make, or break, your show! People WILL walk out, if the mix is all muddy bass, or eardrum-ripping treble! I've seen it happen to world touring bands, with huge followings.
Get friendly with other bands/musicians in your immediate area. The best "scenes", all over the world, are the ones where all the bands get along, and help each other out, rather than being rivals and enemies. They are the scenes that bands get signed from.
Don't worry about crowd size. Even if you end up playing for the bartender, door guy, and a cocktail server, you're getting free stage time for rehearsal, and three people who, presumably, have friends that they may talk you up, to. If you suck, they will DEFINITELY tell everyone they know. Really, they will.
And, ALWAYS play it like you mean it! People go to shows to be transported out of their lives, for a bit, and YOU are who is driving the bus. If you're not into it, the audience won't be, either!
Oh, make sure you POO BEFORE YOU GO ON STAGE! Especially on a tour. So many musicians have "soiled their bloomers" on stage, that it's not even that funny, anymore. Too much partying, bad food, gas station sushi, not enough sleep, is a recipe for trouser fudge, friends!
And now, most importantly, no matter how well you plan, how much you've prepared yourself for, EVERYTHING can fall apart on you, all at once! That is the absurdist nature of Life. So... roll with it! It'll, probably, make a good story, later.
BTW, Rob, "RESTRANG"? lol

[RealHatsHaveBrims]

Thanks Rob - that was so evocative for me. Our first live gig was in 1984 (or was it 85 ?). This brought back these memories of how we handled it:
1 Bassist - "My brother's got us a gig !"
2 Guitar1 + Guitar2 "Let's do it !"
3 Drummer "are we ready ?" (SPOILER- nobody is ever ready)

We did it and got through.

We failed as a band, but learned so many life lessons - the chief of which are "Talent is optional - Charisma is necessary" and "If they won't have you back - change your name".

Good luck to anyone preparing to do it. The older version of you will remember it fondly - even if you suck :)

[jonathandulin]

I’ve entered a new phase in life. In high school and college, I always played in originals bands playing 30 minute sets. In the last 10 years, I’ve mostly played church music both at my own local church and at different kinds of events. I just got a new gig playing 3 hour cover sets of blues, rock, and country songs. So different

[captainashcam]

Great advice. A little kindness goes a long way, you never know what someone else is going through.

[shugemery]

Hey Rob. Always enjoyed hearing to tear it up on the Andertons videos.

[nowgearthis]

Be the “button of fun” is some sage advice. Who doesn’t want to be that button?

[JoeFic]

Rob, thanks for sharing!
Love that you’re sharing your experience and wisdom for live playing. Back in my college days I was part of an acoustic duo, and WE ALWAYS HAD TEA to warm up our voices!
Keep the faith brother!

[ShellshockedGuitarist]

What you said about the game of life was pure gold!

[ashleybrooks]

Loving the coaching angle of your recent vids Rob. I did a few gigs when I was younger and has largely positive experiences, but me now wishes me then had watched this and had a bit more of a plan going into it.

[Jamman]

In another band I was playing in the drummer’s wife drove off with 90 % of our gear. That was an eventful night. Good thing I knew people to help get us up & going.

[kocinski]

'Press the button of fun' - words to live by :)

[modelcitizen]

If you are playing good stuff, and you're at all charismatic, you have a shot. Some people get to skip the whole line because of who their dad is or what they look like. Others get to skip part of it because they're good people with integrity who make smart decisions. Be the latter and follow Rob's advice, and you will be at least one step ahead of the next band.

[Seraphic_wolf]

Awesome video chappers.
I always love the spiritual undertones you wrap your advice with 🙏

[ericolson]

I don't gig, but a couple years ago I bought one roll each of black and white gaffer tape and they were -- no hyperbole -- the BEST purchases I made all year.

[Jamman]

We had an over the cab box truck and a mid size Winnebago. We had a numerical & alphabetical system. It worked great for a 90 day tour.

[IrishStewGuitar]

I would have reckoned nailing you first gig would have included making sure you are well rehearsed and what to do if somebody makes perhaps monumental mistake and how to recover. Also make sure ALL your gear is working perfectly and maybe spare batteries for fx pedals 😁