HeavyJay Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 I generally make sure I'm all tuned up (a number of times in an OCD kind of way), definitely go for a whizz and make sure my tie is straight! Other than that, as long as I've got a pint of Guinness next to me I'm good to go! Anyone else want to share their pre-gig rituals? From the mundane to the bizarre, all welcome! I used to know a drummer that needed to do press-ups before going on, drummers eh? Disclaimer: Shamelessly nicked thread idea from the TalkBass.com forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 I just make sure I turn up early so I can set up in a calm and collected state of mind with some chill time before the off. I really hate to get there, switch on and play straight away. Can't get into the Zone that way. I read that the Mahavishnu Orchestra used to ask for a minutes silence before they played and then hit the audience with a wall of sonic chaos! Cool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YouMa Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Take speed! Ha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnylager Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Pint, fag, tune-up, run through the songs acoustically, pint, fag, tune-up, press-ups, get pint and can of Red Bull for the stage, play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Most of the band are too busy checking out the totty to worry about the gig..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrenochrome Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Go for a wazz and I'm good. (I usually end up really busy doing something like killing the feedback from the monitors, or some other PA related nonsense.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 I like to have a shower just before I leave, and on the way there I take some antiseptic wipes and have a quick rub down before I get to the gig and then I pop in to the shower. Then I like to have another quick shower before I unload the car followed by another quick shower and then a quick shower before I have a quick shower and then I set up. Then, just before soundcheck, I'll have a quick shower and make sure I'm nice and clean before I have a quick shower and then after soundcheck I have a quick shower before relaxing in a nice hot bath. Then its another quick shower followed by a quick scrub down with dettol and another quick shower before I have a quick shower to put me in the right mood for a quick shower. After I've changed and dressed, I have another quick shower and then check whether the hot food is ready before having a quick shower and a change of clothes. Then its another quick shower and I pop back to the Gents for a quick wash before popping back in the shower for a scrub with dettol and a wire brush. Then, just before we're about to go on, I have a quick shower and a change of clothes. Call me superstitious if you like, but if I don't go through me little ritual then I'm useless during the first set... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William James Easton Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Pot noodle and a w*nk always set me up for action. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Always go for a piss. Tkae asprin and eat KFC apart from that I'm golden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Horse Murphy Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) Go for a wee about 8 times, tune up about 6 times, remind myself of what the lyrics are to various chorus parts I sing, check straplocks about 5 times and then finally prize my tongue from the roof of my completely dried up mouth using a screwdriver, check my flies and then glide on serenely with my heart trying to escape through my ribcage. And then tune up once more. Or maybe twice Funny though, one song in and I'm completely relaxed and in the zone. Edited October 31, 2008 by Old Horse Murphy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnylager Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 [quote name='Old Horse Murphy' post='319057' date='Oct 31 2008, 02:58 PM']Funny though, one song in and I'm compeltely relaxed and in the zone.[/quote] Aye, there's nowt like getting through that 1st number! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merton Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 [quote name='crez5150' post='319025' date='Oct 31 2008, 01:17 PM']Most of the band are too busy checking out the totty to worry about the gig..... [/quote] That's certainly my pre-gig ritual. Plus OCD hand washing coz I like clean hands when I'm playing bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wotnwhy Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 if it's a big gig and the opertunities there (ie, not playing in a pub with no backstage), then the whole band gather in a circle and say a load of motivational crap to each other like "lets give this audience more than what they paid for" (if it's full) "lets make sure the people who didn't bother to come tonight really regret it!" (if it's empty) etc etc and then positive reminders such as "lets keep the rhythm tight, steady and controlled, i want people to ask us if we were playing to a click track" "i want to see your singing make someone weep with joy" etc etch once everyones been complemented and the plan of attack defined. scream, make weird noises, stamp your feet, shake & jump and head out onto the stage. i know it all sounds silly/obvious/weird, but the difference that this makes is literally immense. if you get the oppertunity to try it, do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 [quote name='Crazykiwi' post='319034' date='Oct 31 2008, 01:26 PM']I like to have a shower just before I leave, and on the way there I take some antiseptic wipes and have a quick rub down before I get to the gig and then I pop in to the shower. Then I like to have another quick shower before I unload the car followed by another quick shower and then a quick shower before I have a quick shower and then I set up. Then, just before soundcheck, I'll have a quick shower and make sure I'm nice and clean before I have a quick shower and then after soundcheck I have a quick shower before relaxing in a nice hot bath. Then its another quick shower followed by a quick scrub down with dettol and another quick shower before I have a quick shower to put me in the right mood for a quick shower. After I've changed and dressed, I have another quick shower and then check whether the hot food is ready before having a quick shower and a change of clothes. Then its another quick shower and I pop back to the Gents for a quick wash before popping back in the shower for a scrub with dettol and a wire brush. Then, just before we're about to go on, I have a quick shower and a change of clothes. Call me superstitious if you like, but if I don't go through me little ritual then I'm useless during the first set...[/quote] All that and you still stink! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 none really, but i do like to go for food between soundcheck and gigtime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spector6 Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 [quote name='Adrenochrome' post='319031' date='Oct 31 2008, 01:23 PM']Go for a wazz and I'm good.[/quote] Same , usually go for a leek, get a bottle of water or a pint, check I'm in tune/pedal board/lead is secure in the amp and I'm ready to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBeefChief Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Nothing really. We don't tend to soundcheck. I tune up. I like a good few pints as well. Not 'cos I'm nervous. I just like a few pints. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Guitarist says: 'Remember, heads up, enjoy it'. I say: 'Remember, if we can't be good, be loud'. Drummer (looking at set list) says: 'How does that one start?' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 [quote name='ped' post='319251' date='Oct 31 2008, 06:11 PM']All that and you still stink![/quote] Yeah but you LOVE it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ped Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 Well my bass smells of cheese, onions and garlic so it masks your stench nicely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 [quote name='ped' post='319326' date='Oct 31 2008, 08:14 PM']Well my bass smells of cheese, onions and garlic so it masks your stench nicely[/quote] You told me I smelled of roses though. Thats the last time I trust you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted October 31, 2008 Share Posted October 31, 2008 [quote name='HeavyJay' post='318962' date='Oct 31 2008, 12:30 PM']I generally make sure I'm all tuned up[/quote] Must remember to do that... Garry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul h Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 Kebab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarPig Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 Find the bar, have a drink or 2. Meet any friends/family that have turned up. Make sure we all know the setlist. Tune Up. Warm Up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudewheresmybass Posted November 1, 2008 Share Posted November 1, 2008 paint my face with greasepaint, change into my stage clothes, and we're off!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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