stage fright

[mick]

can any body offer some words of wisdom,i am 36,been playing about 20 years on and off,but never gigged.Been in a garage band,but when we practised the whole street
went out for a night on the town!
Going to college in september to do a music course which will involve some gig work,so ive been told,really cakking it,negative thoughts keep over-riding common sense,is this natural or am i driving myself nuts?
most i ve done is kareoke while semi-******,also not very comfortable sometimes with crowds.
i am determine to live my angus type twanging dream before i croak,any words of wisdom or plain bluntness to help me through my psycosis would be appreciated,mick

[mick]

thanks for everyones help.obviously there isnt anyone who has really gigged in front of real people that arent on a piece of paper stuck on a bedroom /garage wall,got my answer,i ll just join the real world,have fun bathroom boys.

[gruzzy]

Hey man, if you go back a few posts to one called "Why is it...", I asked a similar question. And I think there are a couple of others about this too.

[mick]

thanx mate,was a bit ****** up and ****** off when i sent that nasty post,will check out the other post,cheers

[Chirp]

I just saw your post and September is close. I'm new to this forum and I hope this isn't considered spam because I'm linking to another site. This is a 3 part article on 'Stage Fright' that I think is good and hope it helps.

[Chirp]

Sorry,

I forgot the link...
http://www.ibreathemusic.com/article/93

[mick]

a-up matey,i cant believe me tabs!{ears}
its been a while since i posted and very strangley{spelling}i ve got a one song slot at a gig next week!
i ve just come back from the pub from which i went to get away from the presumed presure of playing a simple song in front of a room full of drunks!
the song is livin after midnight and can play it in my sleep but from reading your link ,your bang on!
i m gonna visit the venue just to get the feel of things,but like you say,its the thought of the spotlight on me,as its in the middle of the set and i can imigane{spelling again}"please welcome on stage blah blah blah"expectin eddie van halen,then i rip out some **** barre chords!
the reason for the exercise is just to get over some more barriers,as i believe i can play to a certain standard but its no use belting out greats just in my garage anymore.
so if any one out there has real giggin experiences,please post quickly!
had an audition for a maiden tribute band recently,things went well,but still in the air,threw up twice and had six ****s in one day.is that natural?
bring it on!

[jds]

Although I have not performed publicly as a guitarist, I have been a professional classical singer for quite some time. In my career, I have learned that stage fright tends to stem from lack of preparation. If I have practiced my booty off, any nervousness I might otherwise have felt is transformed into excitement. On the other hand, if I'm not quite sure of myself, the excitement becomes nervousness.
Something that might help: before the performance date, run through your material in front of someone who won't criticize you, just so you get the feel of having someone stare at you while you perform.
Don't know if that helps.

Jon

[Keith]

http://www.zentao.com/ubb/Forum6/HTML/000071.html

[supercobra]

Mick,
Sorry I didn't get to you sooner. I travel a lot and am away from my email for weeks at a time.

What you're going through is normal. I've been gigging off and on for years. You do get used to it, but there are still times when I'm shaking, like with a new band, in a new venue, or when in front of a crowd I don't know.

The only thing you can do is practice, like you have been with "Livin' After Midnight". Once you are prepared, make sure you have all your gear together, you know were all your tools are. Use fresh strings, but make sure they are stretched out. Tune up well. If you can set up well in advance, do so. Make sure you practice some at the sound level you plan to gig at.

Once you have this stuff done, you are ready. Avoid excessive alcohol or drugs. Just come with attitude and belief in yourself. You will rock!

[mick]

f

[mick]

thanks every one and his dog who got me over this small but large step.the gig went well and i m buzzing!

[supercobra]

That's great, Mick. I think the fear one has to overcome in order to gig contributes to the high one gets from the experience. Its so elating.

[motorhead_6]

It doesnt matter how you feel about it. If you play a gig and the stage fright causes you to mess it up then you have a serious problem. I wouldnt say quit after just one gig but if it continues you might as well hang it up.

[gruzzy]

Might as well hang up? I honestly think that's the worst advice I've heard. Stage fright is normal. It happens, and it can be overcome.

[YowhatsupT]

yeah nervousness and stage fright are two different things....nervousness is when you are unsure if neone else is going to like somthing. stage fright is when you have to learn all of Yngwie's malmsteens guitar work in one day and then go perform for a bunch of fans expecting him (Vai had to do this) you get the idea think about how hard that would be.

[hammer]

Yep it's natural... the only way to over come stage fright and be your best in front of a crowd is to keep doing it... but warning it becomes addictive!

[GuitarzanMan]

I had stage freight for the first year I was in a band. I actually nocked over my mic stand at one point. I had tunnel vision and couldn't concentrate on anything but playing and singing in the mic. The thing that really helps is practicing allot. If you don't feel comfortable and you are practing with your band once a week, crank it up to 2 or 3 practices a week. You can lean on your band mates to get you through also. Let the guy who is most comfortable in front of a crowd do all the talking. Now I yearn for the stage and look for people in the audience to connect with and talk to. Don't give up and keep jammin...