How do you know if you had a good show?
The most common answer, taken to the extreme is a version of:
“I knew I had a good show because when I got off stage Paul McCartney was standing there in tears telling me how amazing the show was.”
Here’s the thing: Now you need Paul McCartney at all of your shows.
Here’s the problem: Paul McCartney can’t be at all of your shows.
Here’s another problem: The shows that he is at, he’s not always going to be moved to tears, sometimes he only pats you on the shoulder and says ‘Good game’.
So now there’s ANOTHER problem: Paul McCartney was in tears one night and now is only doing a pat on the shoulder. So now it’s not enough for Paul McCartney to be AT my show. And it’s not enough for him to think it was good and to tell me it was good…I NEED HYSTERICAL TEARS every night more than the last…else I just don’t know if the show measured up.
And of course Paul McCartney represents: the size of the crowd, the volume of the clapping, the size of the venue, your mode of transportation to the venue, the demographic of the audience, the line at the merch table, etc etc etc.
It’s never enough. Paul McCartney at your show waiting for you when you get off stage is not enough. Oh it would be an incredible thrill and I hope it happens, and please tell me the story when it does. Come over and my wife and I will make you dinner (she is the master chef and I am in very much an assistant role).
Reassurance is a lonely race. You always need a little more when you get a little more. More on that here.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com