While going to play a gig yesterday, I sat in the worst traffic I’ve ever sat in. A stretch that should have taken an hour to drive took three and a half hours.
Suppose to be there to load-in (through long halls, lifts, elevators to the 22nd floor) in at 5, show at 8. Got there at 7:30, still started on time and everyone was happy. By far the fastest load in and set up of a sound system and lights that has ever happened in the history of music.
But I will say, as I was changing clothes in the bathroom at 7:55, I’ve was never more aware of how haggard I looked…and felt. Borderline homeless man in a suit.
But the show went on, and people at the event were none the wiser of our stress-fest nightmare situation that we somehow pulled off.
And then I got to thinking…the show has never not happened.
I’ve played a million shows and there have been a million close calls, but I’ve never missed one.
There have been so many times, countless times where I have stressed out and stressed out the people around me because something went wrong, or we’re going to be late, or someone forgot cables or drumsticks.
For what? For the fear that the show wasn’t going to happen, people would be mad at me, people would think I’m a bad person for not upholding my word to play a show, for not looking professional.
But being professional isn’t about things going right all the time, it’s about making the show happen despite EVERYTHING going wrong.
So here’s to a little less worry and stress about the next gig. Breathe. It’s all going to happen…yes, the worry and the stress, but most importantly THE GIG.
I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com