There are moments. Moments where all you can say is “uh-oh”. Saying uh-oh usually means that the only way to move is forward, but it’s not going to be pretty. There’s no legitimate chance of turning back and you’re about to suffer a little…you’re about to earn a badge.
There comes a point around 150 or 200 shows where I hope you can (and you should able to) avoid all of the following uh-oh moments. But if you don’t have that many shows under your belt yet…I actually wish these upon you, in the friendliest way possible. You need to get roughed up a little.
Here’s some uh-oh moments…
When you show up to the venue on time and literally no one else is there
When you show up to the venue, one guy goes in to check-in and comes out smiling
When another band on the bill asks to borrow your bass
When the sound guys asks if you brought microphones
When you are not insanely famous and the barricade is set up 20 feet off the front of the stage
When the lighting guy thinks it’d be a cool effect to “go dark” in the middle of a chorus
When the venue manager asks if he can pay you in deer meat (true story)
When there’s not a stage
When there is a “band house provided” in the contract
When the production manager asks where the horn section is, when there’s no horn section
When the drummer expects the bass player to have extra batteries for the metronome
When the entire front of the stage is lined with peoples’ beers (spoiler: they’re eventually getting knocked into your pedal board)
When anyone asks if they can pay you later
Send me your moments, and if I get a bunch of good ones I’ll do another post with a compiled list.
I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com