My wife and I gig regularly. Typical acoustic due playing covers. First gig EVER we show up and unbeknownst to us it was a private party. Gig was at a local brewery / bar. Real cool place. We were supposed to play outside. Rain was 50% chance. The other option was to play in the basement where they were serving food. Without getting into detail, the basement thing would NOT have worked out. We made the call to set up outside. We have very, very expensive gear. Over 10k in guitars alone. Long story short, the rain held off and we absolutely crushed it. Party had a blast. Locals had a blast. Bartenders told us after the show that we were one of the best acts they have had and couldn't wait to have us back. That was our first gig. Now, in 2022 we have around 20 gigs scheduled and it's only April. That first gig was the standard we set. Every gig is measured to that one. No bad gigs yet. We kill it everywhere we go.
I was 17 yrs old ... gigging in Passaic NJ .. in a dump called Club Donna ... the 3 other guys are 21 and older ... on week 3 a guy walks in with a 44 caliber handgun ... yells at his wife ( I guess ) and shoots her in the hip and blows her off of the stool .... I , peeing my pants ... stare in disbelief .... the owner says " Keep Playin" ... I step back , pack up my guitar and got the hell out of there .... never went back ...
A band I was in used to make a point of making Pop Tarts for the audience while on stage (we plugged in a toaster on a power bar somewhere near the drum riser). Somehow, an enthusiastic patron got hold of the toaster and it got thrown at us while we were in mid song. Bass player made the greatest one handed grab I've ever seen, caught the toaster milliseconds before it went smashing into the cymbal, and barely missed a beat in the song to boot. Probably one of the most memorable moments we ever had on stage, it remains legendary among the guys to this day.
Sean, I was at that gig last week. For what it's worth, I thought your mom was way out of line watching a Rick Beato video on her phone after she requested you play some Barbra Streisand.
Two things I've learned from gigging: (1) As you say, no one in the audience really cares, (2) If the players are having fun the audience will have fun. (Now if I could only learn to have fun while playing... :-) )
Maybe not my worst gig, but it was something to remember. During one of my breaks, playing at a wedding, the grooms uncle wanted to say some words. He was a bit drunk and even I could feel the tension in the room when he started his speech. He told the groom that he had to tell him something important and difficult, and that it was time for him to know what had happened when he was younger. I didn`t know any of the people but I started feeling sorry for both bride and, as I was shure the uncle was about to ruin the wedding as he said to the groom: «I feel it is about time to tell you that it was your father who was Santa Claus». I`ve never been so relieved at a gig since 😅
I bust out some covers and people ask, "Ya have anything original?" I play a bunch of originals and people ask, "Ya know any covers?" I now respond with, "Have you ever tried to pick up an instrument?" That usually shuts them down in a fairly gentle manner, when they realize who's in charge of the music.
I played in a band where the gig was three nights for the grand opening of an Italian restaurant. An hour into night one….not one customer. Not even foot traffic wandering in. At the end of night one, someone mentioned the person who was in charge of advertising, never followed through to make sure ads were actually placed. As a result, we played three nights to the wait staff and busboys. Contract at least got us paid. It turned into a three night rehearsal of new tunes. There were “some” customers by night three, but what an awful gig.
Yesterday I played guitar for this church for the first time that ive known for years as one of the best music groups for a church ive ever heard. Anyway, they decided to send me the music, 4 hours before the performance, sent it to me in 3 different keys. I get there 2 hours later for the pre show practice, and in that time they spend an hour and a half messing around. I learned part of one of the many songs we were playing that night. As we start I realize, that there are people playing in 3 different keys. So I spent rhe whole mass trying to watch my music as a sight reader, watching the bass players hands to watch what he was playing, watching what the electroc guitarist was playing, and playing chords that were halfway between those two guitars in an attempt to bridge the gap. Also I wacked my guitar against something in the middle and had my guitar go out of tune making it so I had to do the rest in power chords, and I was the only one who printed the music and brought it to the practice. Thar was a HORRIBLE gig
My first gig, actually... Was in college and had just been invited by a friend to play rhythm guitar for them. I had not yet learned all their songs. I went to one of their gigs which was some kind of band show round up where they invited each band to do a brief set of two songs. At the last minute my buddy invited me to join them, so I brought my guitar. I didn’t even know what songs they were going to play. They launched into the first song (Spoonman, IIRC) which was one of the ones I knew. Then they started the second song (some Collective Soul, IIRC) which I did not know. Now, you have to understand that, at the time, I was SUPER shy. And this was literally my first time on stage as a guitarist. I look back now and think this was so silly, but at the time I was so embarrassed! They had introduced me as a new member of the band and I felt like EVERYONE could tell I had no idea what I was doing. Of course, no one really even noticed or cared. But I still carry the emotional scars from that day! Haha.
I used to gig with the ladies choir at the local prison.We would play 4 or 5 songs and then there was a sermon and fellowship afterwards. The inmates are free to roam around and some will greet you with a handshake. So we are a couple of songs in and I notice this one guy is staring....hard at me. I would say he was staring through me! I was certain I was gonna have to perform the "el kabong" maneuver but fortunately nothing happened. But ...talk about a tense gig! I've since had to stop the gig due to working so much but that was one that still sticks in my mind!
WORST GIG EVER, MY DAD AND I ARE CAMPING AT A CAMPGROUND. WE ARE PLAYING A FEW SONGS RELAXING , MIND YOU IM PLAYING A BANJO JUST LEARNING AN NOW WE HAVE ABOUT 30 PEOPLE GATHERD AROUND AND I DIDNT BRING MY GUITAR SO I WOULD BE FORCED TO PLAY THE DANG BANJO, WELL I WAS FORCED TO PLAY IT ALRIGHT AND THE WORST SOUNDS WHERE COMING OUT FROM THAT THING BUT PEOPLE WERE CLAPPING SO JUST HUNG IN TRHE BEST I COULD THANKS AARON
Worst gig: I'm working on a few new songs at home on my acoustic. My wife asks me what I'm doing: I say "figuring out some crowd pleasers for the band". Her: "... do you guys _have any_ crowd pleasers?". Ouch.
As someone who writes and plays orgininal music with a few choice covers, I’ve had some rough times. Its a struggle sometimes trying to toe the line between keeping the crowd involved and sticking to my music
I played bass at a bar gig. The bar fed the band, and I had a huge cheeseburger and a whole plate of fries. Great food and FREE!! I got up for the first set and could barely stand, I was so stuffed. Having a heavy bass guitar hanging on me didn't help. I could barely breathe. Even though I played well I was absolutely miserable the entire night (4 one hr sets). *Always watch what you eat before you take the stage.*
When I first started playing, and I only knew a few cowboy chords, a friend asked me over to a party he was having, and asked me to bring my guitar. He starts playing songs with chords I don’t know yet, breaking out the bar chords, a little lead work, and keeps telling me, “Can’t you do this? It’s so easy!!!” I’m like, “Not yet...” I didn’t stay long... But the real nightmare wasn’t a gig, it was a recording session I was at last week. The main studio guy was super paranoid, and kept yelling at people to stop staring at him, yelled at his workers when they weren’t helping him, and then yelled at them when they were. Then, at one point, he threw everyone out, and we heard him cursing at the top of his lungs. But we recorded a killer song!!! So all was good at the end.
This was a great video and I’m still laughing. Hi, from Austin guys. Hysterical but I agree. . Once you take yourself seriously, shit will hit the fan. Hi, from Austin guys.
First legit Live gig for me with my former band "Feed the Horse" 50min 12 song set get on/get off joint and I'm gonna "crush it" with Line 6 Spider 2x10 and 25y/o Kay Strat. And i break a string with no time to fix with only Takamine acoustic 2mins into first song. Also fond memorues of first acoustic show in Catholic church gym fundraiser in Utah while I'm with 2 other blokes whilst wearing kilts pounding out Scottish tunes. And in the front of numerous cafeteria tables was the 70-80 y/o man with a glass eye listening intently. Ultimately he was digging us just pounding away on table during Proclaimers "500Miles". Realized the "trappings of stardom" when recognuzed as a "performer" later that eve and given Tacos & Pepsi. Cheers.
My wife and I gig regularly. Typical acoustic due playing covers. First gig EVER we show up and unbeknownst to us it was a private party. Gig was at a local brewery / bar. Real cool place. We were supposed to play outside. Rain was 50% chance. The other option was to play in the basement where they were serving food. Without getting into detail, the basement thing would NOT have worked out. We made the call to set up outside. We have very, very expensive gear. Over 10k in guitars alone. Long story short, the rain held off and we absolutely crushed it. Party had a blast. Locals had a blast. Bartenders told us after the show that we were one of the best acts they have had and couldn't wait to have us back. That was our first gig. Now, in 2022 we have around 20 gigs scheduled and it's only April. That first gig was the standard we set. Every gig is measured to that one. No bad gigs yet. We kill it everywhere we go.
Sounds like a great time! Keep it up!
I was 17 yrs old ... gigging in Passaic NJ .. in a dump called Club Donna ... the 3 other guys are 21 and older ... on week 3 a guy walks in with a 44 caliber handgun ... yells at his wife ( I guess ) and shoots her in the hip and blows her off of the stool .... I , peeing my pants ... stare in disbelief .... the owner says " Keep Playin" ... I step back , pack up my guitar and got the hell out of there .... never went back ...
KEEP PLAYING?!?!?! Ok that one takes the cake.
A band I was in used to make a point of making Pop Tarts for the audience while on stage (we plugged in a toaster on a power bar somewhere near the drum riser). Somehow, an enthusiastic patron got hold of the toaster and it got thrown at us while we were in mid song. Bass player made the greatest one handed grab I've ever seen, caught the toaster milliseconds before it went smashing into the cymbal, and barely missed a beat in the song to boot. Probably one of the most memorable moments we ever had on stage, it remains legendary among the guys to this day.
Sean, I was at that gig last week.
For what it's worth, I thought your mom was way out of line watching a Rick Beato video on her phone after she requested you play some Barbra Streisand.
Ha HA - good one.
Haha, she has a little crush.
lol.
Our band had a gig where the only people in the room were the band that played before us. They were waiting for their PA equipment. Good times!
Been there.
Two things I've learned from gigging: (1) As you say, no one in the audience really cares, (2) If the players are having fun the audience will have fun. (Now if I could only learn to have fun while playing... :-) )
Maybe not my worst gig, but it was something to remember. During one of my breaks, playing at a wedding, the grooms uncle wanted to say some words. He was a bit drunk and even I could feel the tension in the room when he started his speech. He told the groom that he had to tell him something important and difficult, and that it was time for him to know what had happened when he was younger. I didn`t know any of the people but I started feeling sorry for both bride and, as I was shure the uncle was about to ruin the wedding as he said to the groom: «I feel it is about time to tell you that it was your father who was Santa Claus». I`ve never been so relieved at a gig since 😅
I bust out some covers and people ask, "Ya have anything original?" I play a bunch of originals and people ask, "Ya know any covers?" I now respond with, "Have you ever tried to pick up an instrument?" That usually shuts them down in a fairly gentle manner, when they realize who's in charge of the music.
Haha, I love it.
I played in a band where the gig was three nights for the grand opening of an Italian restaurant. An hour into night one….not one customer. Not even foot traffic wandering in. At the end of night one, someone mentioned the person who was in charge of advertising, never followed through to make sure ads were actually placed. As a result, we played three nights to the wait staff and busboys. Contract at least got us paid. It turned into a three night rehearsal of new tunes. There were “some” customers by night three, but what an awful gig.
Yesterday I played guitar for this church for the first time that ive known for years as one of the best music groups for a church ive ever heard. Anyway, they decided to send me the music, 4 hours before the performance, sent it to me in 3 different keys. I get there 2 hours later for the pre show practice, and in that time they spend an hour and a half messing around. I learned part of one of the many songs we were playing that night. As we start I realize, that there are people playing in 3 different keys. So I spent rhe whole mass trying to watch my music as a sight reader, watching the bass players hands to watch what he was playing, watching what the electroc guitarist was playing, and playing chords that were halfway between those two guitars in an attempt to bridge the gap. Also I wacked my guitar against something in the middle and had my guitar go out of tune making it so I had to do the rest in power chords, and I was the only one who printed the music and brought it to the practice. Thar was a HORRIBLE gig
I love it, as if 2 different keys weren't bad enough.
@@seandaniel23 I know right, and it was as if I was the only person who noticed, the bass, electric guitar, and piano all playin in their own key
My first gig, actually... Was in college and had just been invited by a friend to play rhythm guitar for them. I had not yet learned all their songs. I went to one of their gigs which was some kind of band show round up where they invited each band to do a brief set of two songs. At the last minute my buddy invited me to join them, so I brought my guitar. I didn’t even know what songs they were going to play. They launched into the first song (Spoonman, IIRC) which was one of the ones I knew. Then they started the second song (some Collective Soul, IIRC) which I did not know. Now, you have to understand that, at the time, I was SUPER shy. And this was literally my first time on stage as a guitarist. I look back now and think this was so silly, but at the time I was so embarrassed! They had introduced me as a new member of the band and I felt like EVERYONE could tell I had no idea what I was doing. Of course, no one really even noticed or cared. But I still carry the emotional scars from that day! Haha.
Let the scars heal!
I used to gig with the ladies choir at the local prison.We would play 4 or 5 songs and then there was a sermon and fellowship afterwards. The inmates are free to roam around and some will greet you with a handshake. So we are a couple of songs in and I notice this one guy is staring....hard at me. I would say he was staring through me! I was certain I was gonna have to perform the "el kabong" maneuver but fortunately nothing happened. But ...talk about a tense gig! I've since had to stop the gig due to working so much but that was one that still sticks in my mind!
Haha, good to have the El Kabong in the back pocket though.
WORST GIG EVER, MY DAD AND I ARE CAMPING AT A CAMPGROUND. WE ARE PLAYING A FEW SONGS RELAXING , MIND YOU IM PLAYING A BANJO JUST LEARNING AN NOW WE HAVE ABOUT 30 PEOPLE GATHERD AROUND AND I DIDNT BRING MY GUITAR SO I WOULD BE FORCED TO PLAY THE DANG BANJO, WELL I WAS FORCED TO PLAY IT ALRIGHT AND THE WORST SOUNDS WHERE COMING OUT FROM THAT THING BUT PEOPLE WERE CLAPPING SO JUST HUNG IN TRHE BEST I COULD THANKS
AARON
Haha, maybe you're a banjo natural.
Worst gig: I'm working on a few new songs at home on my acoustic. My wife asks me what I'm doing: I say "figuring out some crowd pleasers for the band". Her: "... do you guys _have any_ crowd pleasers?". Ouch.
Ooof!
Hilarious stories!!!
Thanks for sharing these
As someone who writes and plays orgininal music with a few choice covers, I’ve had some rough times. Its a struggle sometimes trying to toe the line between keeping the crowd involved and sticking to my music
Keep doing your thing man!
It's the age of the tribe. People who resonate with your music will seek you out.
I played bass at a bar gig. The bar fed the band, and I had a huge cheeseburger and a whole plate of fries. Great food and FREE!!
I got up for the first set and could barely stand, I was so stuffed. Having a heavy bass guitar hanging on me didn't help. I could barely breathe. Even though I played well I was absolutely miserable the entire night (4 one hr sets).
*Always watch what you eat before you take the stage.*
Good tip
I feel like the only person who hates hearing bands play covers
I'm with you :)
100% agree
The lady with the ear buds. Wow, that's hard to believe someone could be that rude.
It was pretty amazing.
the worst is I never gigged YET.
When I first started playing, and I only knew a few cowboy chords, a friend asked me over to a party he was having, and asked me to bring my guitar. He starts playing songs with chords I don’t know yet, breaking out the bar chords, a little lead work, and keeps telling me, “Can’t you do this? It’s so easy!!!” I’m like, “Not yet...” I didn’t stay long...
But the real nightmare wasn’t a gig, it was a recording session I was at last week. The main studio guy was super paranoid, and kept yelling at people to stop staring at him, yelled at his workers when they weren’t helping him, and then yelled at them when they were. Then, at one point, he threw everyone out, and we heard him cursing at the top of his lungs. But we recorded a killer song!!! So all was good at the end.
Nice! You'll have to link me to the song!
Rob 🤣 I just sent the whole time laughing. It was just a recording gig, not brain surgery! People need to keep thing in perspective.
Can you do more faking it on piano videos pls?
Great idea! I'll try and do one this week :)
the worst thing is when somebody is filming :( there are still embarrassingly bad performances of me floating around TH-cam
Haha, I hear you on this.
When are we getting those contest winners announced? I need the world of Sean Daniel viewers to hear my great fan fic ;D
OMG the earbuds! Man that is a bold bold move! Hahahhaha omg this made my day just imagining this woman doin her hater thang!
Lmao! I grew up in central Florida I can totally relate to those crowds, lol
Par for the course.
This was a great video and I’m still laughing. Hi, from Austin guys. Hysterical but I agree. . Once you take yourself seriously, shit will hit the fan. Hi, from Austin guys.
First legit Live gig for me with my former band "Feed the Horse" 50min 12 song set get on/get off joint and I'm gonna "crush it" with Line 6 Spider 2x10 and 25y/o Kay Strat. And i break a string with no time to fix with only Takamine acoustic 2mins into first song. Also fond memorues of first acoustic show in Catholic church gym fundraiser in Utah while I'm with 2 other blokes whilst wearing kilts pounding out Scottish tunes. And in the front of numerous cafeteria tables was the 70-80 y/o man with a glass eye listening intently. Ultimately he was digging us just pounding away on table during Proclaimers "500Miles". Realized the "trappings of stardom" when recognuzed as a "performer" later that eve and given Tacos & Pepsi. Cheers.
Tacos and Pepsi, the ultimate haul.
The only thing I know about Streisand is that she was Mecha-Godzilla in that one early episode of South Park.
Nice to know even guys like ye 2 guys have bad gigs! 👍
Haha, oh they happen.
Elvis is probaly dead... made my sunday :-D
Always happy to help :)
concert pianist
:)
No Passion = Bad Gig... all the rest is child’s play...
first
Champion!