Lose my chops on stage!!

[GuitarStv]

Personally I like to be at the stage where I'm maybe just a bit unsteady on my feet but still able to set things up, adjust my amp, plug in my guitar right, communicate w/ bandmates etc..that's my personal sweet spot.... it does'nt affect my speed or motor functions at all..

I don't don't really know how I'd function without alchohol onstage....the fun part is never finding out

Crutch or not ..who cares? Religion is a crutch, politics ..everything really ..everyone has their crutches. Why not use one that actually helps you achieve a goal instead of ****ing everyone & dividing everyone up around you instead..

I've played while using alcohol to try to calm down and I've learned to play sober. Of the two, the latter is pretty clearly better. It sounds like most people in this thread who have tried both have had a similar experience to me. Like you said, you've never learned to play without booze. It would probably be worth trying for you.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

I've played while using alcohol to try to calm down and I've learned to play sober. Of the two, the latter is pretty clearly better. It sounds like most people in this thread who have tried both have had a similar experience to me. Like you said, you've never learned to play without booze. It would probably be worth trying for you.

Correction...'clearly better' for YOU ..not for me. The opposite is 'clearly better for me' or I would'nt have been doing it for 30 fun-filled years. (and yes, it did initially help calm my nerves....but I think for decades now it's all about having fun up there).

Of course I could bombard this thread w/ a whole lot of live clips showing my always sozzled/stoned band performing pretty sweetly onstage and being appreciated no end by our audience..But let's leave it at that one clip I posted & w/ the assurance that that's pretty much indicative of all our performances...

Though if you would like something on a more personal performance level (to demonsrtate the complete lack of the supposed "detrimental effect" that being plastered has on me & the flying of my fingers notwithstanding) ...why not?

As for most people on this forum "agreeing" with you...You've just got to know by now how much that means to me... :lmao:

I return to a point I made earlier that was conveniently ignored . Almost ALL your/my idol's from the 70's/80's/90's were drunk &/or stoned out of their minds onstage. THE most legendary live performances in history were all recorded that way..the entire woodstock billing, Hendrix, Zep, Sabbath, The Doors..you name name it they were all blotto and contrary to the views expressed on this forum, I'm pretty sure they share my points of view instead :bigthumb:

 

[Mincer]

To be fair, live Hendrix was often pretty screechy and sloppy. And Morrison is the only one from the Doors who was onstage drunk. Ever hear any bootlegs of him live? It is awful. And I am a Doors fan.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Come on Mincer...you now what I mean...those guys were all drunk & stoned & pretty much every live performance of their's that is now considered legendary was recorded under the influence. Sure, they did'nt play like Meshuggah but what they recorded is infinitely more popular than anything bands like Meshuggah will likely ever record ( no disrespect to Messugah..I'm not a fan personally, but to each their own)...

Frankly, I'm not a huge Hendrix (or even Doors) fan either ..but that wasn't my point...

I would argue that the fact that were both drunk/stoned out of their minds all day long ..actually added to their popularity & what they came up with live that made those performances so legendary, if anything...

 

[AdrianSD]

"Get drunk on stage, you'll be fine", don't know how that's gonna work mid-long term. Phantasmagoria no disrespect or anything like that, far from me, but I honestly hope you give better life advice to your kids. You obviously picked the wrong fight over here, people aren't impressed with the your suggestions and you managed to derail the discussion quite a bit, not really helping the OP at this point.
Sometimes one should know when to stop. Just saying...

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Look, if you or anyone else does'nt like my suggestion ..eh, ignore it/don't take it. The reason I suggested it was because it 'works' ..not just for me but for countless other players/bands since the dawn of rock history & probably before that as well. It was'nt directed at you guys anyway. It was meant for the OP who, whether he agreed or not did'nt trash it/get butthurt/have a meltdown about it. A suggestion's just that...a suggestion.

There's nothing 'radical' or crazy about it..& it's certainly nothing that has'nt been done before. It's not necessarily harmful or illegal either.

I happen to think a bunch of suggestions in here such as stretching your fingers before going onstage or w/e were'nt really going to solve the OP's problem...but I did'nt have a fit/jump down anyone's throat about it...​

 

[Mincer]

Come on Mincer...you now what I mean...those guys were all drunk & stoned & pretty much every live performance of their's that is now considered legendary was recorded under the influence. Sure, they did'nt play like Meshuggah but what they recorded is infinitely more popular than anything bands like Meshuggah will likely ever record ( no disrespect to Messugah..I'm not a fan personally, but to each their own)...

Frankly, I'm not a huge Hendrix (or even Doors) fan either ..but that wasn't my point...

I would argue that the fact that were both drunk/stoned out of their minds all day long ..actually added to their popularity & what they came up with live that made those performances so legendary, if anything...

I think they may have been drunk all day long (after the fame), but the creativity was there despite that, not because of it. They were doing things that literally had never been done before up till that point, though. The 'fame engine' designed to keep them constantly touring and popular is a lot to deal with, especially the super-creative types. They were being told by everyone around them how great they are, and man, that has gotta be hard to deal with day in and day out. Those days, it was hard to sneak in a recording device and record live shows. Bands could get away with stumbling around onstage incoherently and no one knew except the people there. Add to the fact that ticket prices were like $1.50, and people didn't care much. Today, if you pay $500 for a ticket for a world-famous band, a constantly-drunk and sloppy band would be all over the internet and it would ruin their career.

In the end, you do you. Your band mates and audience might not care, and I absolutely believe your experience.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

I think they may have been drunk all day long (after the fame), but the creativity was there despite that, not because of it. They were doing things that literally had never been done before up till that point, though. The 'fame engine' designed to keep them constantly touring and popular is a lot to deal with, especially the super-creative types. They were being told by everyone around them how great they are, and man, that has gotta be hard to deal with day in and day out.

Yeah, yeah ...it's a real drag :lmao:

Those days, it was hard to sneak in a recording device and record live shows. Bands could get away with stumbling around onstage incoherently and no one knew except the people there. Add to the fact that ticket prices were like $1.50, and people didn't care much. Today, if you pay $500 for a ticket for a world-famous band, a constantly-drunk and sloppy band would be all over the internet and it would ruin their career.

Well, technically this went on until way into the 90's w/ grunge & stuff...then you the shoegaze/emo stuff of the 2000's There will always be place/appreciation for drunk and stoned performances, but then I was'nt advocating it for the "coolness factor".

I genuinely believe it could help the OP w/ his anxiety. I know it helped me & w/ pretty much no detrimental effects to my performance onstage.

I'm not even a big drinker ....unless we have a gig. That's when I want to feel enough of a kick to make it count..so I make sure I down what I need to so I'm having fun & buzzing just right on stage..but still in control. That's why finding the "sweet spot' is the key It enhances rather than subtracts from your (well, my) performance :bigthumb:

In the end, you do you. Your band mates and audience might not care, and I absolutely believe your experience.

I don't see what cause I give them to care ...quite the opposite. We put on a pretty sweet show....we all enjoy the gig and everyone gets their money's worth & has a great time. Who could ask for more? All's well that end's well :bigthumb:

 

[GuitarStv]

Correction...'clearly better' for YOU ..not for me. The opposite is 'clearly better for me' or I would'nt have been doing it for 30 fun-filled years. (and yes, it did initially help calm my nerves....but I think for decades now it's all about having fun up there).

Of course I could bombard this thread w/ a whole lot of live clips showing my always sozzled/stoned band performing pretty sweetly onstage and being appreciated no end by our audience..But let's leave it at that one clip I posted & w/ the assurance that that's pretty much indicative of all our performances...

Though if you would like something on a more personal performance level (to demonsrtate the complete lack of the supposed "detrimental effect" that being plastered has on me & the flying of my fingers notwithstanding) ...why not?

As for most people on this forum "agreeing" with you...You've just got to know by now how much that means to me... :lmao:

I return to a point I made earlier that was conveniently ignored . Almost ALL your/my idol's from the 70's/80's/90's were drunk &/or stoned out of their minds onstage. THE most legendary live performances in history were all recorded that way..the entire woodstock billing, Hendrix, Zep, Sabbath, The Doors..you name name it they were all blotto and contrary to the views expressed on this forum, I'm pretty sure they share my points of view instead :bigthumb:

All that I said was that it was worth giving sober playing (something you mentioned having never tried) a go. Since you haven't tried, you don't really know what's better for you.

If you can't have fun playing music without getting drunk I just feel kind of sad for you.

 

[Securb]

None of the bands or musicians that abused alcohol in any era benefitted from doing so. Many died or had their careers seriously derailed, many never reaching their full potential. Some rock musicians who saw their careers impacted by struggles with alcohol include Eric Clapton, Jim Morrison, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Bon Scott, EVH, Scott Weiland, Amy Winehouse, Slash, David Crosby, Ace Frehley, James Hetfield, Steven Adler, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, and Brian Jones to name a few. The ones who did not die are quick to point out that periods of alcohol abuse were the low point in their career. I would challenge anyone to find a quote or biography from any legend of rock music who would claim alcohol made their performances better or made them better musicians.

In regards to alcohol bringing band harmony, more bands have broken up because of drunken fights than any other factor. Even just last month Jane's Addiction broke up because Perry Farrell could not stay sober on stage. The Eagles had drunken conflicts, The Who had drunken knockdown fights, Oasis? Let's not even go there. I can not think of a single music success story where alcohol played a positive contributing part of the story. From Aerosmith, Zeppelin, Aerosmith, VanHalen, KISS to the more modern acts their use of alcohol is a cautionary tale.

 

[AdrianSD]

I can not think of a single music success story where alcohol played a positive contributing part of the story.

Mustaine got kicked out of Metallica because of alcohol abuse, that's why Megadeth exists, there you go

 

[Securb]

I would say Metalica is without a doubt the most successful band. Dave knocked off the alcohol abuse for a reason; he doesn't binge drink anymore. His old band is still selling out arenas for multiple-night engagements, and Megadeth plays 10-20 K-seat venues with the exception of tours like the Big 4 tour or multi-headliner tours. I would not say alcohol helped Dave Mustaine's career.

Dave Mustaine's net worth is $14 million​ Megadeth has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide
Kirk Hammett net worth is $200 million​, Metallica has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide​

 

[Phantasmagoria]

And yet I have'nt listened to a thing by Metallica since AJfA.... ok I bought the Black album and threw it in the trash after barely one listen if you want to count that :bigthumb:

I'm sure Beiber & whoever the who's who of the popular music world today's sells gadzillions of albums as well. I'd rather stick pins in my scrotum than listen to that junk. Am I supposed to be impressed & run out and buy their shit? I mean, what's your point? :lmao:

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Mustaine got kicked out of Metallica because of alcohol abuse, that's why Megadeth exists, there you go

Well, then I for one am happy as a pig in shit about that :bigthumb:

 

[Phantasmagoria]

None of the bands or musicians that abused alcohol in any era benefitted from doing so. Many died or had their careers seriously derailed, many never reaching their full potential. Some rock musicians who saw their careers impacted by struggles with alcohol include Eric Clapton, Jim Morrison, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Bon Scott, EVH, Scott Weiland, Amy Winehouse, Slash, David Crosby, Ace Frehley, James Hetfield, Steven Adler, Ozzy Osbourne, Jimmy Page, and Brian Jones to name a few. The ones who did not die are quick to point out that periods of alcohol abuse were the low point in their career. I would challenge anyone to find a quote or biography from any legend of rock music who would claim alcohol made their performances better or made them better musicians.

In regards to alcohol bringing band harmony, more bands have broken up because of drunken fights than any other factor. Even just last month Jane's Addiction broke up because Perry Farrell could not stay sober on stage. The Eagles had drunken conflicts, The Who had drunken knockdown fights, Oasis? Let's not even go there. I can not think of a single music success story where alcohol played a positive contributing part of the story. From Aerosmith, Zeppelin, Aerosmith, VanHalen, KISS to the more modern acts their use of alcohol is a cautionary tale.

lol, newsflash, My band's been around w/ about three member changes for 30+ years. All those changes were because the guys had to relocate. In other words there's no ^^ parallel.

What's any of this got to do w/ me anyway? The guy asked for suggestions to help w/ anxiety/stage fright. I happen to know for a fact/ by personal experience that this can help w/ his problem. So I suggested it. Am I sorry I did? Is that what you'd like me to say? I mean, Is that what this little pile-on is about? Well, sorry to dissappoint ...I'm not in the least and won't ever be..

It's a valid suggestion and it actually helps unlike many of the other dumb suggestions in here. You're welcome to feel as sad for me as you like. As I said my band enjoys it, I enjoy it & our fans enjoy it...been that way for more than 30 years. Guess how much y'all matter in all of this :laugh2:

 

[Phantasmagoria]

All that I said was that it was worth giving sober playing (something you mentioned having never tried) a go. Since you haven't tried, you don't really know what's better for you.

If you can't have fun playing music without getting drunk I just feel kind of sad for you.

Watch the clip. I'm having lots & lotsa fun ..so's everyone around me

So yeah, save the tears :lmao:

 

[Phantasmagoria]

And I actually did play our first ever gig sober back in '92 ....never repeated that mistake :bigthumb:

 

[contiContiCONTI]

Hey everyone! Thanks for the advice!

Regarding the alcohol advice. Not bad advice at all, everyone has their ways, no need to bash anyone, its okay. I have previously drank a couple of beers before getting up there but unfortunately for me pesonally it does the opposite - my fingers seem to tighten up when i have alcohol in me. Although, I know some fantastic musicians who either are not affected by it or claim that they play better with it.

Different folks, different strokes!

I guess for me it is a combination of nerves and standing. Will take the advice of just keep going to the jams and playing live. I spend so much time playing in my room and I guess a lot of that practice doesnt fully transition tot he stage.

Any further advice is welcome!

Cheers

 

[Phantasmagoria]

A cover of Autopsy's "Twisted Mass of Burnt Decay" from our gig last Saturday...

You can tell how intricate my note choices were for the solo at the end... :lmao:

Booze & painkiller's ftw :bigthumb:

Honestly it's just about having a good time....

Unless you have a bunch of dork's gaping at you w/ their hands crossed across their chests in the first row looking for "mistakes" ....you're golden :lmao:

 

[AdrianSD]

I would say Metalica is without a doubt the most successful band. Dave knocked off the alcohol abuse for a reason; he doesn't binge drink anymore. His old band is still selling out arenas for multiple-night engagements, and Megadeth plays 10-20 K-seat venues with the exception of tours like the Big 4 tour or multi-headliner tours. I would not say alcohol helped Dave Mustaine's career.

Dave Mustaine's net worth is $14 million​ Megadeth has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide
Kirk Hammett net worth is $200 million​, Metallica has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide​

All good points, but: Can't for the life of me see Hetfield, Ulrich and Mustaine in the same band, just wasn't going to happen. Hypothetically Mustaine may have been better off financially, if he managed somehow to survive in Metallica with his attitude and antics, but then we would have never listened to The Conjuring, In My Darkest Hour, RIP and so on. As a selfish listener I'm very ok with them parting ways.