THE LIST AND LIQUOR - STAGE CRUTCH

Want to throw a wrench in the cog of a smooth running stage show? Then by all means use a list of songs and drink on stage. I know I just lost about ninety percent of the musicians reading. To most musicians playing on stage there are only a couple of things that relieve the agony of dead time. But, if you will, allow me to explain how these two crutches are actually creating dead time and the relying on them is absolutely the worst thing a young musician can do.

First of all the relying part I mentioned. I am not saying you should not have a list of songs on stage. However to make a list of every song in each set and place them in front of you somewhere on stage is asking for timely rejection and loss of flow of energy from the crowd. You can not know what the crowd is going to react to beforehand. If you are not flexible enough in your repertoire and know the deal front and back you can not relate properly to any crowd. You are not leading the crowd. The crowd is leading you. Most bands never realize this one fact. They try their best to lead the crowd. It can be done. But if the crowd is headed somewhere, why not go that direction in the lead and everyone will think you took them there to begin with. Frustration on stage is evident when you are forcing your agenda on a crowd. But if you can see what is getting the groove accomplished out front and play to that, you will not believe how the groove on stage will expand. Just be sure you are quick enough on your feet and you know your material well enough so you can call out the songs that will fit in best next. Playing straight from a list is just as bad, in my opinion, as standing around and asking the band what song they want to do next. And listen up, you may be the front man but you may not be the one who can pick the next five songs to play. It may be the drummer or keyboard player who has this gift. Trust the force and let it fly.

Drinking on stage is the most unprofessional act a musician can do. I know it helps sometimes to take the edge off. But if you could video record your act and see what the audience sees you might come to a different conclusion. I am not saying you can not have something on stage. Every performer has water to fall back on. However, if you are headed to your amp head and taking a swig of beer after each and every song you are losing out on a perfect opportunity to relate to the crowd. In fact you are doing exactly the opposite. This little thirty second break becomes a crutch and a huge wall that you are building without even knowing. The crowd can drink at any time during your performance. They can drink, dance, go to the restroom, whatever. You are on stage for one reason: To perform. Performance is the whole gig. Between songs is just as important as during songs. Just start thinking about what you are doing at all times while on the stage. Focus on the time in the spotlight and do not let anything become a crutch or a wall between you and your audience.