Bluewine

Agreed, you can never predict a great gig. You never know when it's going to happen, when the band, the crowd all come together. Yes, it's always a surprise for me when it happens. Blue

One of the big things for me that defines a great gig is when the band can hold the attention of the crowd and engage them for the length of the gig. This is a huge challenge for American bar bands. It's hard to manage 4 hours of performing. Imposible really. Blue

I expect my band to play our best. However, there are gigs where we played great but wasn't necessarily a great gig. I'm dissapoinred quite a bit actually. Blue

Pay is more a requirement for me to play. Pay will not make a bad gig great. Not for me. Blue

Everyone knows I'm big on pay. However, pay does not come into the "great gig" equation for me. Blue

My thoughts; The first thing I think of in terms of a "great gig" is all members showing up on time, in the right frame of mind , ready to work with a positive attitude. If you've had a bad week, an argument with your spouse or family members, leave that stuff behind until your back home. Everyone should be on the same page. Your there to entertain and have fun and hopefully help out in creating a fun atmosphere for the whole band. That's where I start, I have other criteria for a great gig I'll share later. Blue

After perusing the " How Was Your Gig" thread and seeing so many " we had a great gig" I started to wonder about what a great gig is and great gig probably means different things to different people. What makes for a great gig for you? Let's talk about it. Blue

NICE! Blue

Looks like the sun is coming out. Blue

Same with our American Legion Club gigs. Not the most fun gig, however if we don't do them there are other bands that will and gladly accept the money. Blue

We play a local American Legion Club once or twice a year. Not a bad gig, always refreshing doing a non- bar gig. Lots of 4 prong walkers and oxygen tanks. Good money. Blue

I'm not sure what the difference is. I know we play a few places where people go to specifically hear live bands and in some cases specifically to hear us. We also play some places where people go to socialize and chat with friends and family. When the band starts to play they leave. Blue

I probably would not be here today if I had money and toured when I was young. At 65 I'd be great at it. Blue

Classic looking P. Blue

Depends on how you define big time As long as I have consistent work and getting paid I'm in the big time. Blue

It's always a good idea to have clear understanding what the band is looking for. For example, they might not be looking for the best player. The win might go to the guy with the best vocals or best look, who knows. You have to ask questions. I always like to know why the previous bass player left. Blue

If it was a money making band that I really wanted to be a part of, I'd study and learn as much about the band as I could as well as learn as much of their current set list I could. Blue

I took the bait on picking 5 songs from a bands set list. After learning the 5 songs I picked I sent them an email stating the songs I would be auditioning. Their response; "Oh we don't play those songs anymore." I told them I didn't think I was the guy for them and cancelled my audition. Blue

Me, I've never had rock star looks. I look like an insurance clauns adjuster. I have seen some guys that were fantastic rock musicians but didn't have the look and it held them back Blue

This is what I would do. I would diplomatically request they tell you which 5 songs to learn for the audition. You might pick 5 songs from their set list that they no longer perform or rarely perform. That alone can set your audition off to a bad start. Blue

Exactly, and we're not. Blue

We gig a lot but we are far from what I would call a a professional band Blue

I've been gigging since 1966. I still make my share of mistakes. If I were in a professional band I think that would change for the better. Blue

In my area they have " open mic" nights. Mostly acoustic and primarily for local singer song writers that need a chance to perform live in front of an audience. Jam sessions are only for the heavy hitters and you have to be invited. Blue

We had a blast playing Ariba's last night in Butler. Low ceilings and carpeted floors made it easy to dial in our sound.And the bar was right next to our spot in the front of the room. Nice crowd and Ariba's now has bands on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Blue