Just stumbled across this brilliant topic:
I have been playing and singing in bands since 1963, I was never aware in the early days of having Stage Fright. There was always too much going on, anyway the friendly Pill Man was always there to sell you a Dexedrine for a tanner. As time moved on in the last 15 years or so I became afflicted with a dried up throat, for seemingly no reason, it was nerves of course. I also found that alcohol exacerbated the problem, closed my throat up even more, especially real ales, coke, drinks with ice, drinks without ice, lager, in fact anything. I always had the usual number two before I left the house and a couple of pee's. but still have to be very careful of what I drink in case it causes me to dry up. I will say I am a slapdash bass player, it'll be alright on the night type thing and punters usually don't know or care, but when that musician face comes into the gig......
I can rehearse Wednesday before a gig from cold no grief, gig night I have to be careful to eliminate what I consider to effect me, I drink room temperature water only, I don't get enthusiastic beyond my capabilities, I am a Stage Fright Sufferer.....
JUST REMEMBER : You are always the best Bass Player on the stage ...