Help! 1st time on stage...

[miles'tone]

Do some nice calming breaths to relax - deep and slow nose inhale as you count to four, hold momentarily, then mouth exhale for four. That will help you get started. Also, hydrate. This will help you avoid cramping up.

Practice your song A LOT. Put the time in so at least you won't be worrying about that. It doesn't really matter if you make a mistake anyway. Everyone makes them.

Remember, everyone there will be right behind you mate. For sure.

So don't worry about them either.

Just go out there and enjoy giving it your best shot. 

Best wishes to all.

 

[Dad3353]

You still have time to invest in a life-size cut-out of three humans and a cat. Prop this up in front of you, on stage; you'll not see the other folk there, just your familiar audience. 

 

...

 

No, seriously, all the tips above work a treat, so you'll be fine. Beware, of course. You may find that you enjoy it all so much you'll want to play 'live', in public, more and more. In that case, start a band. 

Edited Sunday at 22:55 by Dad3353

[Judo Chop]

Lots of good tips here especially the ones regarding practicing the song.

 

In my experience I could never stop the nerves beforehand but once I started to play at my first few gigs I realised the audience aren't actually watching me like hawks and scrutinising my every move like I feared.

 

There's other people on the stage too and they're on your side, and with doing just one song it'll be over before you know it!

 

I hope it goes well for you, the first one is daunting so good on you for getting up there nerves or not.

[Downunderwonder]

I found as a kid that the performances for 3 plus cat translated straight to jumping on stage and performing for all the other kids and their families, no cats.

 

1st night excitement with any new project is still a thing for me but knowing what I can play is key.

[Burns-bass]

Before you go on stage try this:

 

https://www.calm.com/blog/5-4-3-2-1-a-simple-exercise-to-calm-the-mind
 

It’s a really useful way to keep you grounded and in the moment. 
 

 

[ian61]

Yep as already suggested, competence breeds confidence.  Know ur material inside out, dont be looking at the others for cues....  My first gig at 18 was in a dingey basement night club, a terrifying experience. And as we emptied the dance floor we knew we were doomed. My anxiety got the better of me and I screwed up big time cause I didnt know the tunes well enough.  You'll also be shocked how weird it may sound on stage with the full band in swing. But that's where total familiarity with your material is key. Good luck.

[Joe Nation]

I can't offer any gig-specific advice, but as a mediocre runner I have had to deal with pre-race nerves quite a bit.

 

Don't do anything special or new on the day. 

Drink plenty, but make sure you have a wee well in advance.

Triple check your shoelaces are double-knotted.

Don't rush at the start, save something for the finish.

And most importantly, you're still doing better than all the other people who didn't even turn up! (which in this case means all those people who, like myself, have spent years playing an instrument but have never actually played with other people or done a gig).

Also most importantly, most of the nerves and anxiety come from the unknown - what will it be like, where will I stand on the stage, how many people will be there, what if this or that happens? Focus on what you do know (ie the material), check out the venue in advance if you can, make sure you know how the gig will run (setting-up, song list, etc), do a dry run of the day, make a check list so you don't forget anything.

 

Break a leg, you'll be amazing.

[steantval]

What track are you playing?

 

I presume you will be playing alongside some of the local Peterborough muso’s, they will be giving you lots of support.

 

I will hopefully be attending on the Sunday.

[6feet7]

I would also simplify what you are playing. Unless it's a prog-jazz piece of music, stick to root notes / 5th's as much as possible. No need to make life more complicated than it already is/will be. And also, not to diminish your playing, but the audience wont be listening to what you are playing. If it's a cover they'll be listening to that in their head anyway and remembering your brother and thinking how wonderful you are for doing this in the first place. 

[paul_5]

Eye contact with the band members can help you relax, and keep it simple. 

[Geek99]

Is anyone from here going to that service ? 
 

they might be able to give you constructive criticism or more likely praise 

[2pods]

If you're really worried  (given the occasion) you could ask your doctor for Beta Blockers ?

 

Good luck, and try to relax.

Knowing that everyone there will be rooting for you will help.

 

So sorry about your brother.

[Geek99]

1 hour ago, 2pods said:

If you're really worried  (given the occasion) you could ask your doctor for Beta Blockers ?

 

Good luck, and try to relax.

Knowing that everyone there will be rooting for you will help.

 

So sorry about your brother.

I was given one of those and I was stretchered out. Unbeknownst to me I had a very low heart rate and a beta blocker put me into “not sure how you’re still alive” territory 

[tauzero]

Do whatever you can to remove sources of anxiety other than the performance itself - so get clothes ready the night before, have a good night's sleep (if you can), and on the day make sure all the gear is working and set up how you want it well in advance of playing.

[2pods]

46 minutes ago, Geek99 said:

I was given one of those and I was stretchered out. Unbeknownst to me I had a very low heart rate and a beta blocker put me into “not sure how you’re still alive” territory 

 

Obviously, check with your doctor, and test it out before the big day if taking this route.

 

In my case, it was the first time I'd played slide live.

As it was a "Road to Hell" alike solo at the start, I didn't want my hands shaking.

[Stub Mandrel]

Everyone is going  to be rooting for you. Just getting up and being there is an achievement everyone will appreciate. 

 

The moment you start playing you will be too absorbed in the moment to worry. Nerves and excitement are not negative emotions they prepare you.

 

Afterwards you'll wonder why you worried and be grateful for having such a special opportunity. 

[TimR]

On 31/08/2025 at 18:15, Maude said:

Generally at a gig, and especially in your situation, the people watching want you to do well, they're on your side. Remember this.

Don't worry about little mistakes, just keep the music flowing. If you really get lost, drop out for a bar, regroup your thoughts and come back in where appropriate. As long as the band keep flowing nobody will really notice. 

Try to enjoy it (as much as possible given the circumstances) and I'm sure you'll make everyone, especially your brother, proud. 

 

This is great advice. 

 

Don't worry if you have false starts, or falls apart. No one will be surprised. 

 

Above all, enjoy it. It's a celebration of life.

 

We are assuming the 3 people are the rest of the band and you're not playing solo. 

 

If it's a solo piece remember not to go off too fast. Take your time. Nerves can make your heart race and alter your perception of tempo. 

 

Good luck.