Help! 1st time on stage...

[Beedster]

Nerves are about audiences and this audience is going to be 120% behind you. It’ll be an amazing experience 👍

[sprocketflup]

On 31/08/2025 at 16:29, Blondy said:

Hello Bass Chatters, 

 

Could anyone offer advice on how to stop nerves when going on stage for the 1st time please? 

I have only ever played in front of 3 humans and a cat... 😂 

Only playing one track at my brother's memorial gig (Nick Smith - doctor_bass) 💚 

But don't want anxiety to ruin my tribute to my beloved bro. 

 

Answers appreciated by 6th September. Gig is the 7th, at noon. 

 

Cheers Blondy 🎸 

As others have said, the nerves arent going to go away so its best to accept them and view them as a friend. 
 

I find Polo mints an absolute saviour, as it not only helps with the dry mouth but also gives you something else to do/concentrate on. 

[sprocketflup]

1 minute ago, sprocketflup said:

As others have said, the nerves arent going to go away so its best to accept them and view them as a friend. 
 

I find Polo mints an absolute saviour, as it not only helps with the dry mouth but also gives you something else to do/concentrate on. 

And above all, enjoy the experience, its great

[Downunderwonder]

1 hour ago, sprocketflup said:

As others have said, the nerves arent going to go away so its best to accept them and view them as a friend. 
 

I find Polo mints an absolute saviour, as it not only helps with the dry mouth but also gives you something else to do/concentrate on. 

Getting the taste out of your mouth? There is no such thing as one polo mint. They hunt in bags.

[Sean]

On 31/08/2025 at 20:31, HeadlessBassist said:

If you're feeling nervous, block the audience out of your mind. Play for you, and play for Nick.

 

I'd like to give Richard a 5* TripAdvisor review here.  He gave me very similar advice, and it worked. I went into a new band earlier this year and got the jitters for the first time in years. I was overly self-conscious, scared of making mistakes, all that stuff.  Following this very simple advice I managed to get into a mindset where it was just me playing along with the songs in the same way I do when practising.

 

Good luck, cherish the experience and remember that there's so many people channeling good energy your way.