Getting back on stage after a decade off

[Sydvegas]

Thought I would post a link to videos of a covers gig I played recently for my work Christmas party, just for ****s and giggles.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgSMMWIl-K7RfjxK6CWcCuw

It was my first time playing an e-kit live and we only had 4 rehearsals together (only 1 practice with our vocalist and sax player) so we were just happy that although there were mistakes, it wasn't a total train wreck.

Even though it's not the sort of stuff I would normally play (not a covers kind of guy) getting back on stage and playing with people again was the most fun I've had in years. It was a good and timely reminder of why I started playing in the first place.

For anyone out there reading this who used to play in a band but maybe hasn't done so for a while - just do it! You'll be glad you did!

[Macarina]

4 rehearsals? Dayum!!!! What fun.

What Kit?

I cannot wait. Realistically I have not been on stage. Played at birthday party and a Jack Or Better restaurant when I was 18 (I'm 55).
Been practicing in the basement going on a year now. We started to set up a video camera to just review and warm up to the jitters. Next will be family and friends before we go on world tour (and when I say world... 25 mile radius of the house).

I love these posts... keep 'em up

PS: Do you recall the equipment used for video? The "Take it Easy' has fluid movement (a stedicam?)

[Kenster]

Best kinda gigs! So obviously the group has been together longer than with you...what happened to their drummer? Great job, love the vids, keep em comin!

K ;-)

[TheYardbird]

Oh how I miss being on stage! I remember back in school when the junior, freshmen and senior classes did all kinds of concerts, sometimes just one class, sometimes all three at once and it was so much fun! Remember doing a musical with only The Beatles-songs in it and I was the only drummer, playing a bunch of Beatles songs through a 2 hour musical 3 times every 2 days for 2 weeks was exhausting, especially since it was 3-4 years ago and I was only 18, but it was wonderful anyways.
I just love the friendships that develops on a stage, they're special.

Solid playing, very nice! And with only 4 rehearsals behind you with the band it's surprisingly tight, mucho good stuff!

[BWaj]

Agreed Yard, the comradery is what I missed the most. Nothing beats being in a band.

[Sydvegas]

Thanks for the feedback and sharing of your stories folks.

4 rehearsals? Dayum!!!! What fun.

What Kit?

PS: Do you recall the equipment used for video? The "Take it Easy' has fluid movement (a stedicam?)

The kit is my TD3 which transitioned into a TD9 which became a TD30. We all get GAS.

The video was done by a friend with a handheld digital cam of unknown origin. Youtube offered to apply some filters to steady the picture when I uploaded them which I accepted so that may be the effect you noticed. I have seen the original video file which looks way better than the compressed version on YT.

Kenster & The Yardbird: The other drummer spontaneously combusted - they weren't happy about having me but they had no choice!

The trick to pulling it off with only a few rehearsals was having a couple of band mates who still work as professional musos. They never stopped playing regularly when they got day jobs like the rest of us did and one is still releasing albums and touring with the same band he's been in for over 20 years. Some of the Aussies here into indie music may recognise him.

Collectively we were a strange combination of musical tastes and styles, so we just played it safe and simple and chose songs and arrangements that weren't too challenging.

In the end it was nothing spectacular - just spectacular fun for us!

[ThePod]

Nice, well mixed. Looked like a lot of fun. Kinda makes you wonder if the whole discussion about TD-30 vs 2-box vs VST really matters to anyone in the audience. The drums sounded legit and everyone was having a good time.

[gingerbaker]

What happened at 1:30 of "Venus" - was that a rogue guitarist speeding up by ~ 25% or mutually agreed upon? If it was the guitarist - maybe that was why the previous guy 'imploded'? ;D

[BWaj]

Oh camon man, really?

[Sydvegas]

What happened at 1:30 of "Venus" - was that a rogue guitarist speeding up by ~ 25% or mutually agreed upon? If it was the guitarist - maybe that was why the previous guy 'imploded'? ;D

Unplanned time change.

I started slow - guitarist looked at me to speed it up - so I did.

[BWaj]

This is great, I'm just starting to gig again after a 15 year break and really enjoyed these videos! You guys sound great! I'm uploading some video from our first gig as we speak, I know EXACTLY how you felt, lol! In my case, the camera added 30 pounds but I'm still so glad I did it. (Really, it was the camera! )

Thanks for sharing these, looks like you guys had a blast! I look forward to seeing more from you.

[Joemammy91]

I might as well share mine..............I am going to my first audition for a group, I have not played in about 13 years.......I have practiced and I am confident in my playing. The thing I am not sure about, is will my TD-11 set be adequate, for stage performances.......I suppose I would feel alot better hearing from any of you that have played this kit out for a performance........Thanks...........

[Kenster]

The key is AMPLIFICATION.....nothing underwhelms an audience more than an underpowered e kit. Make sure you have a good monitor setup with plenty of bottom end....and depending on the genre of music, even MORE bottom end!

[EssKayKay]

Good luck Joe - keep us posted....

[KennyinDundee]

I enjoyed your bands performance considering you only had 4 rehearsals! Well done. I used to love being in a covers band. Hopefully I will get back to it in a couple of years when my kids are older.

[Joemammy91]

Thanks for the responses......tomorrow night is audition. I have played with one of the guitar players before. My type of music, I enjoy playing the most.......Southern Fried R&R.......
There are some other issues I would have to make decisions on.......but I will keep it all posted.........