Guide to getting and playing better gigs

Born long before records began and well past my "sell-by" date, I started playing guitar in the early 60's, fuelled by the desire to emulate the likes of Bert Weedon and Hank Marvin. Since then I've formed and played in more bands than anyone can remember, or even cares ----- Rough Justice, Full Dog Day, Unicorn, Saracen, BunKa, Evans and Brick Outhouse to name just a few. Over the years these bands have supported, among others; Dr and the Medics, Harley Quinn, Mud, Cupid's Inspiration and (said in a whisper) Mungo Jerry! My claim to fame? --- I've played at Donington --- it was the Pig & Ferret Arms, Castle Donington! My guitar playing has been described as "tasteful & melodic", "raunchy", "stripping paint" and all points in between, and I can also provide high calibre vocals when required (after a jump start and lungs permitting!). Although still aspiring to "rock god" status --- flash, big-headed, arrogant and always plays too loud --- a guitar can become a lethal weapon in my hands (I once cut my finger!). My musical tastes lie in the blues and rock area and I adopt the Stevie Ray Vaughan method of playing: "Use big strings, tune flat and floor it".

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To become proficient takes time, practice and patience - remember even the best had to start at the beginning. Things like phrasing, improvising and "playing with feel" are only achieved with experience, which of course, takes time - there's no short cut. On this site I've tried to give as many hints and tips as possible, which I've learned over the years, to try to help with what's required and what isn't in becoming a band worthy of performing in front of a paying audience. There's some serious stuff here as well as some humour and I've attempted to include the best from all the related sites around that I can find. If you want to be the best then you'll need a few breaks and a lot of luck as well. First of all though, you'll need to think about forming a band

Right, you've learned to play like a 'Guitar God' and you've managed to form or join a great band after passing the audition. After several months of rehearsing you're now ready to start gigging. Well, even the longest and most gruelling world tour begins with the first gig so what are you waiting for?

Your first step will be to check out the venues in your region and probably the best place for this will be in the gig guide of your local newspaper, magazines, Teletext, or even on the internet. Take notice of the types of bands that play at certain venues and whether they cater for original or covers music.

It's pretty obvious that a band with a name like Headslayer has a penchant for heavy rock so more than likely the venue is of the same ilk. It'll definitely be a no-no playing 80's Duran Duran-esque pop to a multitude of bikers and an experience that might seriously damage your confidence for the future. Not to mention your ability to walk again! So try and classify your music and what you're aiming for.

Many bands, and particularly singers, get an ego the size of a barn door before they've even taken to the stage. They'll probably demand a headline gig with a rider including ten crates of beer and a thousands tubs of Smarties with all the red ones taken out. You'll have to decide whether you can really risk a headline show on your first gig. The truth is no promoter will give you that spot and will probably only allow a support to see how you go.

This might be an advantage because support acts can usually give the headline band a hard time. You'll probably play better with that pressure off you and you might learn something from the other band. Be friendly though because you might need their help with another support slot in the future or borrowing their gear on the night. Remember your drummer might be the member to make sacrifices with the likelihood of having to use the alien drum kit of the headlining band.

Your band might be a world beater but unless you've got the gift of the gab you'll probably never get to tread the boards, so you could consider getting a manager. A dad or a friend might be better than a proper manager as they won't take up to 20% of any takings and will probably appreciate your music and where you're coming from.

Generate a buzz about your debut by building up your profile with the local press. Try and get someone down to report on and photograph the show. Or do a review yourself and send it in to a national music magazine. If you're still struggling for gigs put up adverts at local rehearsal rooms asking other bands for support slots.

Unfortunately, if you're playing a well established venue the likelihood of you being able to barter with the promoter for cash for playing is almost zero. Think yourself lucky you're not paying to play and be thankful that you can get a soundcheck on the night.

Whether you're contemplating putting together a singing/vocal band, rock band, hip-hop/rap group or Rolf Harris tribute band the same principles apply. For more advice and opinions click here