Well, it appears that I survived another back-to back 9:30 - 1:30 Friday & Saturday night gig. I'm totally convinced that I'm getting way too old for these gala events (lol)! Am I the only one out there starting to feel my age?
We played at a Halloween Party at one of the local drinking holes. Lots of fun for all! I put together a little Halloween kit and then hauled out the zombie and skeleton make-up to go with the theme for the week-end. Added a few pics for all to see.
I haven't played an actual gig in a couple of years, but during extended jams with the guys I don't seem to have a stamina problem. The music keeps me goin' just like it always did. However, during tear-down and driving home I realize, wow, I'm really tired!
I also have to admit that now-a-days I have to really concentrate on keeping a steady tempo. Seems like every once in awhile a foot or a hand just fires off a strike that's not quite where it should be. I think, "Where did that come from?" But then, I guess I have to concentrate more than I used to on everything I do...I'll be 70 next month :eek:.
I can't express how much I enjoy playing Rock 'n' Roll with the members of my old band every chance I get. It feels sooo good! Just like times past.
I haven't played an actual gig in a couple of years, but during extended jams with the guys I don't seem to have a stamina problem. The music keeps me goin' just like it always did. However, during tear-down and driving home I realize, wow, I'm really tired!I also have to admit that now-a-days I have to really concentrate on keeping a steady tempo. Seems like every once in awhile a foot or a hand just fires off a strike that's not quite where it should be. I think, "Where did that come from?" But then, I guess I have to concentrate more than I used to on everything I do...I'll be 70 next month :eek:.I can't express how much I enjoy playing Rock 'n' Roll with the members of my old band every chance I get. It feels sooo good! Just like times past.
Your comments are right on the money! Playing is the easiest (and most fun) part of the evening. The "teardown" and drive back to our studio to unload IS the worst!
"After" gigs is when I feel my age. I agree, it would be nice to have somebody else tear down and pack.
Great skeleton make-up job! Who did that? You? If you did that yourself, you missed your calling. You could have made a fortune in Hollywood! Great stuff, the band looks terrific and like everybody had a ball. Thanks for sharing the photos.
John
I find that I have a harder time getting up for the gig, seems like a need at least a power nap before a show! I am wired after, I have a hard time falling asleep.
@Purdie Shuffle: I appreciate the positive feedback, John. I think everybody had a lot of fun the entire week-end UNTIL it was time to "pack it up and move it on" (lol)! As far as the skeleton make-up job, I did that myself. It's amazing all the ideas and tutorials you can pick up on youtube these days. I also did the zombie look. It was my first attempt at making a prosthetic with liquid latex and toilet paper.
@lucky: Power naps are totally underrated. I love 'em! As far as being wired, I didn't fall asleep until 4:00 Sunday morning after Saturday night's show. Ouch!
Awesome themed gig. Looks like a lot of fun!
Well I'm 35 and I still can not sleep untill after 4am after a show. I haven't gigged a drum kit In a while ( I also play bass) but since I only have a cab, head and 2 basses to deal with its a breeze. My brother plays drums in the band and I always help him set up/tear down, just like when he was in his 20's and I was a teenager.
So I say get one of you band mates with the lightest load into drums and then they'll be able to help you set up.
Btw my brother uses a starclassic 7pc with like 7 cymbals!
Awesome themed gig. Looks like a lot of fun!Well I'm 35 and I still can not sleep untill after 4am after a show. I haven't gigged a drum kit In a while ( I also play bass) but since I only have a cab, head and 2 basses to deal with its a breeze. My brother plays drums in the band and I always help him set up/tear down, just like when he was in his 20's and I was a teenager. So I say get one of you band mates with the lightest load into drums and then they'll be able to help you set up. Btw my brother uses a starclassic 7pc with like 7 cymbals!
I'm also 35 and play drums as well as bass (upright and electric)...coincidence? I actually play most of my gigs on drums and although the teardown is never my favorite part of the night, I guess I just write it off as part of the job and usually take my time. When I play bass, however, my teardown is super fast and usually end up helping the drummer as well. I guess it's because we know how it is and the help usually comes back the other way when I'm trying to tear down my drum set. It's just good charma, I suppose...
For the older pharts - I take a B-12 about a half hour before a gig. I keep a couple of water bottles behind the throne and I sip on them all night. It really helps endurance-wise. Being wired up after a gig is normal. The new feature for me (at 63) is how completely played out I am physically after playing 3/4 hours. Just a matter of taking it easy the next day and allowing my body a little time to recuperate.
"What a drag it is getting old!" - Mick Jagger
John
For the older pharts - I take a B-12 about a half hour before a gig. I keep a couple of water bottles behind the throne and I sip on them all night. It really helps endurance-wise. Being wired up after a gig is normal. The new feature for me (at 63) is how completely played out I am physically after playing 3/4 hours. Just a matter of taking it easy the next day and allowing my body a little time to recuperate."What a drag it is getting old!" - Mick JaggerJohn
John: I'm into the water, too. Actually, it's all I drink. I shouldn't be complaining though. Our female vocalist had to work her normal job from 10:00 am - 7:00 pm both days prior to singing from 9:30 pm - 1:30 am. Talk about burning the candle at both ends!
