Don’t do it for the money; do it for the love of the game, but never play for free (there can be exceptions).
No drinking or drugs. I’ll never understand how people do this strung out or drunk. It seems like it would be impossible.
Most sound guys are idiots. Just be nice and patient. It’s hard though. The good ones make life so easy.
Something will go wrong every gig. Just roll with it.
Hope for the best but expect the worst.
Be nice to everyone. Encourage everyone - your band mates, other bands that share the bill, the sound techs, mangers, etc.
When this gig is over, pack up and leave. It’s rare that anything good happens at the venue after the show.
Get there early, and don’t get mad if others run late. You might as well go outside and yell at the clouds. Just deal with it and keep moving. I’ve almost ruined good relationships with people because they are chronically late. I’ve had to let this go.
Outdoor gigs suck a lot. When it’s a good night though, it’s fantastic.
My family is everything.
Jealousy of other bands can eat you alive.
I’ve learned why some people who have success in entertainment get bitter towards their hometown. I always thought that this was weird, but now that I’m going through it, I get it and I hate it.
If you are sharing the bill with other bands and you aren’t first, there a 95% chance that you are going to start later and your set will be cut short.
When it comes to gear, you really start to learn what is considered roadworthy and what’s not.
Go ahead and buy the good drum throne.
When you play community concerts, the organizer will not be experienced in this. Chances are, booking concerts was listed under the “other duties as assigned” when she applied and accepted her position with the town. It’s always a “she” as well. I don’t know why, but it is. Some organizers are better than others, but booking bands is definitely not the primary thing they know how to do.
A good band manager is worth his/her weight in gold. I love mine.
Do your best to laugh with your band as much as possible.
There are crazy people in every town, and they will all find you.
When you play a community concert, there will always be those one or two people who get up and dance whether or not anyone else does.
When you play, dress well. If you feel good about how you look, you’ll play better.
Play every show like it’s the last one you’ll play because it could all end tomorrow.
The people in your life who say “Let me know when you are playing locally and we will come out” never do. Just appreciate it when it does happen because it’s so rare.
I have many more, but I’ll stop here.