Do you like to have a drink or two before a gig?

[Aussie Mark]

You're not the only one ....

[OldManC]

Damn... 

[Basvarken]

Sad

[gweimer]

...thud...

[Dave W]

What a wastoid.

[Chaser001]

Drinking and singing may not be a good idea, but compared to this it's pretty harmless:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20072577-10391698.html

[uwe]

Her management shouldn't let this happen - maybe she shouldn't let her dad do it anymore, but seek professionals. Professionals being the keyword here, she needs professional help in other ways as well. A little abduction to a nice solitary situated rehab clinic.

[TBird1958]

I lasted till about 2:50, it's just awful.

When I read the thread title I actually thought Mark was posing the question to the forum tho.

My story is that I'm torn about it, on one hand when I'm playing a show I'm getting paid to do a job, provide entertainment and usually make people dance so they spend money at the bar - it's a job and while I'm not god's gift to bass playing I want to  always play a good show and have a modest amount of pride in what I do. That line of thinking says to me - No Drinking!

The truth is that before just about every show I'm pretty keyed up (Dressed like a Gothy Fraulien, get to play a Thunderbird, out in front of a lot people, etc., etc.....) and I really do need something to just knock it back a notch. So carefully, one drink is all that I allow myself before a show no alcohol during the show or breaks, just Gatorade or water, post show I drink.


So at the risk of slightly redirecting the thread, how about the rest of you guys?
Is drinking at a show taboo?


 


I have limitless ability to make stupid faces while playing.....

[Chaser001]

There is a big difference between having one drink before a gig to relax and drinking to excess the way Amy Winehouse has done.  The two are barely even comparable.  Also, something like this will vary from one person to another on how many drinks would be considered a good idea.  Everyone is different. 

[TBird1958]

All true, and good points!

What works for you personally? 

[patman]

2 Bud's before I start...maybe one more or so during the night. A tradition.

It's when I miss cigarettes the most.
Think I may be coming up on my 3rd anniversary of quitting.

[gweimer]

I might have a beer these days.  I've been through some HUGE changes this year.  You'd be surprised at how differently I was before all this.  I have to say that it's been really easy for me, and I don't miss a thing.

[Pilgrim]

I sometimes have a pint before playing, but then I get a soda I can take on stage.  Not a big deal either way, but if I do have a beer, it's just ONE beer before the gig.

[Chaser001]

All true, and good points!

What works for you personally? 

I'd say 90% of the time I'm most comfortable with just one.  If there is a long wait before going on, I might want two. 

[Aussie Mark]

I generally have two beers before we play, and then drink one beer and one water during each set - with the Stones show that's two one hour sets.  Guzzle a couple of glasses of water during our break - then repeat.