You've practised a dozen songs. Someone found you a gig. So what now? Well, I'd practice some more if I were you. Unless you are really good! And fluent and very confident. Audiences don't give you a second chance. Be ready. Be really good! So good you feel hungry to play.

     Tell the band you will set the tempos and count in. Make them look at you when you do it. Then if someone isn't ready you can wait for them. Get the band to tap their feet or nod their heads or bounce along with you. Anyone who isn't keeping time should be! Talk about it. It is as crucial as dynamics. Get your band together. There. Then practice one more time with an audience of friends or family and take their reaction on board. Now you're ready! 

1. Get your kit together. Pack it soundly. Check that it's easy to set up. Mark the stands so they go back up the same way each time. Get the best cases you can afford. They will save you a lot of money in replacements and repairs. Gear gets bashed about  a lot between your house and the stage. Get a spare bass drum skin and a spare snare batter head. And several sticks. You'll probably drop at least one.

2. Get to your gig first. Get your kit at the back of the stage. Centre is good. Don't come too far forward or you will have to move it back again when the others arrive. Stages are usually too small to spread out. 

Tape cables down. Don't let anyone put an amp anywhere near your eardrums. Make sure you have a clear way in and out. Don't trip over any instruments or leads. Tape a set list to your kit somewhere.

3. Get someone to play your kit while you listen from the back. Sounds a lot different out there doesn't it? Learn from that. Do it at every gig. Think about it when you tune the kit and mike it up. Manage with as few mikes as you can. Every extra mike is an extra problem. Bass Drum, snare and toms. Cymbals often take care of themselves unless you are in a really big room. If not, a pair of overheads will probably do. 

4. Do a good sound check together. Your drums should be the backbone of the mix. You should feel the bass guitar but still hear the bass drum. Snare should cut through guitars. If you don't have your own sound man, go and say hello to the guy who's doing the job. You need him. Shake his hand. Ok.

5. Gig time approaches. Don't drink alcohol. It slows you down. Water is good. Take a leak before you go on. Warm up if you need to. Don't forget your sticks! Now's the time to start breathing. Slowly. Control it. Deep. In and out. Slowly. Close your eyes. Feel that god awful ache in the pit of your stomach. Right now it feels like stage fright. You might want to throw up. Go ahead if you need to. It's ok! In time you'll  recognise this ache as the best feeling in the world! Sportsmen know it. Sky divers know it. Mountaineers. Explorers. Wreck divers. Astronauts know it. The feeling of doing something worth doing! Putting yourself on the edge. Testing yourself. Being alive. Don't fight it. Go with it. Like a roller coaster. Enjoy it while it lasts. It's what you live for! It generates adrenaline and it will make your playing sharper.

6. Go on stage at your own pace. From now on don't rush anything. Sit down. Adjust your stool. Check your kit's together. Nuts tight. Ok. Sticks. Spares within reach. Wait for the band to be ready. The guitar player just went back for his plectrums, didn't he. And he's coming back looking scared to death. Smile at him. Tell him to chill! You've got this! When they are all looking your way, check the tempo of the first song in your head. Slow it down a notch to allow for adrenaline rush.

7. Now count in. Play steady, safe and focused. Keep your fills in time. Be bold. Show the audience you are in charge. Keep it up till the end of the gig and the next two or three. Mistakes arise when you lose your focus. When you know your set inside out you can begin to relax and go for it a little more. 

     And that's what you were rehearsing for. Best job, or hobby, in the world! 

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