..."break a leg", etc..all part of a vast canon of semi-ritualistic phrases that any sort of performer has at least heard, if not used in half-belief. Of course, this is not a term paper on ritualistic practices, but rather, some of my experiences with pre-gig rituals...
...of which I admit I have quite a few, upon reflection. Many musicians are quite reasonably concerned with the state of their equipment, the sound both on and off stage, etc, but quite a few are downright superstitious as to how their actions before a gig will affect their performance. I rest somewhat uncomfortably in the middle.
1. If possible, I eat sushi before a gig. Nothing special really, just gives me an excuse to order in.
2. Even if I don't spend hours picking clothes of gelling my hair, I WILL change my socks--as if a fresh pair could make be play any better!
Once at the gig, the fun starts
3. Getting my amp on stage in what I think is the "proper" position, whatever that may be, considering that's it's just miked anyway. I also like to put it on a box or chair if possible, again, for no real reason
4. Twiddling nobs--to what I think they were at before, in a basement. I suppose I should really make some sort of mark for a live setting. Besides, I haven;t even turned the amp on yet.
5. Tuning guitars (two)--another phobia--chances are, I will break a string, and have on occasion broken two, then broke another on the first one again, after its had the string that originally broke replaced. I can go for months without breaking a string, and then *twang* first song, important gig (CD release, opening for a popular band, etc).
6. Tune guitars again--you never know.
7. Turn amp on--check knobs--readjust
8. Check both guitars through amp for sound and volume
9. Change knobs
10. Check tuning on first guitar again, just in case.
11. Urinate. Tie my shoes. Get two beers. The first order of business here is the one my present band mates notice, and spare no effort in pointing out, just because I actually had to leave the stage at one venue to relieve myself. As I shuffled through the crowd, towards the back of the room, to the stairs leading to the rest rooms, my "friends" provided the audience with a running commentary. To that end, a "security tinkle", whether I need it or not is a must, as are dark coloured pants. Say no more. The shoe-tying is not in homage to any particular deity, I just like to feel reassured that if all else fails, I have a fresh pair of socks and stoutly bound shoes. Perhaps this is in reference to an earlier post "...still standing still..". The two beers are for lubrication, one is placed on the amp, and the other slightly behind, just like the guitars, and just in case.
12. Back to the stage, check more knobs, strum a chord for volume/ sound, drink two sips of beer, and wait.
13. Check....perhaps I should see someone about all of this--I hear the tinkling of pianos a la "Intervention" behind me as I type...
Ah well, I'm sure readers have heard/ witnessed stranger things than my mediocre obsessions and rituals--if so, please submit! I would like to break my current streak of two comments.
*NOTE*--I HAVE NEVER PARTICIPATED IN A GROUP HUG/ HUDDLE/ PRAYER SESSION, so at least I have that on my side...but, I never say never...
...I envy people who (to me, anyway) can casually walk on stage, turn their amp on, and play, like I open a fridge door...
PS Years ago, when I was in Riotstar, I used to go home, drink a can of Guinness, eat a grilled cheese and onion sandwich, and listen to Kraftwerk. I don't do this anymore. Maybe it was my way of celebrating yet another night that I didn't wind up in jail or the hospital...
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