Stage Fright, Some Suggestions Please!

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 20 Apr 2005 8:30 am

"Social Phobia" ..."the irrational fear and avoidance of being in a situation in which a persons skills, are watched or judge by others".The shrinks call it "Performace Anxiety" [Stage Fright]. I have been tormented by this invisible demon for almost 40 years. I dare say i would have been a much better musician had it not been for it. It DOES NOT get better with time.I have even gotten so bad that i have dropped my bar, dropped picks!I have played in public all my life..i still get it..whether a steel player is in the crowd or not.....any suggestions? how do others deal with this? any famous steel players also have it? maybe some short stories about your stage fright...thanks

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Whitney Single 12 8FL & 5 KN,keyless, dual changers Extended C6th, Webb Amp, Line6 PodXT, Goodrich Curly Chalker Volume Pedal, Match Bro, BJS Bar..I was keyless....when keyless wasn't cool...

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 20 Apr 2005 8:39 am

Xanax + one Crown and Coke = No more stage fright!

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Zum U-12 w/True Tone pickup thru a Nashville 112

Strats thru a tweed Bassman

Band Pics
http://community.webshots.com/album/176544894AuXSmi

John Knight · Post by **John Knight** » 20 Apr 2005 8:44 am

I suffer from butterflies all the time up to the point I hit the first note on my guitar, then the performer comes out and I take control. Drugs aside as stated in the first post. Put yourself in a good mental place and have confiedence in your abilities. Remember you do this for the love of the instrument and the music you make. If others like it or don't thats there choice. They can take it or leave it. Remember to breath. Very important

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D 10 Thomas with 8&6, '61'D-10 Sho-Bud 8&3
S12 Knight 6&4
Nashville 400 and Profex II
81' Fender Twin JBL's
Asleep at the Steel

Stephen LeBlanc · Post by **Stephen LeBlanc** » 20 Apr 2005 8:49 am

learn to love it...welcome the stage fright/jitters...then just play out a lot and eventually it will all come together

I don't think anyone really gets over it completely, personally I don't want to

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 20 Apr 2005 9:02 am

I was kidding around little above, sorry. Yeah I agree with you boys. You never want to totally get rid of the jitters. You always want to a little pumped up before a show.

But, there are some folks who battle severe anxiety in public. Seriously, talk to your doctor about it. There are lots of things they can do for this kind of thing now. No biggie.

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Zum U-12 w/True Tone pickup thru a Nashville 112

Strats thru a tweed Bassman

Band Pics
http://community.webshots.com/album/176544894AuXSmi

Ted Solesky · Post by **Ted Solesky** » 20 Apr 2005 9:17 am

If I'm real familiar with the material, I feel relaxed. If there's something new to our list and it wasn't rehearsed, I do get a little neverous. Especially if I have to kick it off. And sometimes it does depend on the band leader - if he's strict or laid back.

Rick Schmidt · Post by **Rick Schmidt** » 20 Apr 2005 9:24 am

George....It's all about understanding that you are really putting on a SHOW. Like it or not, that's exactly what we're trying to do on every level as musicians. I think it's a mistake for musicians to get too wrapped up in the self concious act of making music. Try concentrating more on looking at your audience in the eye and smiling. That goes for producers and fellow musicians too. It might start out seeming like an act, but I guarantee it'll evolve into more. It's helped me many times in stressful situations.

I learned this from my dad, who was a professional magician till he passed away at 90. Imagine, in music your audience usually WANTS you to do well, unlike magic where they want you to screw up. Putting on your "show face" is a real learned technique for facing your audience and in no way takes away from your music.

How do you think so many lame players become big stars?

[This message was edited by Rick Schmidt on 20 April 2005 at 10:29 AM.]

Ron ! · Post by **Ron !** » 20 Apr 2005 9:25 am

One thing always worked for me.Just before the gig I always took a large glass of bourbon.Made me feel ok.Now adays I don't drink anymore so I have to figure something out to compensate.
Any suggestions?

Ron

Bill Hatcher · Post by **Bill Hatcher** » 20 Apr 2005 9:30 am

40 years is way too long to deal with this. The way you get over being afraid to play for folks is to work and improve your playing to the point where you play well enough that you actually want/need to get up and play. No more fear factor then.

One famous musician that early in his career suffered from stagefright was Paul McCartney. Many times before a gig he would have to go throw up and such before he could go out and do a concert. After a couple million bucks and a few hundred chicks, he got over it.

When you don't have anything to be afraid of in your playing, you won't EVER be afraid to play.

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 20 Apr 2005 9:42 am

I agree with Ted Solesky. I don't know if the proper term is nervous, maybe slightly anxious, on new material.

Too, I have the advantage of playing with 'oldtimers'. Together, we've been there and done it. Also, knowing that playing music is a combination of mental and physical dexterity, mistakes are inevitable--even on the old songs played many times--I just suck it up when I hit a clam. Being secure in the fact that I will do just that, the jitters kinda' go away.
Phred

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"From Truth, Justice is Born"--Quanah Parker-1904

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 20 Apr 2005 9:42 am

I think stage fright happens to those of us who "really care" about our performance. There are stories of Elvis throwing up before going on stage.
I still have it after 50 years. It goes away as soon as I see that the audience appreciates the music. This only happens when starting an unrehearsed gig. If I know exactly what I am going to do, and know that I can do it well, there is no stage fright.
BTW, I recently read about a drug that really works. It is prescribed specifically for stage fright and is available by prescription. Ask your doctor about it.
20 years ago I used to take alcohol for the remedy. I learned that alcohol actually creates the problem if your system depends on it (catch-22). I am proud to say that I play better and more relaxed since quitting the booze 20 years ago.

Michael Breid · Post by **Michael Breid** » 20 Apr 2005 10:02 am

I've always heard that if you don't get a little bit of stage fright that you are too bored with your job, and you should quit. I've been at this for almost sixty years and I still get little "butterflies" when that curtain goes up. You can know the material out the wazoo, but if you don't get just a tad nervous you've lost the spark that makes others appreciate you. Remember: Most of them paid to see YOU, not vice versa. The old Boy Scout motto always applies: "Be Prepared". I took a tip from former president Eisenhower. He had this little grin on his face everytime he had to give a speech before a large crowd. Years later his doctor told a reporter in an interview that to overcome his nervousness, the doctor suggested that Ike picture his audience in their underwear. I tried that. It worked. Hey, if it worked for me and Ike, give it a try. What have you got to lose?

Billy Woo · Post by **Billy Woo** » 20 Apr 2005 10:08 am

You may have heard this remedy before but just imagine your audience in their birthday suits!! All kiddin aside it's a little like that movie "The Waterboy" Starring Adam Sandler, his motivation was to imagine people that bullied him and he put a a bully's face to the football player in front of him. Seems sorta foolish but it might help, I still get nervous playin but cant give up now cuz I'm still having fun at it which is what you should do..

Bronco Billy
Zumsteel U-12

Mark Metdker · Post by **Mark Metdker** » 20 Apr 2005 10:28 am

Great suggestions from everyone, but this may be more than just the jitters. My mom used to have anxiety attacks when I was younger. It would really get serious sometimes. And usually being in large groups of people would trigger it. This is a medical condition that is different than being afraid you don't know the songs you are about to play. It probably has nothing to do with his preparedness. He says he has suffered from this for 40 years. He's probably learned his material by now!

Sounds like anxiety problems and there are ways to treat this condition now. Just go to your Doc and tell him about it. I'll bet you this is easily treatable with meds now. Playing should be fun, not miserable!

Jim Florence · Post by **Jim Florence** » 20 Apr 2005 10:31 am

A couple of the guys have already touched on it. Otto Kruger was a movie actor who at that time, had been in more movies than any other actor alive, told me in 1953, "If you ever get completely over Stage Fright, Quit, as you no longer care".
Jim

Jim Eaton · Post by **Jim Eaton** » 20 Apr 2005 10:37 am

I saw Buddy Emmons do a Sho-Bud demo at the old Blackie Taylor store in Hiwaiian Gardens when I had been playing about 2 months. Buddy thought the band was taking the chord progression one way and they went the other way, so for just a second, it got real "out side" and with his talent and touch, Buddy pulled it back on all four wheels and played on, but he leaned back and laughed so hard that his bowler hat almost fell off. I have always remembered that moment through my playing career, because if even Buddy Emmons can sometimes get fooled by a song and then laugh at it, we all need to be able to have that much fun when we play. IMHO
JE:-)>

Gerald Menke · Post by **Gerald Menke** » 20 Apr 2005 10:40 am

Hi George,

I used to drink to cool my nerves a bit before a show, but now I like to play sober as judge. I do try to stretch out and take some deep breaths before I go on, it makes a huge difference, and prevents the inevitable loosening up at the wheel that comes with taking a central nervous system depressant (beer, wine, liquor, what have you) before the show.

I really don't get nervous anymore, just excited. Recording sessions are another matter, I do get a bit nervy for them, but I think that has more to do with the fact that when the red light is on, you better be on, otherwise... seriously though, try some stretching and deep breathing, it's free!

Good luck man!

Mark Lind-Hanson · Post by **Mark Lind-Hanson** » 20 Apr 2005 11:02 am

I am not sure how this will help you or not, but here is my approach-
I played music on the street here in SF, Berkely & Santa Cruz in the 70's-80's-
There was no stage, but then from that level, so all the world is one- (this was back before our area got too indudated with beggars with guitars taking the place of really talented folks...& demeaning the busking trade) I began to just work at what I did- if people liked it, great, maybe they'd give tips, maybe not, but I always enjoyed the fun of playing "I'll stay here all day if I have to till you know I'm good!"- It got to the point after a few years of this that I could walk into clubs
& bars & play with people and have very little stage fright at all, simply because I was so used to being out there doing it, it was second nature, and indeed, so much fun, that the high from playing well & winning over a crowd was a better drug than- any of that stuff out there on the markets. (So much so I can barely wait to get back into it, all things considered.) Just being turned on by what you have to offer should give you the confidence to go out in front of any crowd and not be too afraid of screwing up- rememebr, if they could do it, then they'd be up there instead of you, and also -the idea that they WANT to hear you do well can really be an encouragement.

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 20 Apr 2005 12:03 pm

George, lots of people get stage fright in more or less serious forms. I agree, this is not a rational process - one may be completely on top of things and still have true anxiety. I know some seasoned performers who still get the willies every time they hit a stage. Most of the time, I'm OK, but I get spooked now and then, particularly in an unfamiliar or hostile situation. I find that just a simple gesture of making a joke or making solid eye contact with a bandmate helps a lot. For me, it comes down to making things seem 'normal'. Formal relaxation techniques like stretching and deep breathing are important, but that's just to get the ball rolling.

Let me say, a lot of people diss the 'better living through chemistry' approach to dealing with anxiety. I absolutely don't advocate self-medication, and do not suggest using alcohol specifically to cover up the shakes. But a doctor trained in dealing with anxiety may be able to help you. One thing they do is prescribe medications, on a very restricted basis, combined with desensitization therapy to get someone comfortable again with doing things they get anxious about. Really, "white knuckling" is not necessarily the best solution here.

Larry Strawn · Post by **Larry Strawn** » 20 Apr 2005 3:18 pm

Don't think I'd call mine Stage Fright,, but it takes about 2 songs before I start feeling comfortable.

My solution,, I try to let the guitar player intro the first 2 songs !!! Works for me..

Larry

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Emmons S/D-10, 3/4, Sessions 400 Ltd. Home Grown E/F Rack
"ROCKIN COUNTRY"

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 20 Apr 2005 3:43 pm

defintely have the band play a few tunes out of the gate that you are real comfortable with and can play in AUTO PLOT mode.

generally the jitter critter arrives when you are about to do something with a low confidence level or are not warmed up and even close to a ZONE.

Play a few tunes with just back up fills , forget the licks...you can play them later, you've got 4 hours !

This jitter critter still shows up for many of us, but the more seat time and the more rehearsed you are shortens it's life.

just reach back into your EXPERIENCE Cranial Cavity and let it flow...

t[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 20 April 2005 at 04:46 PM.]

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 20 Apr 2005 4:12 pm

Great replies guys....thank you for understanding and not wise cracking. I really hate to pop anything stronger then aspirin, and as far as the booze..i have been through that..so relaxed a couple of times i couldn't move....but seriously..the medication you are talking about is called
"Indorphine Beta Blockers" they control your "Fight & Flight" brain receptors...but this situation is different then your common "Opening night jitters" or "Butterflies". Yes John i am over concerned about my sound, looks, music, presentation. And Mark i try NOT to play any tunes i don't know in public...But i will sure try all your suggestions. It does get better after about a half dozen tunes. Whether we run through them before a show or not. Oh..just a little tid bit..i read that around 29% of all the musicians in most of the Symphony Orchestras around the country
use Beta Blockers for Performace anxiety on an occasional basis. I am going to try the breathing excersise, and just trying to get into the audience a little more. Thank You all for your help and understanding.

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Whitney Single 12 8FL & 5 KN,keyless, dual changers Extended C6th, Webb Amp, Line6 PodXT, Goodrich Curly Chalker Volume Pedal, Match Bro, BJS Bar..I was keyless....when keyless wasn't cool...

Al Carmichael · Post by **Al Carmichael** » 20 Apr 2005 7:17 pm

George--I'm sending you some e-mail!

BobG · Post by **BobG** » 21 Apr 2005 6:45 am

If you play dance clubs like I do regularly
you soon realize no ones listening to you anyway so why bother being nervous.
Unfortunately, i'm not being sarcastic...it's the truth..
Line dancers couldn't care less about the quality of the music.. as long as the drummers meter stays true.

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Bob Grado, Williams D10 (lefty), Peavey 1000,
Profex ll.

Tommy Detamore · Post by **Tommy Detamore** » 21 Apr 2005 7:00 am

There is a great book called "The Inner Game of Music" by Barry Green that deals with the various causes of why people get stage fright, along with techniques to combat it. Lots of other good info for musicians in this book as well.