Pitfalls to Avoid when Bands Play Gigs or Shows

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Pitfalls to Avoid

Pitfalls to Avoid When Playing a Gig or Show

Directions

Get the proper directions to the Gig. If your unfamiliar with the venue leave early enough to allow for getting lost, setup, and sound checks.
Try Mapquest for directions to the gig.
When playing festivals etc. make sure you have the proper entry passes and clearances to enter the venue. Get this information ahead of time.
Know where you can park and if the venue needs to give you a pass to get entry to park near the stage of the venue.

Equipment Setup

Get to your venue early enough to setup your band equipment
Take into account travel time to the venue, unloading equipment, moving your equipment, sound check, and setup time
Know whether you venue has a stage or if they will need to move tables for your equipment setup
Get a time from the venue to show up and setup
Avoid having loose wires in your exposed stage area. Duct tape down or cover wires to avoid tripping and cords being pulled out of amps etc.

Sound Check

Make sure you have allotted enough time for a proper sound check
Avoid ear piercing treble, rumbling bass, and feedback
Remember, you band may be great, but if your sound is sub par this will hurt your show attendance. In order to get booked at the venue again, you'll want a good sound from your PA.
Get an experienced sound tech to run your PA

More Tips

Avoid taking very long breaks. People tend to leave during long breaks and you want to keep people in their seats
No In Fighting on stage - Everyone makes mistakes at a show once in a while. Talk to you band mates after the show if something is bothering you.
Promote your show - Get people to the show. The club owner will notice when a show is promoted well and book your band again.
Tune your instruments
Have a backup guitar in case you break a string
Backup Amp - While this may be tough if your in a startup band, eventually may be a good idea to have a backup
Have Extra Cords, Duct Tape, Flash Light, Tuner, Picks, etc.

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