How To See The Good In A Bad Show

by: Mo paynter

All bands have at least one. That one show that was SO horrible. - “OMG I can’t believe we had to open for that Headbanger Death Metal Band!” DISCLAIMER: Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a headbanger every once in awhile but just not when I’m trying to bust my groovy dance moves to some pop synth dance tunes. Now, back to the point. Your sound is... non existent, you keep forgetting lyrics, your gear decides to up and die mid set and sing it’s last crying, dying lullaby. If it hasn’t happened yet, don’t worry, it will. I’m not a fatalist. I’m not jinxing you. I’m just preparing you for the future.

Bad shows happen and that’s ok. Why is that ok, you ask? Because in the grand scheme of things you will more than likely learn something from it. You’ll learn to keep that extra 9 volt in your gear bag and carry extra strings but most importantly you’ll learn how to adapt to any situation.  

Adaptability is a valuable lesson to learn especially to survive any tour you’re planning on venturing out on. (Oh, and don’t even get me started on how to survive a rough tour. That’s a post for another day.) Adaptability; not only will it help you make it through the future zombie apocalypse (I call that a BONUUS!), it will keep you afloat  in an industry that eats baby animals alive for breakfast.

A year later, looking back on that infamous “Headbanger Death Metal Band Showcase” and the immediate overnight drive to the next city afterwards with tails tucked tightly between legs lies a memory to laugh at. A cog in the wheel of becoming a tried and true hustling musician. So, take those bad shows, find the lessons, buy that 9 volt battery (or three) and set of extra stings for that rainy day and have a laugh a year later.

There’s good in every bad show.
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