EddiePlaysBass Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 While I was listening back to the recordings of last Saturday's gig (read all about it here) I noticed this was my 40th folder, indicating I've recorded 40 gigs I did with various bands. Since I'm in the habit of recording everything (except for the occasional jam session) I went back and checked how many gigs I'd played before I acquired my Zoom, and it were 9 in total. I was a bit bummed that this was not my 50th gig, as I will be taking a wee break from bands but then I realised that I never recorded the set my rockabilly band played for our singer's bachelor party. So that makes 50 gigs under my belt. Not as many as I hoped for when I first started out 12 years ago but I am grateful for all of them - even the bad ones Anyone else have an exact number of gigs played, or am I the only one keeping track? "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour
Nicklab Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 I actually did a gig log of sorts when I was wrapping up my tenure with Starnes & Shah. I was actually surprised to see that during my stint with them from 2010 to late 2012 I played EXACTLY 50 gigs with them. We recorded a few of those shows, and several of them wound up on The YouTube as well. And then, thinking back to my gigging from 1993 through 2010? I'm honestly not sure of how many gigs I played. There had been scores of blues jams and open mics. And some bands played only a handful of shows, while some others had several dozen. I wish I had kept a log of just how many performances I had under my belt just for the sake of perspective. But perhaps it's better that I don't. Because with documentation like that I suspect that it could get rather easy to become enamored of the past and looking back. So maybe not having that info at hand is a good thing, so I can keep looking forward. Obligatory Social Media Link "My concern is, and I have to, uh, check with my accountant, that this might bump me into a higher, uh, tax..."
EddiePlaysBass Posted November 24, 2014 Author Posted November 24, 2014 I'll tell you one thing: having recordings of 40 out of 50 gigs is a blessing and a curse. Some nights were a lot better in my mind than on the actual recording Some bands, too ... Then again, I rarely if ever listen back to any of those recordings. For a while I kept all recordings of my rehearsals, too. Now I delete them periodically to free up space, and keep only the "interesting" tracks - different arrangements, exceptionally well-balanced recordings etc. "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour
Richard W Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 My band just had our 30th gig this past Saturday. I keep count and also have the set lists from almost every gig. I wish we had recordings, 'cause I'm pretty sure we're a lot better now than when we started in '09. "Everyone wants to change the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves." Leo Tolstoy
jeremy c Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 50 gigs? Boy, I'm getting old. There were some years that I played well over 300 gigs. Fortunately I've managed to forget about most of them. Free download of my cd!.
Ross Brown Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 I keep track.... I have a log.... "When I take a stroll down Jackass Lane it is usually to see someone that is already there" Mrs. Brown
b5pilot Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 I have a scrap book that has some old gig fliers and photos but it only scratched the surface. Been gigging on and off since 1980. No where near what Jeremy has done but over the years at least 400. I wish I would have kept better track. Lydian mode? The only mode I know has the words "pie ala" in front of it. http://www.myspace.com/theeldoradosband
The Geoff Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 There was a period of time in the 70's when I played with a kind of Scottish Show Band when we played at least twice a week for around 9 months of the year. Sometimes it was 3 times a week. This went on for about 8 years. I haven't a clue how many times I've gigged, but it must be quite a lot. G. "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the World will know Peace": Jimi Hendrix http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=738517&content=music The Geoff - blame Caevan!!!
butcherNburn Posted November 24, 2014 Posted November 24, 2014 Eddie, you're not trying to justify one more gig with the old band are you? If you think my playing is bad, you should hear me sing!
EddiePlaysBass Posted November 25, 2014 Author Posted November 25, 2014 Eddie, you're not trying to justify one more gig with the old band are you? Hahaha, no man!!! I just liked that I ended this first part of my musical journey on a round number. And yeah, I wish I could have given a higher number, as 50 gigs in 12 years is not a lot - but part two may see an increase, who knows. I want to start my own band in a few months, see how that works out for a change "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour
J. Dan Posted November 25, 2014 Posted November 25, 2014 I was doing about 90+ per year for about 5-6 years in my old band. Got old. Cut it back to around 20/yr these days. Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth.
EddiePlaysBass Posted November 25, 2014 Author Posted November 25, 2014 Man I would not mind 20 gigs per year ... If and when I get a new band together (blues, rockabilly & rock'n'roll is the plan) I will aim for 15 / year and settle for 12. Should be feasible - the hard part will be getting musicians with a proper mindset "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour
SteveC Posted November 25, 2014 Posted November 25, 2014 I have no idea. Depends on what qualifies as a gig I guess. Bar gigs, private parties, "free" gigs, church, concerts... Bar gigs maybe a couple hundred. Performances...hundreds.
Eric VB Posted December 1, 2014 Posted December 1, 2014 Anyone else have an exact number of gigs played, or am I the only one keeping track? Yes, since I "went pro" I have detailed records for every gig I've played. I also keep track of every song I've performed on stage but that is another topic. Fifty gigs is a good milestone, David! Keep up the good work!
Eric VB Posted December 1, 2014 Posted December 1, 2014 I wish I would have kept better track.IMO just being able to list "signature" gigs is probably enough. For me that's festivals, weddings, special events (like NYE parties), recording artists ... things like that. Jazz studies cats seem to get opportunities to play with big names as resume builders during their college days. They just list the handful of big names they've performed with. Maybe they will list a discography, too, if they have one.
Groove Mama Posted December 1, 2014 Posted December 1, 2014 I keep track.... I have a log.... Hell, you probably have a periodic table or sumpin. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C.
Groove Mama Posted December 1, 2014 Posted December 1, 2014 Anyone else have an exact number of gigs played, or am I the only one keeping track? Oh, yeah. And the number is pretty easy to remember: one. Queen of the Quarter Note "Think like a drummer, not like a singer, and play much less." -- Michele C.
J. Dan Posted December 2, 2014 Posted December 2, 2014 Gotta be ready for the tax man. That means tracking every gig - amount paid to me, paid out to sound guys and booking agents, miles to/from each gig and practice, receipts for all gear purchases, summary of utilities for square footage of my home dedicated to practice space, etc. Dan Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth.
Eric VB Posted December 2, 2014 Posted December 2, 2014 Anyone else have an exact number of gigs played, or am I the only one keeping track? Oh, yeah. And the number is pretty easy to remember: one. And now that you've taken the plunge one time the next time won't be so bad, will it?
Eric VB Posted December 2, 2014 Posted December 2, 2014 Gotta be ready for the tax man. That means tracking every gig - amount paid to me, paid out to sound guys and booking agents, miles to/from each gig and practice, receipts for all gear purchases, summary of utilities for square footage of my home dedicated to practice space, etc. Exactly.
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