Horrible gig today.

[Uncle Vinnie]

Played at the local assisted living center today, first time since the plague: As a matter of fact, I last played there in Feb. of 2020 and the next month things went to shit.

Had my repertoire all written out, songs by Sinatra, Nat Cole ... I mean songs these people grew up with that I had played for years and rehearsed aplenty. Had my equipment checked to make sure everything was working properly.
About a dozen folks showed up.

From the first note it fell apart. I was nervous as hell, sweating like a pig, the fingers had minds of their own and went wherever the hell they wanted to (which was usually a fret other then where I was hoping they would go), my voice cracked, throat went dry, I forgot chord progressions, forgot lyrics ... F'n nightmare! The absolute worst I've ever played in my entire life.

One lady ... she had to be 90-years old or nearly so stood up, and I thought I heard her mutter under her breath "fuck this shit" as she was leaving. It was that bad.

But they were kind and asked me to come back again but, man, I am spooked.

Next time I think I'll have a beer before playing to quiet the nerves. What a disaster.

 

[LPMarshall Hack]

"Fuck this shit!"

 

[Uncle Vinnie]

"Fuck this shit!"

Thanks for the sympathy.

 

[LPMarshall Hack]

Thanks for the sympathy.

Sorry...wasnt clowning you. Just the image of that struck me in the funny.

 

[Thundermtn]

Well, that sucks. You'll do better next time though, sounds like you got in your head a little too much. Do something to take the edge off a little and have all your lyrics on a stand and just feel more than concentrate. Flubs are like potholes in a road. If you drive those songs enough you'll know where they are and can avoid them.

 

[Roxy13]

Sorry to hear that but you have to admit 90 year old saying, "Fuck this shit" is comedy gold.

 

[Leumas]

It’s cool Vinnie. As a nursing home veteran I can tell you they loved it. I’m sure you’re being hyper critical of every move, but take this and learn from it. Calm your nerves, have your lyrics ready, and just go zen next time.

 

[Wuuthrad]

Have you considered using a music stand or an iPad? No shame in extra prep.

 

[Uncle Vinnie]

Have you considered using a music stand or an iPad? No shame in extra prep.

You know, I was thinking of bringing my music stand but said "naaaaaaahh"

Shame on me.

 

[CB91710]

The fact that you were asked to come back means that you were up to the standards of the person signing the check.

Now get back into the swing of things and bring yourself back up to your own standards.
Not being on stage for 3 years is going to take a bit to get back into the swing.

 

[Side Burns]

Anyone who’s played out has some kind of story where things go wrong. Sounds like you had one of those days.


If you don’t mind my saying my secret. I like music and i like performing. You have to do it because you like it. There will be bad days and there will be irate people in the audience.
My motto is “I hope you all love it” and i put in 100%. Now if someone wants to ignore me that’s fine and if someone wants to leave thats fine too. I like performing because of the energy. @Uncle Vinnie the days you get on stage and you ride that wave instead of it crashing on you,…. Those days make it worth it. I hope this helps you, because it helps me. I grew up performing in a band and everyone is different. Heres to your next show

 

[Steven]

I started performing on piano at 4 years old, Ever since I have played many huge venues on several string instruments and still got nervous when I played for audiences of thousands with orchestras as a first violinist. Never got nervous playing in rock bands on guitar though, I always felt that the loud music and several other band members, and being able to move freely around as I performed took the edge off.

 

[CB91710]

Oh... and when playing at assisted living facilities, I would strongly recommend against following the typical advice to help with nervousness by picturing your audience naked.

 

[Chester Drawers]

Next time just confiscate all their hearing aids.

Seriously, anyone who has the talent and confidence to play in front of an audience of ANY type has my respect.

Put this one down to experience, it may take a bit of time to get back into it….perhaps the old lady was expecting some Metallica?

 

[rockstar232007]

Just remember this: They'll all be dead soon, so their opinions mean dick!

 

[wildhawk1]

My wife and I played nursing homes for years along with a group of friends that would join us occasionally.

You're being too critical on yourself. You went and gave your time and talent out of the kindness of your heart which is unfortunately more than can be said for the families of most residents there that can't be bothered to visit their parent, grandparent, whoever....

I can't say thank you enough for that.

Keep doing what you're doing. We all bomb out once in awhile. If they wanted perfect it would be fire up the CD player. They asked you to come back and that's something you should be very proud of.

 

[sonar1]

You were appreciated. One 12th of the audience is nothing.
I’ve cleared whole rooms. Never eat beans&weinies!

 

[MenaceMartin]

That's a shame man. Sorry to hear it was a rough performance. Nobody is immune to a bad day. Either way, one person walking out is nothing! Maybe they were having a bad day too... likelihood is they never even noticed most of the flub-ups.

Get back on that horse. I struggle to get any decent playing out my instruments in front of a camera let alone my own Wife, so you could be a lot worse dude

 

[ArchEtech]

I highly doubt you were as bad as you think you were. Next time take a video, and we can let you know .

 

[Freddy G]

we've all been there....that what they say anyway!