Now I don't know 'bout most of you, but when I would watch them rockers up there doing their thing, I thought, "dang, those guys have the easiest job ever." While I certainly wish that were true, it's not. In order for them to go out and give you a decent show there is a massive amount of work that must go into it.
To start off with, they all have to learn their instrument. That much is obviously a given, but that is easily the hardest part of preperation. For example, a guitarist needs to learn notes, chords, power chords, bar chords, how to tune, and for some, how to use a kapo, among many others. Bass players have a very similar set of things to learn. Drummers have to learn how to make each part of their body work independantly from the other, which according to many is one of the hardest things to learn. Vocalists have to learn how to hit the proper notes with their voices, for some they need to learn how to scream with out tearing their throat apart, as well as strengthening their soft palate, and all sorts of other technical stuff. Some bands have keyboardists, who have to learn both the bass, and treble clefs (fancy things that just change the notes around a little). They also have to learn how to work foot pedals, and many other things. As for all of the other instruments you could add, the harmonica, mandolin, organ, etc., each have a long list of things they have to learn.
Now, once they learn their instruments they have to form a band. That is a difficult process, which involves the need to not only find all of the instruments, but find people who want to play the same kind of music, have the same skill level, and have personalities that work together well. For example, you can't have a band full of leaders. They would butt heads, and the band would fail. That is a difficult combination to find, but once you have it everything else works.
So you have a group of people, who all play an instrument (counting vocals as an instrument), and all want to play the same stuff. You then have to decide if your going to be a cover band, which plays other people's stuff, our be an original band, which writes their own stuff. After that comes the tedious but usually enjoyable task of learning, and/or, writing songs. Writing songs is a difficult feat in many aspects. First off you have to come up with a sound you want to make. We usually have Brad, our guitarist, come up with a lick, then we run with that. Once you have the basic sound, you start adding in the bass and drums. Once you have that, the lyricist, who ever that may be, gets to find lyrics that match the mood, rythem, and notes of the song. Once you have the general formula you have to smooth it out, work out the kinks, and take it from notes to music.
You have a band, you have music, now you have to find a gig. Finding a gig can sometimes be a very difficult task. Thankfully now we have the internet, but before it was alot of hunting for openings, or places that would let you play. After tracking that down you have to make your gig known. Flyers, advertising, whatever, some how you need to make your gig known. Once you do that you are ready for the final bits of difficulty.
When your setting up for a gig, there are alot of things you need to figure out. If your renting the location, you need to find out how much each ticket will need to cost so you can not only pay the rent, but hopefully make some cash as well. After that, you can find some way to do merchandising. For example, make some t-shirts with your band's name on them. Once you have the money down, see if you can find some sort of security. On many occasions, poor security has lead to many injuries, and even deaths in the world of rock n' roll. Get the security, and the cost of that will more than likely play into ticket costs as well. If your playing a very large venue, then maybe contacting some vendors, for things like food and drinks, would be a good idea.
Alright, you have all the technical business stuff done. Now comes the hard part. Each location is going to have different accoustics, and based off of those you'll sound different. One way to get around this is be freaking loud. The louder you are the less the accoustics will affect you. In order to be loud you need good quality sound equipment. Unfortuanately, that is not cheap. If you can afford it get it, otherwise improvise. After you figure that issue out, you need to find balance between each instrument. The only way to do this is play with the mic setup. Use the mixing board you hopefully have, and find that needed balance. For best results find someone who actually knows what they are doing. After getting that figured out, run through your set at least once. If it is your first gig, you will be nervous, and that will help you calm down. It is also an opportunity to figure out what you need to touch up.
Now in order to be able to really get yourself figured out in the last step, you need to get set up. For the drummer this will probably be the lengthiest part of the process. Get your stuff setup how you like it, how it is comfortable, and how you have practiced with it for the entire time. If you change something right before a performance you are spelling disaster for yourself, and incidentally the band. Check your tuning, your amp configurations, footpedal setups, and whatever other neat little gadgets you have. Go 0ver everything multiple times. If you are unsure if everything is right, assume it isn't and check it again. In this instance paranoia is acceptable, and even slightly encouraged.
The last part of this is the most fun, but also the most important. Have fun when your performing. I don't care if you are the most amazing band on the face of the earth, if you are just standing still like statues, and not having fun, the crowd won't enjoy it. Move, jump, dance, whatever it is you do, enjoy yourself. One of the best performers for this is Guitarist Angus Young for AC/DC. That man runs everywhere on stage, and thuroughly enjoys himself. Another important aspect is that you interact with the crowd. Make them feel included in your performance. They came to see you live, when they could have just watched you on TV. Make them feel like the money they spent was worth it.
Alright. You rocked the show. Now you need to get your stuff torn down as fast, yet as neatly and carefully, as possible. You are renting this location. In order to be able to rent it, and others in the future you need to leave it in better condition than you found it. You take care of the stage, and the location's cleaning crew will hopefully take care of the rest. Once you've done that, collect your money, pay your dues, and get some well deserved sleep.
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