What should you do if you are in a band and have a Gig. And you want to go, but

Question:Last Gig that i had, i froze up. I don't want to quit the band, but people say i should. I play the drums but even if i am behind everything, i still will freeze up. Help?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Last Gig that i had, i froze up. I don't want to quit the band, but people say i should. I play the drums but even if i am behind everything, i still will freeze up. Help?

Ask yourself why you froze. Did you not practise enough? Are you too afraid to make a mistake?

You can absolutely overcome this so ignore people who tell you to quit. I have done a lot of public speaking and often have to hide my nervouseness.

First of all, before your next show, make sure you're as prepared as possible. Practise your songs, practise dropping or breaking a drumstick and having to get another, go over every senario.

Before you go on stage, try to find a minute to be alone, close your else and just take slow deep breaths. Visualize yourself on stage with as much clarity as possible. Then, as the thoughts start to make you anxious, gently push them aside and focus on your breathing.

When you're on stage, remember that even seasoned professionals sometimes screw up and its not the end of the world. Just pick yourself up and carry on.

It will get much easier with time, don't worry!

pull a slipknot move, and wear a mask

you're in the wrong business.

Take up Knitting.

If you're not confident enough in your abilites to PERFORM... then do studio work... or make room for someone who WANTS your spot.

A certain columbian plant extract powder is widely known to overcome this difficulty. Now what was it called....?

Picture everyone naked. :-)

Wear a blindfold. The music is just for you. It's nice of you to share with everyone else, but you don't have to see what you're doing, just do it.

Anxiety is a lot more common in this industry (and everywhere) than some would have you believe. You only mention this one instance, and if that's the case, it might be isolated to that one time and there's nothing more you need to do, except relax.

If it's more of a continuing pattern, here's some information about panic disorders and some possible avenues for treatment:

http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/pdbasi...

Here's an article about performance anxiety that doesn't offer much, but it might help you feel more like you're not alone:

http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/6362/

Here's an article about Kim Basinger's panic disorder:

http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/famous...

Good luck!