Hi, Hopefully this thread isn't a repeat, I did a search but didn't see anything.

I'm curious what everyone eats, and does on the day of a gig? What's your typical routine? Please be as specific as possible.

Do you eat a lot of protien, carbs, energy bars, drink a lot of water, gatorade? Fruit?

Bacon and eggs for breakfast, or maybe an energy shake? lunch, dinner?

Anyway, you get the idea.

---

Generally, If I'm not playing the night before, I won't do anything. Maybe watch a movie. I may even get my personal gear together so I have it ready to go the next day. Cooler, clothes, song list, etc.

I try to eat a fairly big breakfast, usually bacon and eggs. I start drinking water early and continue all the way up to show time.

Lunch is usually a ham and cheese sandwich, or maybe even peanut butter and jelly, with some fruit and cheese.

Unfortunately supper is usually whatever is around the gig area, because I generally eat after setting up. Maybe some pizza or a burger, sometimes bar or even gas station food. I should probably try to eat better at this point.

I like to set up as early as possible, and then relax and go over the song list in my head and refresh my memory if there is something I haven't played in a while. With the exception of maybe a beer, I rarely drink any alcohol on gig nights. I used to party like a madman but just cant anymore. I have a cooler with water and gatorade next to me, and usually drink gatorade between sets. And I stretch before playing.

I've found that these little homeopathic anti-cramping tablets work pretty well for cramps. I used to cramp pretty bad in my legs and hands before I started really hydrating, stretching, and taking these tablets. (we just don't play out or practice enough for me to be in the kind of shape I'd like to be in)

I usually have a power bar or two in my bag as well.

I kinda let my body tell me what it needs.

I have been doing "mega smoothies" at least once a day.  I put protein powder and other ammendments, yogurt, hemp seed oil *omega 3's* and different fruits.  I have been packing a couple in ice to have in the wee hours of the morning to hold me over.

Some times I'm ravenous in the morning and if I have a two or three nighter, man I can eat!  Whatever isn't tied down.  I just try and stay away from fried food.  Subway on the road is my favorite fast food.

I usually try to eat some form of carbs two to three hours before a gig. Sometimes a burger and some fries but I go light on the fried foods as they tend to run through the system quickly. I also eat very light meals during the day to keep the energy level up and drinks lots of water. A NAP is essential for me if it is a late night gig; usually 30-40 minutes around 5 pm. Dave, here is an interesting piece of info I got from my son who is a Navy Seal: If you eat a Power Bar you MUST drink a gallon of water during a two hour period beginging before you eat it and after eating it. The reason is that the energy used to digest it, and the vitimin absortion process will negatively impact its benefit if you are not hydrated to this level. I found this most interesting and since the Navy has done extensive research in this area I am sure it is correct.
mp
ps I will also have a couple of beers during the gig along with plenty of water

No set routine for me,  actually I will try to grab a light meal late afternoon, maybe a salad or something.  I just don't like to feel full at a gig.....now after the job is a whole different story!
I'm whith Smoggy on this one!  We like to grab a early breakfast of something, usally the band and a few wives, bar people or fans join us for the most fun part of the night. We always have money in our pockets, a appetite, a need for caffeine and generally have a load of fun at 3:00 at some all night joint full of drunks.  Waffle House is always a favorite to hit ( 'cause I like to get the little hats they wear.  And yes,  I have been known to wear them at the next gig while playing.)  
This little venture also is good to have band meetings during and play new ideas as well as review what went right (or wrong) at the shows.

I mostly eat healthy things before.. any show, gigs whatever.. I drink alot of water, chicken salad.. e.t.c.

Pasta is a big no no for me befor a gig, ill be sluggish and sleepy. Definitely no beer befor i play. Ill eat some type of protein two hours befor the first tune is called out with some salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing. Protein is the key ingredient for sustained energy levels for my metabolism. I definitely dont like feeling heavy befor the gig so im conscious of the two hour minimum thing befor playing.

I try to do as little as possible the day of a gig. The more focused and stress free the better. I'm lucky enough to own my business, so I can control my day.

1. Wake up
2. Run a couple miles the tred mill
3. Eat some scrambles eggs
4. Check my email
5. Hit the bike trail for a couple hours
6. Relax and shower up!

Excerising seems to give me MORE energy for the show. Kinda weird. Also, releaves any stress I may of had and I'm in good spirits for the show.

Usually a big lunch on the day of the gig, or a late snack before heading out.  By the time I've finished packing, I am ready to head out and get set up.  After the gig, pig out at Denny's.

Roger