Hi guys and gals, got my first proper gig coming up in a medium-sized venue next week, we are the middle band in a three-band bill.   Feeling pretty nervous but I'm also really looking forward to it.  I would welcome any advice regarding nerves (!) and any little tricks and tips that you have learnt through experience.  

Well you probabaly have the best spot, headlining can be daunting and opening can too so you have the best spot i'd say.  Just enjoy the moment, you'll be addicted if it goes well.

Enjoy the moment, get lots of phots to remember the occasion with, a first gig only happens once.  Most of all.....Don't let the adrenaline rush let you speed up. Relax, take it easy and watch you tempos.
 

Get your stands assembled before it is time to get up on stage.  It will save time and keep the sound guy happier.

Mainly Relax and enjoy it.  You are opening up a new avenue in your life to which you will quickly become addicted.  Playing live is one of my favorite things to do ever...


Stan...

Music is a mirror you can hold up and look at yourself musically. I can hear an old recording and be apalled by my own behavior, but that's the musician I was then. There's absolutely no point in getting nervous because there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. The live gig is is the representation of the musician you are now.

-Bill Bruford

Hope this helps

Ya know? I've been reading and thinking that all of this good information would be useful for the first or the gazillionth gig!

here here...

It's been said and it needs more, relax.
Get there early, just walk around, talk to the sound guy (This is the guy that will be controlling how you sound live, be nice! lol), if possible talk to the owner, and talk to the other bands.
When it's actually time to play, I know it sounds weird but since it's your first time, ignore the crowd at first.

Most importantly:
HAVE FUN. Don't worry about "Am I doing this part right? I hope I don't drop a stick... does my hair look alright?" Just have fun.

Wow...  First gig...  What a rush!  

Check and double check equipment.  Any heads look thin and ready to break?  Replace or have a spare handy.

Take duct tape, pliers, screw driver, extra drum keys, pocket knife, cymbal sleeves and felts, wing nuts...  You get the idea.

Make and keep a gig check-list.  I keep mine in my drum toolbox.  Helps me to remember everything, and if I forget something I write it on my list so that I have it next time.

Keep a soft towel within reach.  I prefer dish-towels.  The typical bathroom terry style towels make my forehead raw.

Have a full water bottle handy...  Absolutely NO alcohol before or during the show.

Be sure and use the restroom before the show!  

Figure how much time you will need to get there, set up, etc., then double it.  Time will always be on your side if you simply plan ahead and arrive early.

I find that when I am nervous that by counting what I am playing helps me to focus, relax, and absorb myself into the music.  For me it is a great way to get into the pocket and not worry about the crowd.  Sometimes I close my eyes while I play, too, and just feel the music; forget about the static and focus on the music and gelling with the band.

Good luck!  Let us know how it goes!  

Well, I did it and it couldn't have went better, due in no small part to your excellent advice.  No sticks were dropped thank god!  I didn't drink beforehand, and I was glad.  The rush was unbelievable, can't wait to do it all again soon...