It has been just over two weeks since the band’s first gig. So I now feel that I can puts some thoughts about the whole experience.

I was reasonably happy with my performance. There were a couple of things that I have done better and so should have done better, but there were certainly things that went better than any practice. A lesson to take away is that you might realise that something was not correct but if you play with confidence and pleasure then the audience will not notice. I have realised that merely playing is not what people want from a live band - it is the performance - the stance, movement, smiles, nodding, syncing with other band members, etc. that you put in and they not only listen but watch the band. This sounds obvious - but it’s not easy to add that aspect when you’re trying to play all the right notes at the right time in the right sequence.

My enjoyment was a little tempered as I also was playing recorded music, the sound engineer, lights and announcer. There was a lot to do. There was a lot of preparation and after the gig it was a bit of a let down. Still, I will be ready for that next time. Forewarned is forearmed.

We have another gig coming up in October where I’ll be merely band member and sound engineer. It will be more relaxed for the set up and I expect that I’ll be able to enjoy the gig better.

I do find that the performance aspects can be a little addictive - there is a buzz that comes from playing and performing with others in the band in front of other people. So thankfully we have that new gig.