The Perils of a Gigging Guitarist | Vlog

NASHVILLE GIG VLOG RECORDED MAY 19th.
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In this vlog, I take you behind the scenes of a recent outdoor gig that turned into a real test of patience and preparation! 🌧️🎸
The video kicks off with a brief clip from our performance, just after soundcheck, when a torrential downpour suddenly soaked the entire stage. 😱
Watch as I share how we managed to stay calm, adapt, and keep the show going thanks to some essential backup gear. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips could save your gig from turning into a disaster!
If you enjoy the video, don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more guitar tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes content. 👍🎶

[@liontone]

My first “gig” was when I was 16. I was doing a solo rendition of Zep’s “Rain Song” in front of about 200 people at a high school talent show. I had my black and white ‘62 Silvertone Harmony Jupiter, which is a semi-hollow, and as I was coming out, the cord snagged on the huge velvet theater curtain, ripping the input jack out of the guitar, along with all the connected wires. It looked like spaghetti hanging out! So I’m shitting my pants, and got up onto the stool that was at center stage. Meekly turned up the volume. The damned thing still worked. OMG!! Got through it….. lol, and still own the Silvertone. What a first gig!

[@badbrad]

Wow it still worked that is amazing. I wasn’t expecting that.

[@liontone]

@@badbrad Neither was I. 😂 My uncle must have really soldered those wires tight. Hahaha

[@badbrad]

@@liontone Wow!

[@tonyDa2Lo]

Playing outdoor gigs (especially when hot) is a risk even without rain. I played an outdoor gig a couple weeks ago at a winery that was built in a old farmhouse in the country. Beautiful venue and was a clear and sunny day. My whole mindset was at least I have zero rain to worry about. As SOON AS I FINISH, a few patrons walk up to meet n greet. I put my guitar on the stand and go to shake hands and a HUGE gust a wind comes through, and I hear a horrific sound that I knew exactly what it was. The wind blew my guitar over and completely shattered the neck from the body. Was like a wedding cake dropping the way the people sounded. I wanted to cry, but I acted as if it's no big deal. I didn't even tell the owner. Just said it was a great show and I had a blast. Didn't want to bring down the positive vibes I worked so hard to create. So I worked for free that day. I had my backup but I was done anyway so I just packed up and moved on... Also, the more outdoor gigs we play the more we have to change our strings and give em a bath 😂... The type of things they don't show in Rock band 😅... So glad to see you already getting plugged in! It's not on us, it's in us!! ❤🤘😎🤙

[@badbrad]

Man I am sorry to hear that.

[@bigjohnson7415]

Damn, that sucks! Never had that happen, but I feel your pain. I had a couple of "Outside" guitars I'd use and keep the good guitars at home. A cheap Mexican Tele, and an Ibanez, both with upgraded pickups. Worst gig ever was at a 6 flags during Spring Break, and it was like 28 degrees and high winds. Needless to say, not many people there, but the show had to go on. 3 one hour sets, with frozen hands! Miserable!

[@badbrad]

@@bigjohnson7415 Man those sub zero gigs are absolutely insane. Been there don't want to do that lol

[@jimmyc5498]

You’re bringing back all the “good”stories. Great advice. Did a wedding at Helmsley Palace NYC, look up Leona Helmsley/evil) plugged amp into unmarked 220volt outlet, instantly fried my amp, never got reimbursed for damage. Now I bring new boss model pedal just in case, outlet tester, etc.

[@badbrad]

Wow man hate that.

[@Jeff-li5ri]

Great advice as always Brad! I used to live in Florida for ten years. In the summer, you can just about set your watch to when it rains hard. Gets so hot and humid it has to rain. Can be pouring down rain on one side of the street but clear on the other side. My guitar necks were always needing truss rod adjustments and warping. But man, the nights were beautiful and comfortable and the gals are so lovely! Do miss it!

[@badbrad]

Man hoping I don't have too many truss rod issues. Thanks for the post.

[@TheFeelButton]

Quality backup gear is mandatory...even in a power outage I can keep on rolling! Cheers Brad!!

[@badbrad]

You got that right!

[@andy-doublebarrelhouseband5686]

I played a festive this weekend..same thing happened. In my case I was I hired gun with one rehearsal were we didn't even play thru the entire set list until the gig..so I took the 3 sets, printed them out and put them in a binder but the rain ruined them 100%..

[@badbrad]

aw man that sucks!

[@ernesteison7979]

Man, outdoors, in Florida, in the summer, Always bring an umbrella. After 4pm, You're gonna need it.

[@badbrad]

This was from one of my last gigs in Nashville.

[@tommybotts]

Well Brad, you certainly didn't have any trouble findings gigs in your new digs!! Top marks!!

[@badbrad]

This is actually a video I filmed back in Nashville. I have content I prefilled and held back to be able to release while we are waiting to get in our new home. Sorry for the confusion.

[@jasonvansteenwyk5984]

Welcome to Florida! In the summer, you can expect a good blast of rain every afternoon at around 3 pm. Plan accordingly. Also, get a deposit for all outdoor gigs in the afternoon during the summer and fall, or put a kill fee in the contract.

[@badbrad]

Sorry for the confusion. This was a Nashville gig I filmed and saved...to have content while I am waiting to get into our new home.

[@kaoquinn]

As we progress as musicians, and get to a certain levels, we want to stay in that atmosphere and not go backwards. And there's nothing wrong with that. I, like you B.B. have paid my dues in the low paying, "5 people at a show" gigs. HAHA, Got to love those days. You still give it your all. By us doing that and playing to the big crowds, in the late 80's / early 90s, we got the attention of Virgin Records A&R rep Gary Gratzer, brother of Alan in REO, he started grooming us. BUT Nirvana came and blew it all away. So in my band TYC, and the high-end musicians we have, dont do the low paying shows. We feel we have paid our dues. I know it sounds rude, but if you havent got there yet, and you will if you keep plugging at it, you will see what we are talking about. It has nothing to do with me being better than someone else, Its like working at a job for 25 years, you have more seniority than the worker that's been there 1. Or something like that LOL...

[@badbrad]

Great post. Thank you. Things are always improving with time.

[@schreds]

outdoor gigs i always carry a couple of blue tarps automatic if there isn't a stage or good tent i won't setup period only bring my Mex Fenders or epi's for guitars for amp its my 96 HRD always , indoor gigs i have zero issues bring my early LP customs or even my Pre CBS strats for amps its always a Marshall / Fender combo size depends on gig just gotta no before u go and believe me gigging in Hawaii rainy forecast has whole new meaning to passing showers

[@badbrad]

Man I hear you! Great post!

[@Jeff-li5ri]

One time it rained so hard the street drains couldn't handle all the incoming water and within minutes our car was floating. No tires on the ground! LoL 😂. Don't miss that! But good times there as a young man and musician in Florida

[@badbrad]

Wow that is crazy!

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

I'm in a cover band that only does a few corporate gigs a year. One of them is a county July 4 festival. We're set up on the grass under a tent and it's always about 700 degrees outside. It pays $200 for about 90 minutes so that's why I always say yes. After this year I'm officially done with that. It's hot, it's not all that fun, and ultimately we're just a sideshow.

[@badbrad]

Yeah man $200 for everybody?

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

@@badbrad $200 per man. Not bad at all, but one of the worst outdoor gigs you could ask for.

[@badbrad]

@@brubakersflatcakes9755 I've done those type of gigs and yes they can be brutal.

[@waverider689]

try gigging in myrtle beach for a living lol. i deal with this weekly. it sucks i feel your pain

[@badbrad]

Man that is rough.

[@kaoquinn]

DAMN!!! 100 on the intro!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!!!

[@jimmyjames2022]

Soaked gear under power!! You can check the doppler radar for the local area to accurately see what weather is coming a half hour or more out. Meanwhile, sure the bride got soaked, but as long as the donkeys and peacocks were well behaved it wasn't a total bust.

[@badbrad]

Yes indeed! For some reason they never get the weather right here. I should have been more careful on this one for sure. The peacocks and donkeys stole the show. One for the books.

[@internetmoney221]

Robbin Brad Crosby

[@badbrad]

Is a wanted man

[@jamesday5636]

With increasing warming climate ,I have noticed in just over 20 years our outdoor shows are fraught with monsoonal rain, excessive heat and even wind cancelations! Man we NEVER had that on festivals, occasionally in August- but I purposely booked us in June and still got canceled by HEAT! We went to out door gigs when clubs started paying crap. Guess its time to be a duo/trio and head inside again. You cant win man!

[@badbrad]

Man I hear you!

[@s.m.whiteII]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@badbrad]

Thank you SM

[@chrisalexander1661]

Do you or others typically have your own insurance on your rig?

[@badbrad]

Sometimes but most of the time no.

[@badbrad]

Sometimes but usually not.

[@user-ko4iy1pp9j]

Any damages?

[@badbrad]

Everything seemed to be ok.

[@TomDavisVideo]

you suffer for your music!

[@badbrad]

Indeed.

[@blastmasterparker6358]

Hate when that happens them Florida squalls in summer will get u a lot of bars are open air got that t-shirt

[@badbrad]

I hear ya. This was outside of Nashville.

[@tonyloco42]

These guys never stop. Your manner is so much more positive despite the difficulties of that gig. Playing gigs keeps us alive in some great way.

[@badbrad]

Yes indeed. When all is said and done you just gotta play.

[@tonyloco42]

Only just got to Florida... Youre already working, you old muso! You can try to walk away, but you never walk away :) So glad youre still doing your thing brother

[@badbrad]

No this is footage I shot on one of my last gigs. Not working yet.

[@tonyloco42]

@@badbrad Ah ok apologies, my mistake. I hope u get gigging soon brother, I have no doubt you will

[@badbrad]

@@tonyloco42 No prob brother.

[@tonyloco42]

Us UK musicians juat imagine the Americam dream. We like the music, but we live on a small island :)

[@badbrad]

Unless you become the next Oasis and conquer the World.