God I suck on stage........

[VOLVO)))]

http://www.70000tons.com/artists.htm

[eyeprod]

yeah man, be yourself and play to the song. Some tunes are great for just standing there, looking down and headbanging. Others are more high energy and come across better when played with more vigor and antics, and some require you to actually look at the crowd to achieve the best effect. Especially true if you also sing. Falling over, or nearly falling just adds to the thrill of it all, and believe me if you move around a lot and have some booze in you, you will stumble occasionally. Some stages are rickety as fuck anyway, so just keep having fun even if you fall over.

[ROWDYBEER]

 I would go on that cruise in a heartbeat. It's fucking sold out.

[Mike_Sims]

I wouldnt recommend the xanax before a show, especially if yur gonna have a few beers. xanax is good when you have the hangover of the godz or are having a real anxiety attack. if you must try it, start with a half xanax.

oops, forgot to mention that! Yeah if you do Valium or Xannies, seriously DON'T drink alcohol with it. I mean people have, and haven't died, but a buddy of mine said it's like being "pcp man" (which isn't very fun at all, unfortunately I know). I know a few dudes who take a valium or other downers before a show. I get along with downers real well, way better than weed or booze, so I'm okay. But don't depend on em! But if you can avoid drugging yourself all together, that'd be great.

[chille01]

I just try and keep busy all day before a show.  I find that I get the most psyched out if I'm just sitting around in the afternoon.  If I work that day, then run home and take the dog for a walk, grab some dinner, drag the gear down to the venue, load in, write the set list, talk to the other bands etc. etc. etc.  I'm fine.  Just don't give yourself time to think about it.

All that being said, my stage jitters are probably mild by most standards.  I don't ever get really freaked out.  I used to a little more, and booze helped to some degree.  ONE stiff drink of your hard liquor of choice, sipped on leisurely before the show calms the nerves.  Rye and ginger, or scotch neat for me.  Usually the rye, since most of the venues we play don't have any scotch that isn't crap anyway.

[ROWDYBEER]

Im going to stick to a couple beers. I dont fuck around with drugs (the bad ones mkay). I used to but I have a family now. I feel better about my situation knowing Im not the only one who gets a little freaked out. I think over time I will get it under control. Some really good advice in this thread. Thanks

[Discö Rice]

Rye and Ginger. Yum.

[nonoman]

I get moderate stage anxiety which getting completely blistered high helps with to some degree, but if I can get my hands on a couple of blue valium, its a glorious experience. Everything is so loose and free flowing, the gears are all lubed, and its time to rock some fuckers.

I'll second the no alcohol when taking benzos advice, but who cares about booze then.

[Discö Rice]

I care about booze.

[Instant Dan]

Im going to stick to a couple beers. I dont fuck around with drugs (the bad ones mkay). I used to but I have a family now. I feel better about my situation knowing Im not the only one who gets a little freaked out. I think over time I will get it under control. Some really good advice in this thread. Thanks

Probably the best thing to do.

AND NEVER DO BATH SALT.

[zachoff]

You're good, dude.  We don't really ever play stages big enough to move around, anyway.

[tomz.]

I care about booze.

me too man, me too.

[liquidsmoke]

Yowza. This thread is kind of freaking me out and we are at least a few months from being ready to play live. Beer will be essential but not so much that I forget lyrics or riffs.

OP: I hope you eventually become comfortable with playing live, I feel for ya.