Playing SOBER + doing anything sober. - Page 2

genelovesjez · December 12th, 2004, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenderR

Back when playing and teaching were what I did for a living I made a deal with myself, I refused to drink on a gig. I used to make a deal with the bartender at every place I played. I told him that if anyone wanted to by me a drink to tell the person that all I drank was Screwdrivers and then to just give me the OJ. The barkeep could keep the price difference as a tip.

That's just about the smartest thing I've ever heard. The bartenders must have loved you!

Horrorshow · December 12th, 2004, 05:18 PM

For me, it wasn't as much playing buzzed, it was trying to play sober the next day. It took me years to realize it, but not only trying to play with a hangover, but tuning my guitar always sucked with a hangover. I have a great ear for tuning, too, but it's a tough thing for me to do when hung over. I don't drink much anymore, but when I do, I won't even touch the guitar the next day.

Synchro · December 12th, 2004, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by genelovesjez

That's just about the smartest thing I've ever heard. The bartenders must have loved you!

Thanks for the complement. It kept the bartender on my side in the deal so he'd have a reason to go along with me.

I remember one night when I was out listening to a friend play at a gig. I tossed back about a half dozen "virgin screwdrivers" in the space of one set. My friend on stage was watching me closely figuring that I was probably three sheets to the wind. During the set break I spoke to him and I was as sober as a judge. He must have thought that I could really hold my liquor, it was pretty funny.

kennconn138 · December 13th, 2004, 10:52 AM

In my case, I wouldn't even be playing if I hadn't quit drinking (10 years on 2/14/2005). I was not only fired from the band I started, I ended up not even owning a guitar for 3 years. I sobered up and have been working steadily ever since (steadily in the time sense AND the physical sense, lol) and I'm having the time of my life. I play much better and therefore enjoy myself much more...plus, I can remember the gig afterwards!
;)

December 13th, 2004, 10:52 AM	#44 (permalink)
kennconn138 TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Holdenville, OK Posts: 27	It's more than merely better In my case, I wouldn't even be playing if I hadn't quit drinking (10 years on 2/14/2005). I was not only fired from the band I started, I ended up not even owning a guitar for 3 years. I sobered up and have been working steadily ever since (steadily in the time sense AND the physical sense, lol) and I'm having the time of my life. I play much better and therefore enjoy myself much more...plus, I can remember the gig afterwards! ;)

December 12th, 2004, 05:18 PM	#42 (permalink)
Horrorshow Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 227	For me, it wasn't as much playing buzzed, it was trying to play sober the next day. It took me years to realize it, but not only trying to play with a hangover, but tuning my guitar always sucked with a hangover. I have a great ear for tuning, too, but it's a tough thing for me to do when hung over. I don't drink much anymore, but when I do, I won't even touch the guitar the next day.