How to Open a Set

doctorwho · Post by **doctorwho** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 11:41 am

Peter, is Not Fade Away the Rolling Stones' cover, or the Buddy Holly original version?

alanz · Post by **alanz** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 1:06 pm

My rule has always been to open with 3 high energy tunes that we know really well with no downtime between songs. First song finishes, "1-2-3-4" straight into the second one "1-2-3-4" right into the third one.

Then do a little witty repartee' with the audience after that to fill time so the guitar players can tune/switch instruments/whatever.

This accomplishes a couple of things:

1. Gets the crowd up and energized

2. Gets the band motivated and rockin'

3. Gives me time to observe and prep a comment or two for the between the third and fourth song momentary delay (see "witty repartee'" item above).

Since one of my band rules is to never have a chick singer I don't worry about when to bring her out.

expomick · Post by **expomick** » Fri Nov 10, 2006 5:43 pm

Gotta agree with Alan. That's how we used to structure out sets as well.

86kubicki · Post by **86kubicki** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 3:35 pm

You still playing anywhere Mick?

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Sat Nov 11, 2006 4:59 pm

I'll agree with Alan and Mick. It's important to present at least three good rockers in a row to an audience, with no tuning/stage patter/etc. in between songs. After the third song, give them a chance to catch their breath, and say 'hi' to them.

kenposurf · Post by **kenposurf** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 5:25 pm

If the audience knows your tunes and what to expect..thats cool and I think you can go right for it..if not I agree ease them into it....no guitar noodling between songs!