MusicRadar

Things can get pretty blurry in the crazy world of live performance

View in gallery

Showtime

Do write a set list. Unless you are Bob Dylan or playing free jazz with a heavy improvisational element to your performances, write down the songs you are playing and the order you are playing them in.

Whole books have been written about the arcane art of set list pacing, but generally it's advisable to open with something hooky and punchy that will demand the audience's attention.

Do tune quickly and silently between songs. Buy an electronic tuner with an easily-visible display – such as the BOSS TU-2 – and trust it. The audience don't want to hear you tuning and it gives a sloppy, amateurish impression. While the guitarist or bassist tunes up it gives the singer an ideal opportunity to crack a joke or, if they aren't a natural raconteur, plug the band's website or merchandise.

Don't take an age to pack your gear away. Unless you are the headline act, the next band wants to get onstage before the audience drift away and lose interest. There will be plenty of time for excessive alcohol consumption and chatting up groupies once your equipment is off stage.

Do take the time to get to know the other bands on the bill and check out their sets. Who knows, they might even ask you to play with them in future, and it could be the start of a mutually-beneficial gig-swapping relationship.

Around the web:

• Justin Bourneseems like everyone takes forever to get off the damn stage.