Why do bands do this to themselves?! These are mistakes that are EASY to avoid and ensure you don’t embarrass yourself in front of or distract your audience.

1. Change things right before getting on stage

Trust your preparation! If you have a moment of inspiration, write it down as something to try later that you can iron out in a rehearsal.   

2. Update software

Don’t update your software after sound check. If you do, you’ll increase your chance for stuff not working.   

3. Hope something works (without ironing out details in rehearsal)

Your goal should be for you to be confident you’re going to nail it when you step on stage. And if something goes wrong, you know exactly what to do to avoid disaster. 

4. No back up plan 

Things won’t always go as planned, but that’s not a reason to not plan. Because when things go wrong, if you have a back up plan, you’ll be ready to roll with the punches.  

5. Trying something on stage you’ve never rehearsed

I guess some bands get a thrill from doing this? But it’s a surefire way to make sure you’re gonna screw up on stage.