I am an amateur classical violinist and though I've been playing for years still get very anxious in case I forget the next note!

I have found taking St. Johns Wort tablets or even better, drinking it in tea form really helps to calm me down and get quite 'mellow'!

It is actually usually recommended for depression but I find it helps equally well for nerves and fear. Unfortunately the 'powers that be' here in Eire
have decided it's too dangerous (yes, it can react with other medicines, but what are we, children?) and banned it several years ago.

I now, like every one else here who takes it, get it off the Internet, so what was the point in banning it??

Sorry, didn't mean to go off track - seriously, if you do suffer from nerves try St. Johns Wort, you might be surprised!

I know two people that are experts at playing stoned/drunk.... they're in the same band. Though I remember a show they played at a party where everybody was drunk, myself included... the whole band still played well. I'm still amazed that they can do it

In answer to your question Riley I've had guys make mistakes all night by being bombed and railing out at the other band members over the mike so the whole audience can hear,or guys getting abusive and argumentive with audience members.One guy was so out of it and was using such foul language that the sound man cut off his mike and amp and he was too blasted to notice.Behaviour like that reflects on the whole band and ruins the gig for everybody.One night quite innocently I was responsible for a poor gig.I had a real bad flu but rather than let down the band I decided to play.Before the gig I picked up some cough and cold syrup and took a few spoonfuls.I had a couple of screwdrivers(vodka and orange juice)during the first 2 sets and by the time the 3rd set rolled around Iwas out of it. Somehow we got through the gig-no thanks to me-but I learned a valuable lesson from the experience.

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