I've identified the variable that makes/breaks a band's live performance!

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Jonathan
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I've identified the variable that makes/breaks a band's live performance!

Post by Jonathan »

When anyone, especially the singer, has his/her head pointed directly at the crowd.. all the while his/her eyes are looking straight up.

Now, I know you all may write this off as such a little thing. But, looking back at all the bands I've liked and disliked, I found out the single reason why. Regardless of how well you play, what you play or where you play... do NOT look straight up while facing forward.

It's creepy. It kills the performance. And it's NOT hot....
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Post by AchimbaProphet »

What about the backswing of a head in full headbang?
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Jonathan
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Post by Jonathan »

AchimbaProphet wrote:What about the backswing of a head in full headbang?
That's definitely okay.

However, I'd add that tapping your foot while playing bass is NOT cool either. Let the drummer keep the timing, and just stick to bass playing...
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MOT
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Post by MOT »

Jonathan wrote:
However, I'd add that tapping your foot while playing bass is NOT cool either. Let the drummer keep the timing, and just stick to bass playing...
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Post by pimp_randy_mack »

Those are some very good pointers that I think all bands should watch out for. Your wealth of knowledge of whats metal amazes me.:metalhead
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Post by Jonathan »

I have WAY more insights on metal. I can pick out 25 "things not to do", in my band alone.

But the first post was after seeing a blues band on Capitol Hill Tuesday night after practice. I was digging it 'till she did the eyes roll back of the head thing and I almost spat out my beer in horror. Almost.
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Post by hodgy »

Is it Metal to be able to rest your chin on your guitar while playing?
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Post by Jonathan »

hodgy wrote:Is it Metal to be able to rest your chin on your guitar while playing?
Yes, it's a must actually. Having the guitar down at your crotch and strumming like you're wacking it is for Rock n Roll and Punk. In Metal, the guitar is like a rifle, you must always be in the aiming position, ready to spray bullets of brutallity upon the crowd.
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Post by BigHurknFrontman »

I always prefer to make prolonged, often uncomfortable eye contact with no less than 3 people in the crowd. It's hard not to pay attention and surrender your soul to me when I'm staring at you.
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Post by hodgy »

Jonathan wrote:Yes, it's a must actually. Having the guitar down at your crotch and strumming like you're wacking it is for Rock n Roll and Punk. In Metal, the guitar is like a rifle, you must always be in the aiming position, ready to spray bullets of brutallity upon the crowd.
That's what I thought.
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Post by Jonathan »

BigHurknFrontman wrote:I always prefer to make prolonged, often uncomfortable eye contact with no less than 3 people in the crowd. It's hard not to pay attention and surrender your soul to me when I'm staring at you.
Live Music Psychology 101. That's perfect!

Me, I stare straight down at the stage the whole set, or sometimes I look at the fret board. I do this because I'm embarrassed that I'm still playing death metal at age 34. But, if I bend my knees, hunch over and add a little banging of the head, it blends in with the delivery of the music...
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Post by Drew »

I couldnt help but notice at the LOG show the other night that ...

Alexi "Wildchild" (according to Wikipedia) Laiho of Children of Bodom kept on licking his fretboard while solo'ing, right at the moment he did a squealie ... this has to be on your list Jon ... totally NOT metal!!

Image

I rest my case! Although, when Steve Vai does it (see below) its not so bad. ;)

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Post by gunther »

Drew wrote:I couldnt help but notice at the LOG show the other night that ...

Alexi "Wildchild" (according to Wikipedia) Laiho of Children of Bodom kept on licking his fretboard while solo'ing, right at the moment he did a squealie ... this has to be on your list Jon ... totally NOT metal!!

Image

I rest my case! Although, when Steve Vai does it (see below) its not so bad. ;)

Image
of course if alexi were licking my cock, that would be metal enough for me!
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Post by mickey brown-eye »

Jonathan wrote:Yes, it's a must actually. Having the guitar down at your crotch and strumming like you're wacking it is for Rock n Roll and Punk. In Metal, the guitar is like a rifle, you must always be in the aiming position, ready to spray bullets of brutallity upon the crowd.
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Post by Jonathan »

Yes, to be an awesome guitarist of any style, you need to have licked your strings on stage at least 4 times.

And hell yeah, that Alexi "Wildchild" is one hot chick......


....
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Post by Six6VI »

Jonathan wrote:That's definitely okay.

However, I'd add that tapping your foot while playing bass is NOT cool either. Let the drummer keep the timing, and just stick to bass playing...

What about stomping your foot? I've been known to do that from time to time. It takes the guitarist off guard as they start to question the structural integrity of the stage supporting them.
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Post by Project Undead Vish »

I have always thought that your face looking at the crowd but your eyes looking up or rolling in the back of your head is the super lame way of pretending to have emotional problems.

"ooh, i have emotional problems and it makes me all mysterious while im on stage!!!"
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Post by Evil Red »

After seeing Neuraxis open for Coprse tonight, I wanted to add to this list by saying that when the vocalist 'air guitars' along with the solos... not so much metal.

Which further reminded me that it's even worse when they flip over the whole damn mic stand to 'properly' air guitar along with ALL of the non-vocal parts.

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Post by Project Undead Vish »

I agree with you 100% red. I think the worst would be to do that while rolling your eyes in the back of your head while facing the crowd.
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Post by pimp_randy_mack »

whilst holding the air guitar at your knees.
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