I remember the first time I met Bill (properly) and our very 1st performance at the cottage club. He looked like he'd just walked off the stage from a Queen concert. He just had this incredible rock-star energy about him. @jasperdick and I were so excited to perform there. I think we both had a bit of stage fright.
Ok, Jasper was nervous and I was suffering from paralytic stage fright and psychosomatic flu. I discovered later on that I would always get sick a week before our gigs. My stage fright was so bad that it tried to shut my body down so that I wouldn't be able to perform. Luckily for me I have an arsenal of secret weapons that got me through every time: an assortment of antibacterial and anesthetic lozenges and throat spray, and of course, tequila or Jägermeister whichever was available. Oh and good old-fashioned cough medicine with alcohol and codeine. None of this sissy sugar/alcohol-free nonsense. And it got me through. I remember Amanda even lent me her inhaler one night.
Then my dad passed away... and suddenly, as my world was turned upside down, the things that mattered most to me were brought so clearly into focus. It's like my stage fright died with him. My dad was stripped of his ability to play guitar after his stroke and he spent
almost 7 years unable to play. It killed his soul. When he died, I suddenly realized how lucky I was, for each and every performance and for the ability to sing a play and create. These gifts are at the center of my being.
Back to Bill, I honestly found him and the venue super intimidating, especially when I realized what caliber of musicians had played there previously. It's not always possible, but sometimes, after the show, when everyone has left, we get some incredible alone time with Bill and Amanda, and after having some heart to heart discussions with him, I learnt that he still gets nervous, nevermind during performances, but even when he is hosting other musicians. The truth is, if you're not at least a little nervous before each show, you are doing it wrong.
It's a sign that the music means something to you and you care about your audience. I also learned that it's ok to mess up. If people wanted you to be perfect, they wouldn't be coming all the way out to listen to live music. What they are looking for is the magic ingredient. Connection. And I hope we achieve that every single time.
On this very special and magical night, we were treated to a cameo performance by Bill. What an honor! As always, thank you to The Cottage Club and our hosts Bill and Amanda for a fantastic evening and really going the extra mile for us.
Thank you @zakludick for the wonderful footage!
And Thank you to our incredible audience for being an active part of the whole evening. We couldn't have done it without you.
Yes, the truth is that there will always be those nerves, at the beginning they seem unbearable as if the heart is going to come out, but little by little we learn to handle it, but they will always be there.
It seems crazy to feel sick before a presentation, but I've met several people who feel sick.
@zakudick used to have to carry me on and off stage. I used to be shaking so much from adrenaline that I couldn't walk straight after a performance!
Music can heal anything. Great job as always 👏👏👏
absolutely! 100% agreed <3