The Gig

The Gig

The Gig

The lights were set, the microphones were on, and the instruments were tuned. If I actually perspired like normal people, I would say I was sweating, but the knot was still in my stomach. I learned all the songs that were required, and I didn't even need to open my mouth to sing at the time, but still I was nervous. With every sound loud enough to activate them, the half-functional lights occasionally blinded me with a flash of blue, green, red or purple light.

The strings felt strangely rough and stiff for some reason, I tried to tell myself it was merely a psychological ploy, but the feelings continued nevertheless. I took in a breath as our singer announced our band's members, and our guitarist played the familiar riff from "Kryptonite" and I knew my time to play was nearly there. A glance over at my drummer, an experienced player, told me it was time to play.

The feeling was incredible, my ears were being barraged by music that did not seem to be coming from the band. It felt as if I was listening to the original recording of the song, but it also felt as if I was part of the original recording of the song. The playing of the four instruments: two guitars, drums and bass, were so linked that I felt professional and sounded professional as well. My ear drums were pulsating with every beat from the bass drum, and snapping with every hit from the snare drum. To be honest, I probably should have worn ear plugs.

That night seemed to go forever, and quickly at once. Afterward, I wanted to play more, though I was tired. However, I was tired, so it seemed to have dragged on in that moment. It ended, though, and I was glad of it as I entered into my mothers car. I was driven home I reflected with her as to how I performed. The night ride seemed to be very mundane after the rush I experienced at the bar, especially with the lack of deer on that cool summer night.

I arrived home and brushed my teeth. Even picking up the toothbrush hurt as my fingers were not used to the four hours of punishment they just recently received. Without the adrenaline to numb the pain, my fingers were tender. I crawled into my bed, glad to be able to get some repose. My ears still ringing from the raucous music and chatter of people, I drifted away into a sleep. Thus was the end of my first night, as a true musician.