What's a song you absolutely LOVE, but would NEVER play at a gig? Maybe it doesn't suit your voice, it's too obscure, goes on for nine minutes, has 14 chord changes before the first chorus, or you already know the audience would stare at you like you'd just started reading from the electricity bill. We all have songs we'd love to play if audiences weren't involved. What's yours, and why doesn't it make the setlist?

Hey gang! Just wanted to share a little good news from a gig last weekend. I played a new venue, a barbecue restaurant with a full bar. They normally book country solo performers, and I was the first act they’ve had who is primarily classic rock (with a little country mixed in). I thought the first set went pretty well, but when I stepped off stage for my first break, the owner/manager came rushing up to me and said he wanted to book me for more dates — without even hearing the rest of my show! Needless to say, that made me feel pretty darn good. The rest of the night just kept getting better and better. It looks like I’ll now be playing there once a month. Always nice when a new venue turns into a regular gig!

Ok guys, we are pretty good at sharing our experience and knowledge, how about sharing a bit of our performances. It might be a bit daunting, but would be great to see you in action. I have done a few Youtube videos and shorts just for fun so I will stick my head above the parapet and be first to share something. Please be kind 😂. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw3S76JI-u4

So I have been bringing a black backdrop to my gigs for the past year. I find it helps make my set up look a little more professional. It hides the tacky beer posters and miscellaneous stuff that many bars nail to their walls. The backdrop takes about 3 minutes to set up, so it isn't a big hassle. Anybody else use a backdrop?

I thought I'd make a permanent post where we can share some of our favourite things to say onstage. For anyone who doesn't know, Stage Lines is something I created for gigging musicians who occasionally find themselves staring at an audience thinking, "I should probably say something now." It's a collection of tested lines for different situations at gigs. Welcoming the crowd, introducing songs, dealing with requests, filling awkward silences, interacting with different types of audiences and generally sounding like you have something prepared when you absolutely don't. 😂 🎤 Get Stage Lines: https://wooddog.gumroad.com/l/stagelines 📺 Not sure what it is? Here's the video walkthrough: https://youtu.be/Om6idI7Jgrs But I also want THIS post to become a resource of its own. If you've got a favourite line you use at gigs, whether it's from Stage Lines or something you've developed yourself, post it below for everyone else to steal... I mean, professionally adapt. And don't feel like you have to use anyone's line word for word. Quite often the best thing is to take the IDEA and change the wording so it sounds natural coming from you. So let's build a collection. What's one line you regularly use at gigs that nearly always gets a reaction?