Power Trio Question- Stage Left Or Right?

[triplehold]

I've been playing with the same rhythm section for the past 20 years- guys I've known forever. We do it all- we've outlived countless clubs and bars, played tons of benefits, headlined, opened, played the middle slot in three band shows [sometimes the best I've found] and have seen friends and generations come and go. It's been a blast, but I have a question for all you guys who are in a three man army like me. Do you set up on stage left or stage right and is there any particular reason why? In my early learning days I liked stage right cause Hendrix did plus I could watch the bass player. Now I'm stage left and have never gotten to ask anybody why they setup the way they do in their band. To us it does matter, because we don't ever set up any other way. I asked our bass player once why we do it- I've know him since fifth grade [45 years ago!]- kind of a Howard Cosell/Ric Flair type dude and his only reply was "Which side does Ross the Boss play on? That's all you need to know!" One thing for sure is that I consider myself really fortunate to play with these guys for this long.

[markD]

well, my band is a trio with a stand alone vocalist. i HAVE to be stage left. if not, i can't play. we have done a few festival shows with supplied backlines, and i have had to be stage right...it makes for a VERY difficult night. i don't move a lot and everything feels weird to me. i tend to naturally angle myself to the right when i am playing, so stage left makes more sense, though these days i think it is more psychological than anything else.

my bassist, he doesn't care what side he's on, so it all worked out.

[triplehold]

Thanks for the reply markD- I was starting to think I was a little weird asking this. I've noticed a lot of players like Michael Schenker, Dave Murray, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani stand stage right. I'm with you, I have to be stage left. Although, If I was wireless on a huge concert stage with lights, pyro and scantily clad babes, I think I could prance, hop and sash-shay around like a prima donna ballerina. Maybe.

[markD]

i couldn't. it's one of the reasons i went back to using a lead instead of a wireless. i am a pretty stationary player (like dave murray - my first BIG guitar inspiration) - i will walk about a little, stand on monitors, etc, but no sashaying about like a ballerina!!!

[VitaminG]

come now, Mark. Release your inner Janick!

[Rsmacker]

This is a bit like asking what side people dress their cocks to. It just happens, it feels right, so you do it every time.

[joelayres]

This is a bit like asking what side people dress their cocks to. It just happens, it feels right, so you do it every time.

No arguing with that! :ROTF:

[triplehold]

markD- Yeah, I'm a cord only guy too and I stand pretty still in a "mean business" stance on stage. Even on big stages we stay close up front because that's the way we are use to playing. I hope you realize I'm just cracking on myself about prancing around. Heck! I like jumping right into pit with my axe if anything. Rsmacker- I don't think like that, I was just wondering about other guitarists' preferences and why.

[markD]

yeah, i got the joke!!! G - i will NEVER release my inner janick...i am still hoping maiden "releases" him from the band.....