Playing outside in the cold

[Bert]

Had an outdoor gig yesterday. It was cold, by California standards at least. I couldn't play for shit! Is there a trick to dealing with this? Tried keeping hands in pockets before the second set, and it worked for first few songs, but then my hands got cold again and the suckage resumed. I see metal bands playing outside in freaking freezing weather and they seem to do fine. How is that possible?!

[Axegrinder87]

Alcohol

[Bert]

Alcohol

Huh, interesting thought. There was no alcohol allowed at this particular event. Coincidence? Maybe not!

[Axegrinder87]

No alcohol!!??!?!? Denied!!!!!!

[BayRocker]

Only play cold weather events that allow alcohol.

[Axegrinder87]

Better yet, only play ANY events that allow alcohol. Especially church events, or is that only here in the south?

[Bert]

This was a charitable fundraiser event at a public highschool. But yeah, no gigs without alcohol is my new rule!

[Twitch]

Dont stand there like a stick in the mud. Keep your whole body moving, and your extremities will stay warm enough. Might try some fingerless gloves too. Of course, gloves may be overkill, but here, cold means 40s or lower. Weve got this saying around here regarding outdoor unfavorable weather gigs, FUCK THAT, book the other guys.

[Axewielder]

Alcohol

^^^ this. You are still going to play like shit, but you'll think you are kicking ass!

[Axegrinder87]

Even in 40 degree weather, if you're not sweating, you're not doing it right.

[SARJ]

Good call Axewielder! Took the words out of my mouth. I say mind over matter. When you are leaning over the edge of the ramp and chicks are grabbing your legs and your other than alcohol buzz is about to peak and you know it.......nothing can stop you not even the cold! Seriously though. I played in the snow, Nov. 1988, in New Mexico. The first song was Rocket Queen, GnR and it was nothing. The second song was Not Your Fool, Cinderella. The slower we went the colder we got. The cramping sensation set in. My drummer stood up and went to the mic and yelled, "Who wants to get warmer"? At this point mostly die hards were there drinking of course. We started playing SOD and Anthrax stuff as well as the Metallica style version of Last Caress and we all forgot the cold for a while. The tempo of the song helps, but when you look good doing it they don't mind and it don't matter if you suck. Ask Primus...they'll tell you they suck in any climate.

[mjtripper]

How about putting a small forced air heater or 500 watt halogen work light on the drum riser and when your hand gets cold stand with your hand in front of it for a bit? Plus fingerless gloves and keep moving around on stage. I hear alcohol helps

[Chad]

[joshulator]

Wrist bands help slightly. Also, use one of those mic stand things that holds your picks. It will make it easier to grab a new one when they fall out of your numb hands.

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

I just let the flames coming off my fretboard warm my fingers all nice and toasty.