2. Don't Annoy The Sound Engineer
The Sound Engineer at your local music venue is the gatekeeper, the authority, the judge. He has within his divine power the ability to elevate your bands performance. He can launch the sound of your group into the heavens or destroy it, sending your soul crashing into the gutter. It is wise not to piss the Soundman off. He is Yoda, you are padiwan. He is Batman, you are Robin. Listen to him. It is his job to make you sound as good as possible. He can turn a good band into a great band. However he can turn a cocky and annoying band into bag of mating Sea Otters. In order to build and maintain this blossoming relationship, you must minimize your ability to piss him off. Turning up late, acting aloof, not listening to his advice and using the sound check as a last minute practice are all sure fire ways to make Mr Soundman decimate your music in to unrecognizable mush come showtime. He really doesn't care whether the bridge of your new song starts in its B flat or A#. He has other bands to work his magic and he will be far more tentative to those that have adhered to his requests and act friendly and professional. Learn his name. I assure you it is not "Mate" and strike up a conversation with him. I'm sure he will have similar leisure interests such as music, gigs and bands. Who'd a thought it?! He probably, like most human beings is partial to the odd cold beverage so sort him out with a pint or two! Even if he is a recovering alcoholic who has just turned the corner, he's bound to appreciate the gesture and it may just turn your gig from terrible to terri-brill! Who knows, your band might even (shock horror) go down well enough to be asked to return. It could be the start of a beautiful friendship. By the way, I've yet to encounter a Sound-woman and welcome the opportunity. I'm not sexist. I am sexy though......