Bring a Backup

What should I bring a backup of?

The simple answer to this question is EVERYTHING YOU CAN! If you happen to break a string, have a backup guitar, or if your cable dies on you, have another cable you can switch it out for. For drummers, try bringing an extra snare, and extra sticks for sure! This way, you’ll never be caught in the awkward position of not having enough stuff to be able to play.

I just re-strung my guitar, put new heads on my drum set and got a new guitar, should I still bring backups?

YES. What if your new strings are put on wrong, and they snap? Or what if your new drum heads are defective and they rip? Then what? It’s always better to be safe then sorry when it comes to gigs. If you practice for a month, then when you’re at the gig, and some part of your gear goes out, or dies, or breaks, you don’t want to just have to say “well I guess we have to go home now”.

Steps to Take:

Get as many backups of stuff as you can
Bring them to all your gigs
Make sure your bandmates have backups for their stuff as well

Now I know that it’s a pain to have to bring a bunch of extra stuff along to a gig with you, and time and time again never have to use it, but for that one time that you go to a gig and something does break, you’ll be really really really happy that you have a backup. Trust me, it’s embarrassing to have to ask for parts, or things from the other bands there. Also they might not even have one, or they just might not want to give it to you.

In summary:

Having backups of everything will benefit you a ton
Make sure your bandmates also bring backups for their stuff
You’re better off safe then sorry