Baby's first gig

I (29F) haven't played a show since before the pandemic, and only little house shows for crust punks sharing the same PBR can as an ashtray. I have my first "real" show at an actual venue next week opening for a friend's band. The promoter/venue has been a nightmare to get in touch with for all parties. I don't even know for certain that I'm playing and I'm told I'll have an answer by end of day tomorrow.

This is more of an ettiquite question than anything, but I need to play seated for disability reasons. I am capable of standing most of the time, but I'm a fall risk if my spine starts spasming and my legs give out. Is it normal for a bigger name venue to like....just give me a chair or something? This wasn't something I needed 5 years ago. Sorry if this is a stupid question. With how hard it's been to even confirm that I'm on the lineup I don't wanna come across as more annoying to a venue that already does not seem to care much about this particular show.

in musiciansby unendinghorrors

81%

10d

padraigtherobot

10d

Bypass them entirely and just bring your own chair

pompeylass1

10d

Whilst they might have a seat you can use there’s no guarantee that they will or that it’s going to be suitable. I’m in a similar situation where I sometimes, but not always, need to use a seat for disability reasons and I generally take my own, especially if it’s a new venue to me. I just treat my modified bar stool (I cut the legs down a little) as part of the gear I need to do my job.

whyyoutwofour

10d

Definitely bring your own chair

DGarcia9619

10d

Bring your own chair to be safe. If it’s something you 100% need don’t risk it at all. Joni Mitchell has rocked the chair plenty, good luck!

Rhonder

10d

Depends on the venue, I guess? I would *assume*/hope that if the venue has chairs sitting around they would let you use one for your set. But I can also think of venues that don't seemingly have chairs sitting around. Agree with the other commenter that much like a drum throne that if you're unsure and need to make sure that you have one, probably bring your own. That shouldn't be a problem at all- it's just another piece of stage equipment like your instrument or mic stand or whatever.

unendinghorrors

10d

Thanks guys I'll just pack myself a foldy boi

lemonaderobot

10d

Def bring the foldy, but if you’re open to it, I def recommend letting the bartender/door guy/someone at the venue etc. know you have a disability. As a type 1 diabetic it always helps to advocate for yourself and have someone be aware in case shit goes awry lol! on that note— shouts out to all the bartenders that have saved the day with a free glass of OJ/soda!

Official_Larriva

10d

It wasn’t something I needed 15 years ago either. Also come from playing mostly Crust / Grindcore DIY shows.

I have to play shows sitting down because my right leg was amputated. Went on tour with a band where we didn’t bring my wheelchair so I started off asking each venue to offer a chair. Until one night where it was a real hunt looking for one. That sucked.

Some will and don’t mind doing so. Others might not because they were not expecting the need to do so, or limited resources, etc. Even if a chair is available, certain circumstances may demand a specific seating arrangement the venue might not be equipped to accommodate. I’ve learned it’s much easier for everyone if the performance artist needs a chair, they should be prepared to bring their own chair if possible. Especially if you are a fall risk, because some venues may only have bar stools…

samuelson098

10d

Bring an amp big enough sit on

Monkeypole1

10d

I always use a chair for sound check because of a leg injury, I've never not been able to get one and I've played 100's of venues. You'll be grand!

GruverMax

10d

It's hard to imagine there would not be some kind of chair available...but whether it was one that was comfortable to play in, is a question. Bring one if you can, scope it out, maybe you leave it in the car.

PrizeFaithlessness37

10d

Nope

SteamyDeck

10d

Always bring 100% of the things you need yourself. Don’t count on the venue providing anything unless it’s in writing. That said, I would just ask for a chair and see what they say. If they can’t provide one, bring your own.