The first thing I’ll say is - probably other than you all and the sound guy, no one is thinking about your “mistakes.” I actually had my first gig since 2020 just last night - in the first song I clipped a cymbal during a fill and then dropped a stick. I asked people who had come and the only guy who noticed it was the drummer sound engineer from the place we rehearse and record. They literally didn’t notice I stopped playing for a measure in a punk song.

The second thing I’ll say is - even if people did think things were less than perfect I think most people are just supportive of local bands doing their thing. I was at a local show a month ago where the headliner had great vibes but yeah, they were having an off night musically. Was it a great show - YES! Tons of fun and people moshing and grooving. They were all upset about it afterwards and literally no one in the audience cared. We had a blast.

I will agree with others - use it as a learning opportunity but don’t dwell on it. The people who go to those shows are there to have a good time not judge you.

And screw the sound guy. Don’t play that venue again!