Tonight, this is the greatest place in the world!”
- How Jerry Lee Lewis greets his audience in almost every show.
There’s an old saying that goes something like this: “There’s only one chance for a first impression.” So that’s why the first song of the night should be something with which you can set the pace of the night, or afternoon.
So many times I go out to see an act and he, she or they start out mellow or bluesy and when the first song is finished half the audience is gone. I know this very well because it’s happened to me - and the sight never gets easier to bear. You can blame it on the mental appreciation of the crowd in the place, or you can pat yourself on the back because you “got rid of the deadwood (I’ve honestly done this in the past), but it all comes down to this: Do you know your audience?
I played an average of 6 nights a week, 45 weeks a year for 29 years. That’s from 1975 to 2004. The vehicles used for this marathon were 3 rock bands, 2 showbands, 1 duo and just myself. With bands is simpler because people expect you to start out with a bang. With the showbands we tended to “warm up the audience” because they were there to see a show. But with a single, especially a piano player, it’s a lot tougher. You have to have the song and the talk coordinated.
Greet Them Like They Are Your Your Best Friends
However, the first point I want to make is your arrival. I suggest you come into the room with a big smile and make eye contact with as many people as you can. Make them feel that this is the only place you’d rather be. Then sit down at the piano - or take the stage - like the venue is your own front room. Remember, if the audience doesn’t know who you are they are as tentative of you as you are of them. Get a few of them on you side right off the bat with, “How’re you doing?” or “That’s a great tie!” A few well-placed remarks, accompanied by a gracious smile, goes a ong way to warming up the crowd.
Make the First Song Count
For example, if you have a rowdy bunch who are ready to party they don’t want to hear how witty you are or that you can play a very busy version of Scotch and Soda. They want party music. So I would give them Jerry Lee Lewis, fast Beatles (I Saw Her Standing There) or some ’80’s stuff like Dire Straits. Then I would fire off a few more remarks, “It’s great to see you all here tonight!”
Remember, the people want a show. They can get great music off the web anytime they want and their iPods are constantly streaming tunes. But you are live, an entertainment form that people rarely see anymore.