A single spotlight illuminates a gaunt figure, indigo stark against his chalky skin. He stares down his audience with a crazed look in his dark eyes, raising both fists above his head, while the mammal twitches helplessly between his teeth. As the bat’s blood trickles down his chin, Ozzy Osbourne cements his reputation as one of rock’s most notorious - and enduring - icons.
At least, that’s how the story goes. What is certain is that audience went home talking about what they saw, and are still talking about it more than thirty years later.
Now, I am not in any way encouraging you to go out and decapitate small animals in the name of a memorable set. But think about your live performances from an audience’s point of view. When you watch a mixed bill of several artists, who stands out and what moments do you replay in your mind on the journey home?
There’s no set formula of course - what works for one act may be forced and unnatural in the hands of another, or entirely inappropriate to their audience. Start by taking an honest, frank look at your own performances - getting a friend with a video camera to record a show can be very revealing! Watch and listen back. Are you drawn in? If you saw yourselves for the first time, would you be inspired to find out more?
If not, what can you do?
Take a look at how you appear on stage. Think about your presentation - both in appearance and in attitude. Do you look the part? Does your body language project confidence? When it comes to looking assured on stage, it’s often a case of “fake it til you make it”. Think about reflecting the music - it’s no good having a high-energy rock track if the band look bored to tears playing it! Work on interacting with the audience - whether there’s two or two thousand in the crowd. Make eye contact with your fans (particularly if you’re a singer) and invite them to be part of the performance. And yes, props and theatrics can be used… just be aware of the line between theatre and pantomime!
Smart acts take time in practises to run through sets as though they’re performing. Set up as though you’re on stage. Practise the beginning and end of the set, so you start with a bang and end on a high. Know where in the song there might be audience interaction - if the guitarist needs a moment to re-tune will someone be cover the silence? Fail to plan and you plan to fail
Make sure your performances are memorable and preferably for all the right reasons.