Gigs and food

A rock and roll show is about energy and enthusiasm. It's loud and frenzied at times. It takes a lot out of you to play a gig. Many of us will ultimately have to eat before, during or after a gig. The key is knowing what is the best choice to keep you from encountering gastrointestinal disasters.

There are some obvious things to think about. Pounding down your food two seconds before you hit the stage is probably not a good idea. Nobody wants to see you go for the big rock and roll scream and blow chowder all over the monitors. It's probably best to eat ate least a half an hour to an hour before you go on.Obviously you may be drinking before, during, and after the gig but that's a different post.



Then there is the choice of food. I dare say Taco Bell, or any Mexican food for that matter is probably a really bad idea. I think Barbecue is a no go too. Not only can it be spicy but it also has the potential to get all over your stage duds. I know we're talking rock and roll here but still, it looks bad to have Sweet Baby Ray's sauce all over your silk scarf.

So you like sushi huh? It's seafood, it's healthy. Sure sounds great. Unless you get a bad piece of fish and end up with the runs. There is nothing rock and roll about having to squeeze your cheeks while you run off stage to .....well you know.

Now after the gig all bets are off. In fact, the after gig late night food is often the best meal of the day. Denny's is always a favorite. The food is OK but there is just something about being at a Denny's at 2 AM with your ears ringing from a rock and roll show.

Southern California residents will also agree that that The Original Tommy's is a great place to go after a gig. A chili burger and some fries in the wee hours of the morning go over great.

Since it's already early into the morning, why not breakfast. Ihop is a great place to smack down some pancakes after you've rocked the house. Nothing says rock and roll like a rooty tooty fresh and fruity pancake platter.

It's not only the food that makes the after gig meal so great, it's the conversation with the band. Going over what worked, what didn't or just plain talking trash about the drunk blond that got on the table and danced.