"My nerves before a gig got worse; I had terrible bad nerves all the time. Once we started... I was fine"
About this Quote
John Bonham, the legendary drummer of Led Zeppelin, is revealing a common phenomenon experienced by numerous entertainers: the heightened sense of anxiety that often precedes stepping onto a phase. In his quote, "My nerves before a gig worsened; I had awful bad nerves all the time. Once we started ... I was fine", Bonham encapsulates the intense pressure and anticipation that come with live performances and how those sensations dissipate once the show starts.
At first, the expression "My nerves before a gig worsened" exposes how anticipatory anxiety can heighten over time. This sensation, familiar to lots of artists, highlights the weight of expectations and the fear of public examination. It recommends that no matter how experienced a performer becomes, the fear of not fulfilling personal and audience expectations can grow, instead of decrease.
Bonham's honest recommendation of his "awful bad nerves all the time" highlights the universal nature of efficiency stress and anxiety. This admission is especially considerable coming from an artist of Bonham's stature, recommending that even the most knowledgeable and accomplished artists are not immune to self-doubt and anxiety. It humanizes the rock legend and underscores the emotional obstacles of regularly providing superior efficiencies.
The shift in Bonham's experience, "Once we started ... I was fine", shows the transformative power of immersion in one's art. It indicates that the act of performing itself can be a haven from the turbulent mindset that precedes it. This shift may take place due to the performer's deep connection with their craft, the audience's energy, or the sheer adrenalin of live performance, which jointly help liquify the pre-show tension.
In essence, Bonham's quote catches a poignant artist's journey from worry to liberty, showing the complex interaction in between stress and anxiety and artistry. It serves as a tip that even in the middle of nerves, the act of development and efficiency can bring solace and liberation.
