NITA STRAUSS Remembers Her Worst Gig Ever: “Virtually Everyone In The Membership Walked Out – Together with One Of The Different Bands And The Judges”

Earlier than Nita Strauss turned a celebrated guitarist, shredding alongside Alice Cooper – and finally Demi Lovato – she needed to endure the type of humbling expertise that may make or break a younger musician. In a latest interview with Guitar Participant, she appeared again on what she referred to as the “worst gig of her life” – a second that, in hindsight, helped form her profession.

It occurred when she was barely a teen, simply 12 or 13 years outdated, and had joined her first band, ODA. She wasn’t even in highschool but, not like her bandmates, however that did not cease them from getting into a Battle of the Bands at a small San Fernando venue referred to as the Cobalt Café. The catch? They needed to promote ten $10 tickets simply to get onstage.

“I used to be lucky to have performed the worst gig of my life early on. After I was 12 or 13, I joined my first band, ODA. I don’t know what the initials stood for, however I suppose they meant one thing. I used to be nonetheless in center college, and everyone else within the band was in highschool. There was this tiny steel membership in San Fernando referred to as the Cobalt Café that held Battle of the Bands nights. We determined that we wished to enter, however you needed to promote 10 tickets for $10 every to get onstage,” Strauss recalled.

“We did not have a giant circle of mates, so we offered a grand complete of 4 tickets to the drummer’s girlfriend and somebody’s brother. After that, we have been caught. Who’s bought 60 bucks? Properly, my dad got here to the rescue. He was a touring musician and he knew the deal, so he got here to the soundcheck and acquired our final six tickets so we may get on stage and play.”

The anticipation was excessive because the younger band equipped for his or her set… “We have been so excited — an actual present in entrance of actual folks! It was going to be wonderful. We solely knew three songs – two originals and a canopy of Metallica‘s ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls.'”

However then, issues took an surprising flip: “We got here out and began rocking, and for some purpose, nearly everyone within the membership walked out – together with one of many different bands and the judges! My dad caught round, and the 4 different individuals who purchased our tickets have been there. However that was about it.”

Regardless of the disheartening turnout, Strauss and her band did not let it shake them: “Trying again on it now, I can say it was the crappiest gig I’ve ever performed, however on the time, I used to be elated. I used to be so absolutely immersed and pleased in that second to be onstage, carrying my boots and taking part in in entrance of some folks. The entire band was pumped. We did not care that everyone left. We did not even care that the judges left. I do not know who gained, or in the event that they introduced a winner. We have been similar to, ‘Yeah, we’re doing it! Irrespective of the obstacles, it doesn’t matter what occurs, we’re out right here kicking ass!’ After all, we did not actually kick any ass, however in our minds, in that second, we kicked ass.”

For Strauss, her father’s unwavering help made all of the distinction…

“My dad was superior about the entire thing. He mentioned I used to be nice and that I should not let the dearth of individuals trouble me. Each of my dad and mom have been extremely supportive, however they did not bullshit me or sugarcoat something. If I performed properly, they’d inform me, however they have been all the time trustworthy. That is so necessary, particularly if you’re younger and also you’re studying.”