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Even the Pros Have Nightmare Gigs
Let’s be honest—if you’ve been playing long enough, a bad gig is practically a rite of passage. But here’s the silver lining: those gig disasters often become your most powerful learning tools.
In this episode of the Sax School Online Podcast, I sat down with Sax School Tutors Fred Vigdor and Joel Purnell to share our worst-ever gig experiences. And believe me, we’ve all got a few. These stories are more than just funny (and a bit cringe); they’re packed with hard-earned lessons to help you avoid the same mistakes—whether you’re preparing for your first community concert or your hundredth jazz gig.
The Festival Fiasco (Fred’s Story)
Fred Vigdor, who toured the world for decades with the Average White Band, has played his fair share of dodgy gigs. But one particular show in the U.S. took the cake.
From a sound engineer who didn’t know how to work the mixing desk to a hotel mix-up that left the entire band scrambling for rooms, this gig was chaotic from the start. And then came the kicker: the headline act pulled out because the promoter “left the money at home.”
“I called my friend from the headline band and he said, ‘The promoter told us he left the money at home, so we’re leaving.’”
Despite the mayhem, Fred and the band went on stage—but only after demanding the promoter not announce the headline cancellation until they were offstage and out of the venue. Smart move.
Lesson learned? Always trust your gut. “You get a feel for these things right away,” Fred said. And if something feels off, take steps to protect yourself and your band.
The Classical Concert Close Call (Nigel’s Story)
I’ve got my own horror story to share. Back in my conservatoire days in Australia, I was playing saxophone in a classical ensemble at a major concert hall in Brisbane. I was on the program toward the end of the night—at least, that’s what I thought.
While I was relaxing backstage (and not even fully dressed), the show schedule shifted. A celebrity monologue ended early, bumping everything forward. The next thing I heard was my name over the loudspeaker.
I sprinted through hallways, tied my bowtie on the move, and barely made it to the stage—where a full audience and seven other musicians sat in silence waiting for me.
“I just walked out into the middle of the stage, took a bow, and tried not to throw up.”
Moral of the story? Always be early and stay ready, because even when it’s not your fault, you’ve got to own the moment.
The Missing Crook Panic (Joel’s Story)
Joel Purnell’s story involves something all sax players dread: losing part of your horn. After a regular Sinatra gig, Joel realized days later that his custom Mark VI crook was missing. Panic set in.
“This crook fits my saxophone and no one else’s. And I had a gig that night with a very angry bandleader.”
What followed was a frantic search, phone calls to other sax players, and a wild goose chase—only to find out the singer had it the whole time… and didn’t see what the fuss was about.
Lesson learned? Always check your gear before leaving a venue. Joel now has a mental checklist and a fixed order for packing his sax to avoid future mishaps.
What Adult Learners Can Take Away
Even as seasoned pros, we still encounter unexpected challenges—and it’s how we handle them that matters. If you’re just starting out and want to learn saxophone online, these stories might seem intimidating. But they actually show you that mistakes are normal—and they’re part of the journey to becoming a confident performer.
In fact, many Sax School members are adult beginners who have never played in a band before. With our structured adult beginner saxophone lessons, learning from home has never been easier. We’ll help you develop the skills, confidence, and mindset to handle whatever the gig (or practice session) throws your way.
👉 Want more expert tips and real-life gig advice? Check out these related posts:
- How to Get Your First Saxophone Gig
- What to Pack in Your Saxophone Gig Bag
- Gigging mistakes most sax players make (and how to avoid them)
Final Thoughts: Prepare, Practice, Perform
Whether it’s a forgotten crook or a no-show headliner, bad gigs happen. But each one is a chance to learn, grow, and play saxophone with confidence next time.
If you’re working toward your first gig—or you just want to get better and enjoy your playing more—check out Sax School Online. Our structured lesson pathways and supportive community are designed to guide adult saxophone learners just like you.
About the Tutors
Nigel McGill is a professional saxophonist, educator, and founder of Sax School Online. With decades of experience performing and teaching worldwide, Nigel is passionate about helping adult learners grow their skills and confidence through structured, inspiring lessons.
Fred Vigdor toured worldwide with the iconic Average White Band for over 20 years and has performed, toured and recorded with artists including Michael MacDonald and Dave Weckl.
Joel Purnell is regarded as one of the top jazz educators and performers in the UK and has taught for over 20 years at the prestigious Leeds Conservatoire.
