Wow, Dee, I just don't remember it being that way for my band. Of course, the pay sucked (or was just nonexistent), but we didn't ever headline. I just remember loading in at 7:00, playing at anywhere from 9-11:00, then packing up after and going out for some late night grub. We limited the beer intake to one before the show, but we didn't worry what we looked like when it came to eating.

I loved the whole process, *****ing at the soundman, the butterflies in my stomach before the show, the "oh, crap" moments on stage, everything. We either hung around and listened to the other bands playing, or ran around outside in between soundcheck and the show. I didn't give a damn about the crowd or how many people cheered. I played for me and my bandmates. If the crowd enjoyed it, then fantastic, but if they didn't, then that was on them.

As far as the workload goes, DELEGATE! Tell the other guys that if this doesn't get done, then the band doesn't play. You've got perfectly able members in the band, let 'em pull their share of the work. We all had our duties before the show... If they didn't get done, then the other band members would pull that person aside and advise them of their duties. It ain't a band if nobody else works... it's a solo project with regular pickup musicians.

I hope you find the passion for gigging, man. It can be serious fun if you just roll with it!