The pub-gig checklist I wish every band had before loading the van

A smooth pub gig usually starts long before the first note. The musical part matters, obviously, but most avoidable disasters come from the unglamorous details: missing cables, no plan for the load-in, a singer who has not brought the right adaptor, or four people assuming somebody else packed the extension leads.

My own checklist starts with the venue rather than the gear. I want to know where we can park, whether there are stairs, how early we can get in, what time music must stop, whether the venue supplies a PA, and whether there is a sound limiter. A ten-minute phone call can prevent an hour of confusion. If access is tight, we decide the carrying order before arriving: PA and stands first, drums second, amps after that, personal bags last. That keeps the doorway clear and means setup can begin while the rest is still coming in.

For shared equipment, we use named responsibility rather than vague group responsibility. One person owns the PA checklist, another the lighting, another the extension leads and cable ramps. “The band will bring it” is how equipment gets left in a hallway. I also keep a small emergency case containing spare IEC leads, jack leads, XLRs, batteries, gaffer tape, drum key, multi-tool, torch, earplugs and a basic first-aid kit. It is not exciting, but it has rescued more gigs than any expensive instrument.

The stage plan matters too. We agree where everyone stands, which side power comes from, where cases can be stored and who needs monitor mixes. In small rooms, the best setup is often the simplest one. Fewer open microphones, sensible amp levels and a clear vocal path usually sound better than trying to recreate a festival stage in a corner beside the fruit machine.

Before leaving home, I check clothing, water, set lists, payment details and the venue contact. After soundcheck, we photograph the mixer and monitor settings. At the end of the night, the checklist runs in reverse so nothing remains under a table or behind a curtain.

What would you add to a genuinely useful working-band checklist? I am especially interested in the small items that have saved a night after something unexpected went wrong.