From missing sustain pedals to runaway music in the wind, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske share their funniest, most nerve-wracking performance mishaps—and what every gigging musician can learn from them.
Introduction
If you’re a performer, there’s a universal truth: sooner or later, something will go wrong on stage. Whether it’s an equipment fail, a forgotten lyric, or an unexpected interaction with an audience member, concert mishaps are simply part of the territory. In a candid and laughter-filled conversation, Bree Noble and Tara Brueske dive deep into their own memorable onstage blunders and share both the wisdom (and, sometimes, the humility) earned through these experiences. Here’s what every gigging musician—and audience member—should know.
Equipment Fiascos: More Common Than You Think
Both Bree and Tara open up about the surprisingly frequent equipment issues musicians face. With stories ranging from showing up at a venue to find a microphone stand with no boom to arriving to play a high-end Steinway whose sustain pedal doesn’t work, they remind us: a successful performance often comes down to clear communication and over-preparedness.
Tara recounts performing on a keyboard perched on an ironing board—yes, really!—because the venue had forgotten to provide a stand. Bree shares how, as a touring artist, she learned the hard way that venue “keyboard” can mean a million different things. These experiences taught them to specify every requirement in detail, always clarify gear setups ahead of time, and—perhaps most importantly—bring back-up everything. Extension cords, duct tape, extra mic clips, even tarps for outdoor gigs: they’re not just helpful—they’re essential.
When Mother Nature (or Children) Intervene
Outdoor performances take unpredictability to another level. Tara describes a sweltering park performance where the sound system overheated right before showtime, forcing the band to relocate and play acoustically for a handful of loyal attendees. There are also tales of sudden Midwest summer storms, blowing over sheet music, and the necessity of bringing tarps and clips just to keep your gear and music intact.
For musician parents, unpredictable children can also create last-minute panic. Bree recalls driving to a gig only for her toddler to have a major accident en route—with no spare clothes. Quick thinking (and a helpful venue with a stash of lost-and-found clothes) saved the day, but she advises always packing extra outfits and supplies for young kids on the go.
Mishaps of Memory and Mind
Even the most seasoned performers can blank on lyrics or get distracted in mid-song. Bree, who typically memorizes her material due to low vision, describes sudden bouts of panic when the opening line of a familiar song vanishes from her mind right before she’s due to sing. Tara talks about getting distracted by audience antics and momentarily forgetting the next chord or lyric.
Their top tip? Smile, stay present, and keep going—most audiences won’t notice minor errors unless you draw attention to them. Sometimes, asking the audience to sing along or making a light-hearted joke diffuses the moment and brings everyone in on the experience, turning a potential disaster into connection.
Dealing with People: The Unknown Variable
Not all mishaps are about equipment or weather; sometimes, it’s the people. Bree describes a cringe-worthy post-gig interaction where a man tried to pitch her on being his wife and ministry partner—while completely ignoring her wedding ring and the fact that she’d mentioned her family from the stage! These moments are a reminder that live performance puts you in front of all sorts of folks, and you need both clear boundaries and a sense of humor to navigate the aftermath.
Lessons Learned: Preparation and Perspective
If there’s a single takeaway from Bree and Tara’s stories, it’s that mishaps aren’t a sign of failure—they’re a badge of honor. They’re evidence that you’re working, learning, and putting yourself out there. The key is to be as prepared as possible: communicate every detail of your needs, carry extra gear and redundant supplies, and expect the unexpected. But equally, when things veer off-script, respond with grace, humor, and honesty. Be human—because that’s exactly what your audience wants.
So next time your pedal goes missing, your lyrics vanish, or a stranger makes an awkward proposal at your merch table, remember: every seasoned performer has been there. Laugh, learn, and get back out on stage.