[fatso]

I don't think you should drink. I remember reading an interview with Chris Isaak (I think) way back when, talking about stage fright. He said that he gets pretty nervous before playing in public and the temptation is to drink. But if you get hammered once, and your fears go away, you'll have to get hammered every time you play in public. I imagine this would especially be the case for your first time.

Some tips that might be helpful (sorry if you've already thought about these):

1. practice, practice, practice. Make sure you prepare as much as you can so that you can be confident there was nothing more you could have done.

2. visualize the setting. go to the venue and look at the stage, ideally well before the gig. think about who will be placed where, your set-list, between-song banter, etc. If you visualize the gig a few times, it should lessen the nerves on the day-of.

3. Try to control your environment as much as possible. Talk to the sound and lighting guys prior to the gig so you know what's happening when. Make sure your band-mates are all on the same page. You want to minimize surprises during the gig. See if you can get a sound-check in the days leading up to the gig, so you have time to make any last minute adjustments to your tunes. Maybe even go see some of the other bands on the bill if possible, so as to be familiar with their stuff as well.

Good luck man! Remember, people largely want you to succeed. They're going to give you the benefit of the doubt because they want to have attended a good show. Report back on how it went!