Got a Question? Ask A COWBOY POET!
May 2025
Every live show brings unexpected moments that even the performers can’t predict. For some artists, pre-show rituals help reign in the uncertainty and corral confidence. This month, the cowboy poets discuss their own warm-up practices as they answer this question:
Do you have any habits or superstitions that are part of your pre-performance routine?
~ @reno_raineys
waddie mitchell:
I've certainly seen rituals, prayers, nervous movements, pacing, etc. Early on, I probably did them all one time or another, but eventually got confidence enough to stop that stuff. About the only thing I did was actually with my ol' pard Don Edwards. When we were introduced to the stage, we would give each other a thumbs up. I thought little of it at the time, but now I cherish those brief moments.
annie mackenzie:
A panic attack and two beers.
dick gibford:
There is one certain cowboy superstition that I have always adhered to, and that is never, under any circumstance, throw your hat on a bed or even place it on a bed. It brings bad luck every time. But other than that, I just try to use good common sense and play by the rules…eat well, get a good night's sleep before performing, and stay as relaxed as one can. If a person has done their homework and knows all the material well, then there's really no reason to be apprehensive before going on stage. That's about all the information I can think of on this subject. I reckon some of the others will have some interesting input. Good question, thank you.
dw groethe:
This will be the most boring answer ever. I'm not a very superstitious person. I've seen plenty of off-stage quirkish behavior especially back in my theater days, but none of it ever possessed me. On those rare occasions when I might be a little tense before going on, I'll take a deep breath, let it out slow, and then have at whatever on an unsuspecting audience. Now that I think about it, maybe they're the ones who should be suspiciously superstitious. Hmmmm. Thanks for asking.
Ta daa,
d dub
