Yes, backing up your computer data is vital. But this article is about another kind of backup: redundant gear, so that if something goes wrong, you’re not out of commission. Today’s gear is undeniably solid and reliable, but things happen particularly in the heat of battle on a live stage. Having backups can be the difference between a successful show or a disaster.
Number one on the list: you must have extra cables. They’re inexpensive and easy to transport. If one cable shorts, or if your singer accidently jumps on your guitar cable and rips it out of your guitar, leaving the jack behind, you want to be covered. Cables can and do spontaneously go bad; have extras for every type you use on hand.
If you’re a guitarist or bassist, it’s a good idea to have a backup instrument as well, just in case a string breaks or there is some other problem. You don’t have to go crazy; if you play 6-string electric, 7-string electric, 12-string acoustic, and so on, you don’t have to have multiples of everything (though that would be ideal!). But you want to make sure that if your main axe goes out of commission, you have something to tide you over for the show.
If you’re an electric player, consider carrying some kind of backup for your amp. A duplicate of your main amp is the best, but even a small and inexpensive practice amp may get you through. Or possibly a modeling floorboard or other effects processor can fill the bill so that the show goes on.
As a keyboard player, if you use hardware synths, you might want to consider bringing a controller and an iPad or laptop with you as a backup solution. If you’re a laptop-/software-based keyboard player, you might want to bring an iPad and a spare controller, or a compact hardware synth.
Singers: bring an extra mic. As with the other instrumentalists, you don’t need your backup to be fancy or expensive, but it should be a solid-performing mic that you’re comfortable with.
Drummers rarely have an entire backup kit with them. But be sure to bring extra drum heads, cymbals, and if you’ve got a lead foot, drum beaters. It’s no fun having to change a drum head live on stage, but it’s even less fun not being able to use a piece of your kit because it’s ripped.
It’s also tough to carry an entire backup P.A. system, but you can make sure you have spare cables, spare vital processors, maybe a spare amp, a compact mixer, mics; enough to keep the show rolling if something blows.