I have played the drums since I was a teenager and back then I could overcome the butterflies. My anxiety still plagued me, but I was much more confident then. Around my mid 20's, I really started to struggle with performing in front of an audience and could not control the butterflies as before. I became very nervous and would shake uncontrollably, so I stopped performing. I was unaware of my condition until the "big one" hit, my first panic attack. No need to describe what that was like, as you all are very aware of that sensation, but needless to say, I have become "stage allergic". I still play, but always solo, and I make sure no one is around. I have a little space I rented and go there late at night when everybody's gone. I so very much miss performing in front of a crowd, and the camaraderie of my band mates. I have been making small strides in overcoming my shyness, but I still have a way's to go. I want to thank all my friends and everybody else on PS, you are playing a key factor in my recovery.