There are many different aspects of live performance, which contribute to a successful performance, such as:
Technical proficiency – if the performer is very technically accurate and can complete their performance without making any mistakes; they could class that as a successful performance themselves. However, if the performers technical skill allows them to add flair and showmanship to their performance, the audience might class that as a successful performance as it was enjoyable for them.
Interaction with the audience – during a live performance it is vital to engage the audience, as they are the ones supporting you. A successful performer will put on an exciting and engaging show for the audience. They could achieve this by engaging with the audience between songs so the performance feels more personal. Or they could engage the audience whilst playing music by doing things such as pointing the microphone towards the crowd to get them to sing, or getting the audience clapping in beat to the song. Is the audience is doing these things and seem to be having a good time, that could be classed as a successful performance.
Stage presence – when performing, it is important for the performer to have an interesting stage presence. If at a heavy rock show, the audience was jumping around and the band was sat on chairs on the stage, it wouldn’t be very interesting or exciting for the audience. However if they were jumping around with the audience and had an exciting stage show with things such as lights and props, the audience would find the show more enjoyable and could therefore be classed as a successful performance.
Sound quality – the live sound quality is a huge factor on how successful a show can be classed. If the performers are very technically proficient, but the sound is terrible and the audience can’t hear a thing the band is playing it won’t be a very successful show. Similarly, if the band can’t hear themselves play, they won’t be playing as good as they could be and again, wouldn’t have a successful performance. However, if the sound out front is top quality and at the right volume, the audience will enjoy the sound. Also, if what the performer is hearing on stage is of a good quality, the performer will enjoy the sound and will class it as successful.