Musiclover, I doubt that anyone who is just starting to gig will encounter the stress level that professional performers like Michael Jackson did.

You can and should if you have the desire to start. Just be sure of the audience you want to serve. If you are looking to make money then look around where you are and see what bars and such are hiring. Does that match your music?

There should be a lot less stress if playing at nursing homes, VA hospitals etc.

Just pick and choose carefully.

Whenever I get something stuck in the back of my throat, I dislodge it by drinking a beer.
It's called the Heineken Maneuver.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware