Question: I have seen some rockabilly gigs where people actually **stand on the double bass**.

For instance:

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/Ankj5.jpg)

and

How is this possible? I haven't tried it myself, but if I try to stand on my double bass, I'm pretty sure it's going to be wrecked.

Answer: 
Effectively, the image and video prove that a double bass is stronger than you imagine.

There are angles at which you wouldn't want to step on a double bass, but at the positions shown, it will safely hold an average weight person.

You wouldn't want to try this with an expensive instrument, but a rockabilly bassist is unlikely to be using a high-end bass. Subtleties of tone are not important in this kind of music, and there's a certain thrift-shop glamour to having a beaten-up instrument.
The Alcoa Aluminum Basses made from 1928-1932 are perfect for standing on.

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ge7mu.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/ge7mu.png)