I once saw The Smashing Pumpkins, long after their heyday, and Billy Corgan DIDN'T play their best song, 1979. For the "encore" he played a wailing and indulgent 15 minute guitar solo, which the crowd hated. Ugh.
Bands get tired of playing the same old hits, but it's what the fans want.
When you've been delivering something for a while, it becomes second nature. The pacing and pauses, the humour and drama, it all gets improved and refined every time you deliver it. It gets better over time and yet... also runs the risk of feeling stale.
Lots of people feel pressure to reimagine their work (whether it be a presentation, a workshop, a framework, etc) to ensure the audience is delivered something fresh and new.
If you feel that pressure, it's worth asking yourself the question "is novelty really what they're paying for?"
Usually, the answer is no. They're paying for efficacy. They're paying for certainty. They're paying for the tried and tested results that are delivered by your best, most refined stuff.
To return to the concert analogy, yes, you can sneak your new songs into the middle of the set.
You might not be a rockstar, but people still want your greatest hits.
I saw Suzanne Vega last week in Wellington, and she opened with her breakout hit Marlene On the Wall. "I've found people get anxious if I leave it too late in the set," she explained to an amused and happy audience. She closed with Luka and Tom's Diner. Perfect.
PS. The Fink Tank is BACK! Col and I are delighted. Looking forward to some good banter in the comments.