A musical combo performing in desert (7)
I believe the answer is:
abandon
'desert' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'a musical combo performing' is the wordplay.
'musical combo' becomes 'band' (I've seen this in another clue).
'performing' becomes 'on' (as in being on stage).
'a'+'band'+'on'='ABANDON'
'in' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for abandon that I've seen before include "Permanently desert" , "Leave high and dry" , "Leave, desert" , "Desert or yield without restraint" , "Total lack of inhibition (often gay?)" .)