Members danger_boy_13 Posted April 13, 2007 Members Share Posted April 13, 2007 We played a show last night where we were told in advance that pay and free drinks would depend on attendance, per new management policy. We were also told that there would be no guest list. At the last minute, someone decided to allow a guest list (one per band member x three bands), but due to some lovely April snow and ice, attendance was pretty poor. No pay, no free drinks.It was still a good show, and the club is definitely better than most overall, so no big deal. The only down side was that I was sick and opted not to drink, but got charged $2 for a lousy Sprite. See, that I disagree with. When a band works an event, they are booked for it, they are using their time, they should be paid for the service. I can see the "drinks based on attendance thing", but not pay. If you work at a fast food joint, do they say "you only get paid for today if we have x number of customers"? Umm...no. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jwlussow Posted April 13, 2007 Members Share Posted April 13, 2007 It sems that there are two types of musicians. Some feel that they are doing the bar a favor by playing and should be given all kinds of free drinks and or food on top of pay (when there is pay). They feel like they are the boss. The other type feels that they are actually temporary employees of the bar and are working for the bar owner. They appreciate the oportunity to perform live but realize that they were hired to help the bar make money. Which is right? Probably a bit of each. I've never demanded free drinks from the bars I play at but I've also NEVER not been given free drinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sudds Posted April 13, 2007 Members Share Posted April 13, 2007 When we're on for a night of partying after the gig we always take our own in with us anyway. Not a snowballs chance in hell am I paying the super-overinflated-taxed-to-the-hilt prices if I can get away with it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 13, 2007 Members Share Posted April 13, 2007 Much better, after the show. Not drinking during. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members THX1138 Posted April 13, 2007 Members Share Posted April 13, 2007 It sems that there are two types of musicians. Some feel that they are doing the bar a favor by playing and should be given all kinds of free drinks and or food on top of pay (when there is pay). They feel like they are the boss. The other type feels that they are actually temporary employees of the bar and are working for the bar owner. They appreciate the oportunity to perform live but realize that they were hired to help the bar make money.Which is right? Probably a bit of each. I've never demanded free drinks from the bars I play at but I've also NEVER not been given free drinks. And you know what the difference between those two is? ... About $800-$1,000 per night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sudds Posted April 13, 2007 Members Share Posted April 13, 2007 And you know what the difference between those two is? ... About $800-$1,000 per night. Yup. Which is why I only play guitar and not work a day job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 14, 2007 Members Share Posted April 14, 2007 +1 But I still work a day job (I like money). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Sudds Posted April 14, 2007 Members Share Posted April 14, 2007 I like money too:D As soon as the nipper is old enough there'll be some sort of day job:lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BluesBenderNC Posted April 14, 2007 Members Share Posted April 14, 2007 And I thought it was just my band that didn't always get free beer. When I book the gigs I always ask for the $ plus a 6 pack. Some are glad to, some aren't. But at the places that aren't giving it away, I always ask if the band is drinking free so they'll know I'm in the band & to give me the discount price - if there is one. An earlier post something about beer ragging out his voice. Wonder if that's ragging my voice too. I can't sing much as it is, but now I wonder if I'm worse because of the beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TRU Posted April 15, 2007 Members Share Posted April 15, 2007 Smoking added to yer bad night????? I'd say find a new hobby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lurko Posted April 16, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 Smoking added to yer bad night?????I'd say find a new hobby. Whatever. We non-smokers are taking over, thankfully. NYC, CA, DC, Chicago, Baltimore, MA, hell, even DUBLIN is smoke free. You shouldn't have to breathe smoke to play music or serve drinks. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_smoking_bans_in_the_United_States As far as drinking on the job goes, I wouldn't drink to excess (read buzzed) while playing, but I damn sure want a brew or two to cool off during the show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BlueStrat Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 Last Friday my band played a gig at a bar in VA. Turned out to be, while not a disaster, extremely subpar. The stage was TINY. I'm talking about two steps and you're on the dance floor tiny. The PA was vox only, which meant that I couldn't hear the bass player all night long and was essentially playing along to drums alone all night. You can smoke in VA bars. *cough* *hack* (I'll stick to DC and Monty. Co. from now on) The drinks were not comped. I had to pay $4 for a Miller Lite. We didn't get any $$$ for the gig. WTF???? So I bring 30 people into your bar for no pay and I can't even get a beer?!?!?!?!? The singer set the gig up because we were invited by his old bass player's band. The old bass player is the one who decided not to charge any admission and why we made no money. He did not consult with us before doing this. We will not be playing with them again. We're all mid '30s and not in it for the money. But I'll be damned if I'm gonna buy beer at my own show! If you brought 30 people, why didn't you get any money for the gig? :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lurko Posted April 16, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 If you brought 30 people, why didn't you get any money for the gig? :confused: Because we were stupid enough to let a singer set up the gig. J/K Miscommunication. Live and learn. I've learned to be MUCH more specific about our pay/benefits for shows and not to play in this bar again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members artyjames Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 we should all be paid for our craft in any field we are in... definitely agree with your thread Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TRU Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 Whatever. We non-smokers are taking over, thankfully. NYC, CA, DC, Chicago, Baltimore, MA, hell, even DUBLIN is smoke free. You shouldn't have to breathe smoke to play music or serve drinks. Well, maybe you could play in your basement and invite the kids from the neighborhood over??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Zeromus-X Posted April 16, 2007 Members Share Posted April 16, 2007 Played a gig at a club called Steppin' Out in Virginia Beach or Norfolk or somewhere around there... opening for national recording artist Chris Young. When I got my tab at the end of the night I found that I was charged for each cup of water, even while on stage playing. Server got a hell of a tip on that one. Heh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Lurko Posted April 17, 2007 Author Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 Well, maybe you could play in your basement and invite the kids from the neighborhood over??? Or I could play in some killer clubs in cities and states that aren't stuck in the 1800s when it comes to smoking laws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pr3Va1L Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 Played a gig at a club called Steppin' Out in Virginia Beach or Norfolk or somewhere around there... opening for national recording artist Chris Young. When I got my tab at the end of the night I found that I was charged for each cup of water, even while on stage playing.Server got a hell of a tip on that one. Heh. How can they even charge for WATER? I think that's illegal here... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members daddysguitar Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 The Laughing Lizard Lounge in Alexandria. They charged my bass player for a freaking COCA COLA!!!!!! L-A-M-E No pay, no play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tremendous Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 this is just a way of slowly weeding out {censored}ty cover bands and pointless rock bands from the world. it'll work eventually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TRU Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 Or I could play in some killer clubs in cities and states that aren't stuck in the 1800s when it comes to smoking laws. No...I'd say stick with neighborhood kids...they'd be more appreciative. I hear Raffi is looking for an opening act. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members super_doom Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 We always asked for a percentage of the door. Especially if they raised cover charges on nights when bands play. And have someone associated with the band at the door doing a head count!! Too bad we can't all afford advance men and road mangers. I wouldnt have had to play on stages with two power-outlets and later argue with the owner about $$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BlueStrat Posted April 17, 2007 Members Share Posted April 17, 2007 No...I'd say stick with neighborhood kids...they'd be more appreciative. I hear Raffi is looking for an opening act. WTF? Why are you being a dick? :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted April 18, 2007 Moderators Share Posted April 18, 2007 Well, maybe you could play in your basement and invite the kids from the neighborhood over??? Perhaps you can explain this attitude of supposed superiority? I played smoke-filled bars and clubs for decades...then California passed a law. Other states and cities have since followed suit. I smoke, but I'll tell you something: coming home not smelling like you rolled around in a full ashtray is not so bad:rolleyes: Lighten up...someday all bars (that are not in Casinos ) will be smoke free... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fuzzball Posted April 18, 2007 Members Share Posted April 18, 2007 I look forward to that day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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