How high does gas prices have to go up until you quit the road

von buck · #1 03-20-2008, 08:18 AM

I read that some congressman wants to raise the federal gas tax 50 cents to tackle global warming (I believe to be a complete hoax) It's already getting to expensive to do some gigs. how high does gas have to go before you start turning down work?

Andy, first time thread starter

von buck · #2 03-20-2008, 08:29 AM

woops I should of read down the list about gas prices, sorry for making a duplicate thread.

Andy

IanStephenson · #3 03-20-2008, 08:30 AM

Until the work doesn't pay for the gas.

We normally play locally, but had a gig 2 hours drive away at the weekend. At UK prices I used about $50 PETROL to get there ;-) I got paid an extra $50, it was a good gig (and I would have had to spend some cash on traveling even for a local gig, so I came out a little ahead).

We've discussed it as a band, and are happy to travel but like any other business expense, that gets priced in to the job. It's not a question of when we can't afford to travel, but if the venue can't afford to pay our costs.

Ian

need4mospd · #4 03-20-2008, 08:53 AM

Honestly, it's not that big of a deal for us. Any gig that requires significant drive time pays us more than our minimum rate or we don't book it. I can see how it might be tough for bands not making any money, but we're pulling in $100 a night.

Johnny Crab · #5 03-20-2008, 09:47 AM

Started with the band I'm in in August 2006.
We're(the band) are based in Houston but I live 110 miles away.
Gas cost per gig then was about $28 in US FRN's.
Gas cost per gig now is about $44 in US FRN's.

I still:
1) Have the most fun I've had all week on gig days.
2) Have some spending money after expenses.
3) Get to perform with my brother.

Money can't buy # 1 and # 3.

Once gas eats ALL of my gig money, it will become something to think about.