getting double booked

[mward69]

So for the 2nd time this year we get to the bar about 6pm to load in, only to find another band either set up or setting up. They looked as confused as we do. Ask the bartender/manager whats up, they seem to have forgot about our gig that was booked a month or 2 in advance. When she pulled out her calender, there was NOTHING on the dates{3 date to be exact} we booked. We have played this bar several times, ALWAYS have a good response and turnout. To top it off, I noticed the other bands that were sitting in our dates was getting more $$ than us, not by a few bucks but buy a few HUNDRED bucks, AND each band member getting $20 per night per diem {food/bar} we only got 10 per night.
Now.....do we start being ******** and start making places{bars} sign a contract and risk loosing gigs, or bite the bullet and just take it???? What would you guys do?

[bopeuph]

I always thought contracts was a good idea in the first place. Plus, if this is the second time, I would start getting half the gig pay upfront or something, but not pay it out until the gig was done. That way, at least you have SOME money at this point, and they won't "forget" they booked you if they already paid you.

Nick

[meev992]

Judging by other threads of read, it's best to just eat it and move on.

[ireidt]

Contracts is always a good idea, but be cool with the venue, just say " ya its a drag, but its for both our protections". Plus, if you get double booked then, You can go" Sure, we will leave, when you pay us."

[m0nst3r]

Originally Posted by mward69

Now.....do we start being ******** and start making places{bars} sign a contract and risk loosing gigs, or bite the bullet and just take it????

Silence is acceptance.

Contracts all the way.

[The Tyler]

Always, always, always get it in writing.
Contracts FTW.

[mrokern]

Originally Posted by ireidt

Contracts is always a good idea, but be cool with the venue, just say " ya its a drag, but its for both our protections". Plus, if you get double booked then, You can go" Sure, we will leave, when you pay us."

Leave out the it's a drag part. Contracts are a necessary thing, and they aren't a drag...they spell out who gets paid, how much they get paid, and how they will be paid it!

I never apologize for making someone sign a contract. If they flinch at it, they are likely someone that would screw you over without one, and hence are not worth the time.

Bar owners sign contracts for their rent or mortgage, their liquor suppliers, their food suppliers, their contractors, their employees...they can sign them for their entertainment as well.

-Mark

[Deacon_Blues]

In my first band, we double-booked ourselves two times (should have played on two occasions the same time). It was a really bad idea to have two people in the band handling the booking....

[manicbassman]

Originally Posted by Deacon_Blues

In my first band, we double-booked ourselves two times (should have played on two occasions the same time). It was a really bad idea to have two people in the band handling the booking....

google calendar or any other on-line calendar solution...

[wingnut]

Never book over the phone unless it's totally unavoidable, always get some kind of signature from somebody. Get the Email address of the venue and Email them thanking them for the gig and provide the dates. Keep a copy of the Email. Put up flyers a week in advance promoting your band. NEVER take it out on the other band. Unless one person at the venue does ALL the booking, this does happen occasionally. The class joints will pay you anyway. Talk to whoever is in charge at that moment if they don't want to pay you. Let the other band know there is a problem with getting paid. The bands out here all stick together, we had a band refuse to play unless we got paid the one and only time it happened to us. The other band got on the mic and told the crowd what happened and we got paid pretty quick! Remember, we have to stick together to improve things!

[mward69]

yeah i think it's come to that. I don't really like it, BUT we have to cover ourselves. Most the bars here in town we play, everyone knows us, and we are repeat players. NEVER has an issue anywhere, except with this bar in question. This WAS the 2nd time, and like I said too, when they opened the calender to look at the date, and the OTHER dates that were booked, I seen the pay of the other bands in our place, they were getting more than us, not to sound cocky, BUT I KNOW we are better as far as song selection, and entertainment. One of the bands thats getting more cash is the cooks band...go figure

[mrpackerguy]

In the early 80s, we double booked ourselves for two wedding dances 90 miles away from each other. We split up the band. I tackled all the lead vocals and had the guitar player, thank God. Hired a drummer and went without keys.

Loaded our gear in the guitar player's bass boat. Pulled up to the place and it was called "The Fisherman's Inn". True story. Both gigs were well received and as it turns out the two grooms knew each other, but were cool with it because we satisfied both crowds.

[derrico1]

Originally Posted by mrpackerguy

...turns out the two grooms knew each other, but were cool with it because we satisfied both crowds.

yeah, grooms know the score, but brides hate it when the band is two-timing them with some other floozy across the lake!