Getting Paid What I'm Worth?

Bassman7PM · #1 12-17-2010, 04:09 PM

I'll try and keep this short but I need to know if I did the right thing. A Blues/Rock guitarist I know asked me to play at a blues bar and his set list only included 6 songs which is no big deal. Later he told me that we'd set up to play around 8:30pm and the gig would end around midnight or later. Second part of this is that I would only be paid Fifty Dollars plus the door (whatever than means). So since he's a pretty good player I accepted thinking that I'd use the extra cash for Christmas presents. Later my drummer called and said the same guy approached him asking him the play and he would be paid no specific amount just the door.

Now here's the rub. This same guitarist, I played on his CD and my drummer and I did an outdoor concert with him with the promise of compensation and to date have never received a dime. So after talking it over with my drummer we both called and said we wouldn't play. I further told him that lately I've been getting an average between $75-$100 an hour for private gigs and that he would have to come at least close to that before I commit to playing what amounts to an all night jam session. He was pretty pissed but I stand on my self worth and principles.

BigOldHarry · #2 12-17-2010, 04:13 PM

$50 for one set is good pay, particularly if you're having a good time.

If you are not having fun, if this is nothing but work for you, it stinks.

MysterMunky · #3 12-17-2010, 04:15 PM

I don't even wake up for less than $75

Phalex · #4 12-17-2010, 04:21 PM

I've played a 4 hour gig for BBQ, draft beer, and sweet corn. Money makes up for carrying a PA and all the P.I.T.A stuff I gotta put up with. The bigger the P.I.T.A. the more money I want.

Given your history, I'd get the $50.00 before you plug in.

Plays_For_Dog · #5 12-17-2010, 04:25 PM

If he still owes you money from a prior gig, tell the dude to go "F" himself until he can pay his outstanding debts.

M0ses · #6 12-17-2010, 04:27 PM

I don't understand how you're going to play only 6 six songs for three and a half hours (or more).

I also don't understand why you'd so readily agree to play for someone who ripped you off in the past.

derridiandrift · #7 12-17-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

I don't understand how you're going to play only 6 six songs for three and a half hours (or more).

I also don't understand why you'd so readily agree to play for someone who ripped you off in the past.

What he said ^^^^

Ask questions FIRST, not after you agree to do the gig. $50 plus the door can be a good gig depending on the draw of the act and the venue. Know what you're getting into before you agree to do the gig. Once you agree to do the gig, be the best bass player that any money can buy. If you think you're worth more money, tell people that up front so they can decide whether they can afford you or go to the next guy on the list.

GrowlerBox · #8 12-17-2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassman7PM

I'll try and keep this short but I need to know if I did the right thing.

I guess the short answer (by apparent consensus) is "no".

sonic assassin · #9 12-17-2010, 05:04 PM

50 for a couple hours.. that a lot better than i get paid at my day job. id take it.

Winnb · #10 12-17-2010, 05:49 PM

First - You're only worth what people are willing to pay you. Or what you can negotiate. :-)

Second - If the guy ripped you off before, tell him to make good on his debt or the answer is no.

Last - If he never makes good on his debt... **** him.

BigOldHarry · #11 12-17-2010, 05:56 PM

Where did the OP go?

Gawd · #12 12-17-2010, 06:49 PM

I think you did the right thing, but you went about it the wrong way. You should have addressed your concerns right away instead of waiting.

80'sRocker · #13 12-17-2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0ses

I don't understand how you're going to play only 6 six songs for three and a half hours (or more).

I also don't understand why you'd so readily agree to play for someone who ripped you off in the past.

Blues jams man, blues jams

RED5 · #14 12-18-2010, 04:18 AM

First I look at the purse. Me and the rig don't pull out of the driveway without the question of compensation satisfied. Doesn't make me a dick, I pay my bills with a lot of my playing,and the usual folks I play with know and respect that. Granted I don't get some calls due to this fact and I do benefit work as I see fit, but I'm gassing up the truck this way, no sin there.

M0ses · #15 12-18-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 80'sRocker

Blues jams man, blues jams

I've done a fair share of blues jams, and jazz jams, and a few prog jams, and I can tell you that no one wants to hear or play one song for more than ten minutes.

Bassman7PM · #16 12-18-2010, 12:43 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. My decision as it relates to this guy and any others is to confirm pay and time frame before committing. It only bothers me that he told me one thing and my drummer another. All in all I spent the evening at a family Christmas party which was a load of fun.

Stumbo · #17 12-18-2010, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassman7PM

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. My decision as it relates to this guy and any others is to confirm pay and time frame before committing. It only bothers me that he told me one thing and my drummer another. All in all I spent the evening at a family Christmas party which was a load of fun.

One suggestion, since the guy still owes you money from a previous gig, I'd get with the drummer, send the guy an invoice and if he still doesn't pay, take him to small claims court.

Maybe even send the guy an email about the $$ owed and see if you can get him to respond. Use the email as evidence in court.

IMO, the reason he called you and the drummer is that you guys don't put up a fight when he doesn't pay you. People take advantage of you if you let them.