Best and worst paying bands

[PWRL]

In the experience of TBers, what are the best paying bands to be in, cover or otherwise, and what are the worst?

I was in a band that played roughly 3 to 4 hours a night and generally made between $60-100 per man, depending on conditions and whether or not we were running our own sound. We were playing modern rock radio music of the day; RATM, Audioslave, Social Distortion, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin. It could have been better, but it could have been worse. We had more fun when we switched to playing originals and met a lot more people, but the pay vanished, to the nickel. (I can't say down to the penny, because I was actually paid about a penny for our part in a big gig, but that's a story for another time.) It was more about the experience, even though we got a lot of compliments.

So, I'm interested in all your experiences in what the must lucrative band is to be in, barring the obvious of course, like being in Led Zeppelin or something. So other than that, where's the money and where's it ain't?

I decided against a poll, because it started to get too long.

 

[buldog5151bass]

It's more about how many people you draw, in most cases. There is one club near me that pays well that wants modern danceable stuff, since they alternate band and DJ all night, but most places want to get an idea of your fan base before talking above their minimum.

 

[Ralphthepainter]

I suggest cherry picking. Do weddings, Corp events and any gig that pays well. Instead of believing low paying gigs bring exposure put your effort into a website. Make your band look and sound amazing online. Promote the link. Get it everywhere.

 

[Goatrope]

I believe the wedding/corporate/party bands are payed the most. Typically well-oiled, professional in appearance, etc. The best bands play as often as they like.

Cover bands are in the middle, and gigs are plentiful once you establish yourselves as being able to keep patrons in the venue.

Fledgling originals bands pay the least, until a following is established. Even then, still seem to get fewer gigs than cover bands.

This is my experience within the region I play.

 

[two fingers]

Corporate/wedding/party bands pay the best. When we broke up in 2011 we were getting $7,000+ for weddings. Each band member got 10% of the band's gross. (Bu most calculators that's $700 to the bass player. )

Originals bands usually don't pay at all.

Startup tribute bands for bands that are very niche market to begin with usually don't make much money. So, if you start a Pet Shop Boys tribute band, plan on kicking in money.

 

[PWRL]

Thanks for all the responses. I would have checked in sooner, but I've been busy.

I had decent luck with general cover bands in the past. Is there a particular genre that seems to be up there the most, or is cross-genre more valuable? When I was playing out more, it was danceable rock and blues stuff, with the occasional country. I can play country, I just couldn't find many people who were committed enough where I was living prior to moving last year. Oh, and finding a pedal steel player is like finding Sasquatch.

 

[Jimmy4string]

I always keep a scale in mah head:
1. Wedding\ Corportate
1 A. Tribute band (can do really well or not well at all depending)
2. High end bar band -good harmonies, good show -including lights, dress the part -good musicians
3. Low end bar band
4. Garage\ Dad bands
4 A. street minstrel
5. dude at home playing with computer

 

[dramatwist]

...I'm old and not in the hustle anymore... regular gigs at a couple of Elks Clubs @ $100/night. After 50 years of playing, I'll tell you... "originals" are not going to fly at a weekly gig, unless you're Lennon/McCartney...

 

[David Jayne]

Wedding band pays best IME. But a popular tribute act can do quite well too I'm told. Pretty sure it goes downhill from there. I've worked on and off with a wedding band for twenty years or so. It pays very well but it's a hell of a commitment.

 

[Ostie]

I always keep a scale in mah head:
1. Wedding\ Corportate
1 A. Tribute band (can do really well or not well at all depending)
2. High end bar band -good harmonies, good show -including lights, dress the part -good musicians
3. Low end bar band
4. Garage\ Dad bands
4 A. street minstrel
5. dude at home playing with computer
View attachment 3600872

I would argue that a busker can make way more than a Dad band. Dad bands tend to play once a week at most, sometimes for free. Buskers are usually out there everyday, and I have heard some that were very talented.

 

[Mike N]

Wait, you guys/gals are getting paid to play??

 

[PWRL]

5. dude at home playing with computer

That's me! I guess it only goes up from here, ha ha.

 

[logicman69]

Really, any band can be lucrative if you market yourself correctly. Never undervalue yourself just to "get the gig". I have a friend who's 80's tribute band started taking gigs for $400/night (6 members, plus they hire a sound guy). They thought that they could increase the price as they start filling rooms. A year later, the band can pack almost any room they get into, but still get paid the same. They devalued themselves from the get go..

On the flip side, they also screwed any other act from getting a decent pay at the club. We have tried to book at some of the same clubs, but we ask $800/night. The owners would constantly say "Well, we pay "Band XXX" only $400 a night and they pack the place. We can pay you that or no deal". So now we have a choice to either take the lower cost gig or pass on the club all together (we will often choose to pass).

 

[40Hz]

Recording sessions, corporate functions, trade shows, private events, and weddings paid me best. Weddings best of all - and usually with the best of working conditions.

Originals band gigs are the worst paid based on my own experiences.

 

[Eminor3rd]

The money can be found in wedding bands.

 

[PWRL]

I'm getting a strong impression about wedding bands.

 

[stigbeve]

20 years ago our 4 piece cover band would get about 3 or 400 dollars for a wedding.

The most we ever got paid in my original metal band was $80, so that was put towards rent of our practice spot.
I don't think the metal band got paid on any other gig.

 

[micguy]

I now play as a volunteer in churches. As I'm ampless, I no longer wear out amps or cabinets. That means my net income is higher than in any of my bar bands.

 

[EastCoastThump]

., I'll tell you... "originals" are not going to fly at a weekly gig, unless you're Lennon/McCartney..

Even then, there's a 50% chance you're long dead.

 

[bbh]

I’ve made a lot of money doing covers but if you include paid expenses and investment opportunities, I’ve made way more doing originals in much less time.
Ah the good old days... Sadly, I can’t gig anymore and find sessions somewhat difficult but I’m still gassing folks.