Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Bold or stupid?
- Thread starter markoc
- Start date
I agree with the first statement whole heartedly. As for the latter, from what you said if the guy really is that spacey, eh...quite possible the call was normal to him - not bold nor stupid!
If it were me I wouldn't even bother responding........I would want nothing to do with this guy.
He screwed you once and now he thinks it's all died down and he can do it again.
I would refuse any offer he further makes because you know it's bull.
He screwed you once and now he thinks it's all died down and he can do it again.
I would refuse any offer he further makes because you know it's bull.
No need for any extreme or knee-jerk responses. Just be direct, polite and professional. Separate the issues: you can give him the "hey, I never got payment ("my share" however you feel best to put it) for the gig -- can we settle up on that?" Then you can just tell him he never communicated that he was hoping to build a long-term band arrangement, so while you might do another gig or two, a full band commitment is a different discussion. And if you might be up for it, get together with him and lay out expectations, etc. (as someone else mentioned). If he's flaky, you might not want to do a long-term thing with him, but after a couple of interactions, you don't have to go nuclear.
I got sucked into a string of gigs with a guy just like that. He got a gig and threw together a band that just happened to click. He was a passable harmonica player and signer but the band made it happen. Oh, yeah, and he did every gig in 420 major, and we had to chase him down to get paid. But he kept getting gigs so WTH, we kept playing. Fun band, easy money and plenty of work, and a no drama singer.
I'm leaning this way, too. Be polite and try to resolve the original problem if you are still not opposed to talking to the guy. Best case scenario, get some money and maybe new gigs. Worst case scenario, write off the gig money and (probably) never have to deal with him again.
Accept gig only on the agreement to cover Rihanna's song: "B___ Better Have My Money". 
No really - tell him you're still waiting to get paid for the last gig, and you need money up front at night of each gig bc you could be working elsewhere that night. Sounds like your money from the last gig likely went "up in smoke" and chances are slim the guy would have the cash to pay you before a gig, so you'd likely never do a gig together again.
No really - tell him you're still waiting to get paid for the last gig, and you need money up front at night of each gig bc you could be working elsewhere that night. Sounds like your money from the last gig likely went "up in smoke" and chances are slim the guy would have the cash to pay you before a gig, so you'd likely never do a gig together again.
I would reply by offering to meet him in a dark alley, late at night. You can take it from there...
Lots of places pay with checks so they can document their expenses. While that may not be a problem for a local group, that is a problem for a touring group especially if they only have a few days in town. Simple answer is to take the check they write and have them cash it at the bar. Usually, clubs are very happy to do so. Did exactly that for most clubs for three years in one group I was in. it works out great for everyone. They have the cash in the till from the night's receipts, they have the cashed check for their records, and you have the cash to divide up after the gig. If you've never tried this, you should.
If they don't cash it, the holder of the check needs to cash it the next day. Then, you can all meet for coffee or drinks in the afternoon or evening to split the cash and discuss how the gig went.
If they don't cash it, the holder of the check needs to cash it the next day. Then, you can all meet for coffee or drinks in the afternoon or evening to split the cash and discuss how the gig went.
I think I'd probably just be polite but direct with the guy and say, "Thanks, but no thanks. I enjoyed playing the gig, but I never got paid and I don't have any confidence that the same situation wouldn't happen again." If he has any integrity, he'll offer to pay what he owes regardless of whether you play together again. If he doesn't offer or wants to argue about it, then you can be reasonably sure he'd have stiffed you again.
Yeah, I'd do something like this, I would probably focus less on the money, and more on the lack of respect demonstrated. Ask yourself, would you play with him again on a benefit bill where no-one was getting paid? I get the funny feeling the answer would be no, so it's not the money is it? If it is the money, stick with the money, but that's not the vibe I'm getting, so stay with the truth, be it respect or luchre...
