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Gig pay distribution
- Thread starter RGerhart
- Start date
There are many ways to organize and pay a band. Generally I prefer equal shares, but that includes equal work for the gig situation. For example when I brought and set up the PA and run sound (with no assistance from the band) that gets an equal pay share.
I have also paid a "singer" less on some situations to pay drummers more.
Equal shares on the tips unless there is a tab, then that gets paid first.
Why should anyone expect pay for a gig not played?
I have also paid a "singer" less on some situations to pay drummers more.
Equal shares on the tips unless there is a tab, then that gets paid first.
Why should anyone expect pay for a gig not played?
What's with this "split equally" thing? The dictator that sits at the piano decides. I stopped showing up to those weddings and funeral gigs.
Didn't read all the pages in the thread, but my reaction to the OP:
In my situations, it would depend on the band. I can't envision paying a performer who didn't show up to perform, at any rate, unless there was some written contract specifying paid sick days or something.
If it were Mugshot Monday, the band splits even. If someone couldn't show up, we'd either get a sub and he'd get the missing member's share, or cancel the gig. But then Mugshot isn't the kind of band with enough members to pull off a gig with a missing piece.
BBNG, on the other hand, I usually don't even know what the total booking fee is on any given gig. The musicians are pretty much employees of the band. The Brothers book a date and tell us the pay for each of us is $X and we go. Whatever the excess is above paying us they take, so I guess that would be situation where a missing member's pay (e.g. if the trombone didn't make it or something) would go to the BLs.
In my situations, it would depend on the band. I can't envision paying a performer who didn't show up to perform, at any rate, unless there was some written contract specifying paid sick days or something.
If it were Mugshot Monday, the band splits even. If someone couldn't show up, we'd either get a sub and he'd get the missing member's share, or cancel the gig. But then Mugshot isn't the kind of band with enough members to pull off a gig with a missing piece.
BBNG, on the other hand, I usually don't even know what the total booking fee is on any given gig. The musicians are pretty much employees of the band. The Brothers book a date and tell us the pay for each of us is $X and we go. Whatever the excess is above paying us they take, so I guess that would be situation where a missing member's pay (e.g. if the trombone didn't make it or something) would go to the BLs.
I've never heard about this practice before! If it has been mentioned at the time the booking occurred and you agreed to it, well that would be they way it would be right.
Thread was TLDR.
If it's always an even split payout, then yes, divvy up the extra money.
If it's a bandleader and hired sidemen, then it's up to the BL.
If it's always an even split payout, then yes, divvy up the extra money.
If it's a bandleader and hired sidemen, then it's up to the BL.
We agree a set playing time and fee and call it a band gig which is a min 3 piece.
I never like 3 pieces so we will be 4, 5 or 6 people and providing those players play full sets they get the split.
We pay fuel...which complicates things a bit if people have varied travel time, but no one is keeping anything over the split that isn't accounted for up front. No one would stand for the 'BL' taking a bigger split and put everyone else on a set/lesser fee. Exceptions might be the band ran a kitty and then everything in that kitty is accounted for.. religiously.
I never like 3 pieces so we will be 4, 5 or 6 people and providing those players play full sets they get the split.
We pay fuel...which complicates things a bit if people have varied travel time, but no one is keeping anything over the split that isn't accounted for up front. No one would stand for the 'BL' taking a bigger split and put everyone else on a set/lesser fee. Exceptions might be the band ran a kitty and then everything in that kitty is accounted for.. religiously.
These types of threads always make me sad for those who have BL's. I've been very lucky my whole life to have only played in bands where everyone is equal. I know that isn't everyone's world, but sure has been mine and am very fortunate
IME, depends on the BL.
I've done both, and personally I'd rather work for a reasonable band leader than be around all the conflicting-self-will & dysfunctional-family drama that comes with an everyone's-equal band.
BTW, in my little world, difficult BL's get a bad rep pretty fast. They're the ones with high turnover and difficulty hiring good players.
My best experiences are when there is an equal partnership, with a leader who's more equal than the others.
I dont work with BL or certainly those that push their way or nothing. I just dont think that sort of dictatorship works or is even needed.
Of course, people can take certain roles like bookings and the guy who gets the booking manages it and collects and pays out the money.
My first criteria is that the 'lead, person, typically the singer, is talented and it is no given that they are adept at running a band so there is no defacto leader until they have proven it works. But, no, Im not on 'salary' for a bar gig. Its equal all round or I'll insist on a min fee.
I don't see someone who runs books or SM and admin as that valuable if they dont have the required talent also.
I get that people run the band not for extra money but to control their diary and workload.
Of course, people can take certain roles like bookings and the guy who gets the booking manages it and collects and pays out the money.
My first criteria is that the 'lead, person, typically the singer, is talented and it is no given that they are adept at running a band so there is no defacto leader until they have proven it works. But, no, Im not on 'salary' for a bar gig. Its equal all round or I'll insist on a min fee.
I don't see someone who runs books or SM and admin as that valuable if they dont have the required talent also.
I get that people run the band not for extra money but to control their diary and workload.
You've had good experience there. Much respect.
Again, what's worked for any of us is all good as long as we don't turn around and make that right vs wrong for others.
These types of threads always make me sad for those who have BL's. I've been very lucky my whole life to have only played in bands where everyone is equal. I know that isn't everyone's world, but sure has been mine and am very fortunate
I've had great experiences with both and while there is some middle ground they tend to fall into fairly distinct categories.
Generally if I'm in a hobby group project (especially originals) where things are casual and money is small, an everyone's-equal band is great. Those projects are about having fun, composing, creative outlet, and cameraderie. There's really nothing to be gained by having a BL in these situations unless everyone agrees a project is about fulfilling a particular musician's vision. Even then, a BL is usually more of a Musical Director type role and the rest of the band stuff tends to be democratized.
When I'm working a semi-pro situation, with multi-set gigs (usually covers) and real money is on the table I'd nearly always prefer to have a BL. I just don't want to do the legwork, I'd rather just show up, play, throw back a couple and head home. In those situations it's actually a huge relief to have a professional BL who picks the songs, makes the setlists, packs the PA, does the promo and booking and hands me my pay at the end. A good BL who takes care of everything for me makes these gigs a joy rather than a chore. Frees me up to put my full efforts and attention into making that BL happy by doing my job and supporting their musical efforts to the best of my ability.
