Is this gig even worth the effort?

[Sergius Durante]

So my guitarists set a gig for us that’s 2 1/2 hours drive to and from... for only 30 minutes.... 30 goddamn minutes, 3/5 of our songs we will be able to play... and no we are not getting paid, it’s for charity but my issue had nothing to do with getting paid, it’s driving for almost 5 hours for 30 minutes of “exposure” despite the fact we stil haven’t finished recording our ep/album/demo/whateverhedecidesitis.

I usually have to drag the guitarist around and his rig because he doesn’t have a car.

im very heated and am upset, We’ve had worser sudden gigs but this is ridiculous.

 

[RoadRanger]

Exposure

If you are going to play in an originals band make sure you all share the same level of "commitment" AKA are on the same (DSM-5) page.

 

[DWBass]

Good luck. Wouldn't be me. My R&B band does an annual long distance gig (aprox 2hr drive) but we get paid or else they'd have to find another bass player to do the gig. Plus, nobody books a gig without checking with the bandmates. That's just plain rude and asinine.

 

[Oddly]

There was no discussion about taking the gig?
Or did you get outvoted?

Personally, I'd just say no.
That may lead to you needing to find another band, but that might be a good thing.

 

[Sergius Durante]

View attachment 3688985Exposure

Ugh thats me but with my head lit on fire

 

[buldog5151bass]

I wouldn't do it. Never mind the money issue (with originals I know it's different), that's too far to go unless it's a REALLY good gig.

 

[Sergius Durante]

I wouldn't do it. Never mind the money issue (with originals I know it's different), that's too far to go unless it's a REALLY good gig.

Just found out that we are already in the lineup... Gee, I think Im gonna burst a blood vessel

 

[electracoyote]

If the expectation or normal gig is paid, a band meeting needs to be held for any non-paying gigs. Period.

Not everyone is behind every charity or politician who plans an event. It's pretty rude for one member to snap his fingers for a freebie and assume everyone is onboard and cheerful about it.

I think I'd show up (reluctantly and begrudgingly) for this one since no protocol was in place, but I would be correcting this procedure for the future. As others have said, I'd have to think twice about that kind of travel for a paid gig. It would have to pay pretty damn good to keep me happy, and that would apply to originals and even more to covers.

 

[ElectricMatthew]

Unless the "exposure" is in front of a few thousand people or music industry "big wigs".
I'd say no!

 

[Lagado]

He must be tripping if he has committed the band to that... Time to have a word about cost/benefit analysis.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Just found out that we are already in the lineup... Gee, I think Im gonna burst a blood vessel

At the very least, guitarist better be buying lunch.

More importantly, you all need some rules about taking gigs without consulting the rest of the band.

 

[arbiterusa]

How much is a latte at Starbucks in "exposure"?

C'mon, OP. You know the answer to this as well as anyone here.

 

[mikewalker]

nope

 

[Oddly]

Here's a thought.
Agree to do the gig, but only if you don't have to drive.

 

[Pings Bass]

I did a lot of long travel gigs in the Midwest college circuit in the 80s. We always wanted at least enough of a guarantee for gas and lodging. Exposure is mostly just BS IME, but there's something to be said for gaining experience playing on a variety of stages. But 5 hours is a lot of driving for a rehearsal. I'd limit the exposure gigs to in-town only.

 

[MrLenny1]

Just say NO.

 

[catcauphonic]

Any band I've been a part of so far will ALWAYS communicate the date to all the members via group text/messenger/whatever before committing to it 100%, to make sure that everyone is even available on a given date... and 99.8% of our gigs are within a 15 mile radius.

To fully commit to something first is foolish. Add in the distance thing + not having anything to distribute if the audience wants it, I would be inclined to say Oh H3LL NO Money isn't the important thing for us either, but to at least cover some of the gas to get uz there would be at least SOMETHING in the right direction.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

So my guitarists set a gig for us that’s 2 1/2 hours drive to and from... for only 30 minutes.... 30 goddamn minutes, 3/5 of our songs we will be able to play... and no we are not getting paid, it’s for charity but my issue had nothing to do with getting paid, it’s driving for almost 5 hours for 30 minutes of “exposure” despite the fact we stil haven’t finished recording our ep/album/demo/whateverhedecidesitis.

I usually have to drag the guitarist around and his rig because he doesn’t have a car.

im very heated and am upset, We’ve had worser sudden gigs but this is ridiculous.

People who depend on others for their ride should not take gigs this far away without a meeting with the rest of the band!

This time, its his fault.

If it happens again, its your fault!

 

[Dean N]

nobody books a gig without checking with the bandmates. That's just plain rude and asinine.

This right here. The end. You need to have a sit down with your band and tell them that starting RIGHT FRICKIN' NOW, this is how the band will function. Any gig that they don't confirm with everyone will get instantly vetoed. And mean it. And 3 strikes, you quit.

Here's a thought.
Agree to do the gig, but only if you don't have to drive.

This too. AND you're not chipping in for gas.

 

[Ostie]

Unless it’s a Benny for a charity I really feel passionate about, I ain’t doing it.