MD question

[bassybass]

Hi Justin,
Quick MD-related question for you: I was recently hired to play in a band that was put together just for the purpose of a few showcases. The keyboard player was the MD. Now, in the course of rehearsals and prepping to travel/do the shows, etc., this MD not only steered the band in musical ways as we worked up the set, but he acted as the business liaison between the band members and the artist's management (haggling over everything from lunch to travel details and various expenses). Is this typical? Thanks!

 

[JimmyM]

Can't answer for JMJ but it's been that way in any band I've been with that has an MD and a supreme commander.

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Sure, makes sense. Although at bus/theater/arena touring level, the MD does not actually work as much in the capacity of liaison between players and artist management. The players are expected to deal with the tour manager regarding travel details and meals, the production manager regarding equipment expenses, and all other negotiations are done directly with the artist manager's day-to-day person back at the home office.

With Beck, I was a full-fledged MD, and it was 95% musical stuff and 5% business/interpersonal relations. Out here with NIN, it's more of a band, so there's no MD, just a benevolent dictatorship.

JMJ