My Band or My Conscience

[Mystic Michael]

What about future gigs? If this political group likes you then you may be getting offers to play at other rallies/events.

Since your management company has lowered the bar and manipulated you and the band, can you accept that it will happen again?

Did they violate their contract? or is it something to be discussed and possibly getting a revised contract or management company?

Yes

Sounds like it's time to start looking for new management. I wouldn't cut off my nose to spite my face. But, I also would not be tolerant of management (whether it's fellow bandmates that own the band or an actual agent) that lied to me. Lying by omission is still lying.

Yes

If the band is a collaborative effort where members get a say in how things are run, then your problem is primarily one of communication: Where was the band meeting to discuss this issue? Your secondary problem is that your view of the band image, your personal beliefs, and your desire to be paid are in conflict. Figure out which is most important to you, then return to the band meeting and discuss, so that future gigs are booked accordingly (or to notify them of your departure)...

Yes

I see this issue, first and foremost, as a matter of dishonest & unethical business practices. Since you were essentially lied to and manipulated into taking this gig, I don't see how you're ethically obligated to accept it - although as a practical matter, there are clearly good reasons to go along with it. This time.

Secondly, there is the matter of lack of communication among band members: Has the issue of standards, values and convictions never been raised before? Not even once? If not, this is a problem as old as music itself: musicians failing to look ahead and proactively resolve such potential problems - BEFORE they occur. Fix this. NOW.

Lastly, unless I'm missing something here, doesn't a management firm (I assume that's what you meant by "the management") usually work for the band - and not the other way around? If so, how did it ever get to the point where they're telling YOU what to do - rather than the other way around?

Personally, I would sit down with my fellow band members and get straight on these matters - once and for all.

MM

 

[Mystic Michael]

Just my two cents here and maybe I'm wrong but I don't think playing in the band means you support the political agenda anymore than the rest of the hired staff, the catoring service, the vallet service does, whomever else they hired for the event. It's just a job.

You're just hired help -- just like the caterer or the guy who sets up the tents or the guy who sets up the port-a-potties. Doing your job is not an endorsement of the organization. Don't worry about it.

Caterers and valet services are not artists. They're not professional communicators. They don't have a public image with which to be concerned. They don't have to be concerned with maintaining consistency of message, or a sense of creative integrity. Then again, musicians don't have to serve food or park cars...

So long as your personal performance isn’t directly speaking to their cause, it’s really not a biggie.

That's just the problem: The inference that one DOES support the cause will be made - whether or not the band members think it will, and whether or not the band gets paid. That's part of the whole idea of a rally such as this: to communicate a sense of shared values and solidarity. It's not like playing a wedding or a bar mitzvah...

Your problem is thinking anyone really gives a rats ass. They don't.

Whether or not "anyone" in the audience - or in the band's fan base - cares is not the entire issue. It's a matter of personal integrity. Living successfully in this world requires one to make moral choices. Ultimately you either stand for something - or you'll fall for anything.

Being a professional doesn't mean that you must abandon all personal values, ethics, morals and principles, and simply prostitute yourself to the highest bidder, regardless of how repugnant the message or the cause...

MM

 

[azureblue]

You are obligated to do what the band as a whole decides. Sorry, but that's the way of the world. If you hate doing it, then do it anyway, say nothing to anyone during the gig, smile through gritted teeth, and GTFO. Go home, shower and put it out of your mind. Oh, one more thing- you can vid some of the things you don't like and save it for youtube. Think as a spy.

And if the band as a whole was unhappy with the way the manager fooled you into the gig:

Go to the manager, and tell him that the band does not want to do the gig, the band is mad at him for pulling a stunt like this - not telling the band the truth about the gig, but the band will give him a chance to explain himself. Let him have a say, then ask him what he will do to make it up to the band, if the band decides to do it under protest. If he comes up with something that the band thinks is OK, like extra gigs, get it in writing with a ending date. Do not commit. Not even to doing the gig, yet. Tell him the band will have a talk and get back to him in 24 hours or less. You may lose management, but, if he pulls this sort of stuff on you once, he'll do it again, so losing him may be a good thing.

Then as a band, talk about it , decide if it is worth tarnishing the band's rep to do the gig. You do not say how radical the event is, but, if it's a neo- nazi or KKK, or similar, maybe even the teabaggers, I would think long and hard about the bad publicity that would come from doing the gig. The band could well be blackballed, and lose future gigs. Will that balance with the money you'd make? Only the band can decide that.

But now that you have a gig, hopefully a "make nice" from the manager, you can weigh that against / for doing the gig and its slapback on the band, and make a proper decision.

 

[Kamuilija]

I've played at events organized by parties whose ideology contrasts mine. When such a gig comes up, it happens I meet people there, cool and nice and everything as you please, who just happen to think politics differently (from me), wanting to enjoy great music and hang with nice people. People are people everywhere, just look behind the tags.

 

[taphappy]

you can both sleep with yourself at night and may even get a rep for a solid kind of guy people would want to work with.

As a working musician? Reputation is primarily built off of dependability. When you ditch a booked gig, for whatever reason short of "I got shot in the armpit" or "My wife got shot in the armpit while delivering triplets", you're now depending on the other musicians involved to care enough to go into details. More often than not, it'll simply be "Yeah, he wouldn't do the gig." "That sucks." "Yeah."

Pro's the right choice. Discussing the shady behavior with the band/management, right choice. Steering clear of any live microphones at the gig for anything other than singing...probably also the right choice

 

[ghiadub]

I would totally play it if they hired me no matter what the cause. Unless my band is a political platform of some sort, I try to keep them separate.

If it is a political platform, play anyway and basque in the Irony as you attempt to convert the "other side" over to yours.

In any case, I would try to keep them off the mics while you are on stage. Also, If it really matters, you don't want any pics of you standing in front of a political banner if there is one on stage behind you.

I would put it in the contract that if they want to use your image on stage with thier banners behind you for some promotional stuff, that you get paid something worth tarnishing your reputation if that is what is at stake here.

If you make the amount high enough, they will not use your pictures, but if they do, make sure you get paid.

Contract=good

 

[mpdd]

just put on a wig or ski mask and play with your back turned to the audience and don't jump around or smile at all

 

[StyleOverShow]

I should add that this is the first time that something like this has happened in almost two years of working in this group and that it's my primary means of income in a part of the country where professional gigs you can live on are few and far in between.

In one sense, we are artists and, especially in my hey-day, were about something abstract, like peace.

Its group politics time where the band wants to do this gig, and this is "your group". IMO, play the gig and be quiet about it. You've said your piece.

BTW, it ain't always easy, is it?

 

[Stumbo]

Lastly, unless I'm missing something here, doesn't a management firm (I assume that's what you meant by "the management") usually work for the band - and not the other way around? If so, how did it ever get to the point where they're telling YOU what to do - rather than the other way around?

Seems like someone in the management company has a political agenda and is possibly using your band to make points with the event promoters.

Not only time to sit down with the band but also with your management company and find out what's really going on.

A gig is not just a gig if you're being included with the event advertisement. I mean, a wedding invitation doesn't usually include the band name; why should this event include yours if you're just "gigging" there?

The management company followed the old saying: better to ask forgiveness than to ask for permission. Now you're put in the position of being the "bad guy". It called "after the fact b.s.". Bottom line, the management company is unethical and is using you. Based on their logic, a gig for the Taliban would be okay.

 

[Munjibunga]

Caterers and valet services are not artists. They're not professional communicators. They don't have a public image with which to be concerned. They don't have to be concerned with maintaining consistency of message, or a sense of creative integrity. Then again, musicians don't have to serve food or park cars...



That's just the problem: The inference that one DOES support the cause will be made - whether or not the band members think it will, and whether or not the band gets paid. That's part of the whole idea of a rally such as this: to communicate a sense of shared values and solidarity. It's not like playing a wedding or a bar mitzvah...



Whether or not "anyone" in the audience - or in the band's fan base - cares is not the entire issue. It's a matter of personal integrity. Living successfully in this world requires one to make moral choices. Ultimately you either stand for something - or you'll fall for anything.

Being a professional doesn't mean that you must abandon all personal values, ethics, morals and principles, and simply prostitute yourself to the highest bidder, regardless of how repugnant the message or the cause...

MM

I still say the OP should play the gig wearing a T-shirt with an opposing view. Something really obnoxious.

BTW, do we know what the cause is yet? If not, let's quit beating around the bush here. What the hell is it?

 

[invader3k]

Yeah, there's a big difference in playing a political rally for a state senate candidate versus a pro-life or pro-choice demonstration (just to use some extreme examples).

 

[F-Clef-Jef]

Also remember that if there is any media / press coverage there, if this "cause" is controversial or newsworthy enough, the band may be associated with this "cause" just because you were there. Just like a band can gain followers / popularity by aligning with / playing for certain causes ("Save the Whales!") they can just as easily lose fans by appearing to align themselves with a more polarizing cause.

"Did you hear that The Omaha Rockers played at that "Nuke the Baby Seals" rally? What a bunch of losers!"

Long term side effects may follow... could affect your bottom line $$$$$ long term.

I'd have a talk with the band to discuss the possible consequences.

 

[Rudreax]

So much idealism here...i believe the OP said the group was not extremely radical, just something he would rather not associate himself with. Nothing extremely serious.

But, really is one show going to affect your conscious that much (I say this to others, the OP already made his decision). The guy already said that not doing the gig could potentially cost him a lot, as there are not a lot of big gigs around and dropping out like this would hurt his rep more. Would you all really feel that standing and making a point on something not that big can possibly cost you a playing career?

 

[Munjibunga]

Like this?

Uh oh.

 

[wolf7883]

Unless your band does political music you should move away from any political movements or anything like that. By playing for a cause, it says you support it. It's a good way to alienate people. I wouldn't do it.

 

[Nitzleplick]

As Dr. Teeth of Electric Mayhem said. "Just play the gig man, never get involved in politics!"

 

[walterw]

the T-shirt should say, "I disagree with your opinion, but i will defend to the death your right to go f#%k yourself."

if it's a cover band, i wouldn't sweat it so much. an originals band might be worth a little more concern, depending on how controversial the cause is.




(line stolen from a softer world)

 

[Mystic Michael]

As Dr. Teeth of Electric Mayhem said. "Just play the gig man, never get involved in politics!"

You tell Dr. Teeth that if the OP goes ahead with this gig, he's ALREADY involved in politics...

MM

 

[thesilence]

You should never compromise on your beliefs. If they use your band's name to promote the event then they are saying you support them if you dont support them don't play

 

[steveksux]

Like this?

I usually like to set up on the high hat side... but in this case, I'd make an exception....

Wasn't there a thread about the guy in this picture? Something about him being pissed off about the singer? He sure looks pissed...

Another good reason to go wireless, you can't be forced into a certain... um.. less than desireable spot!

Randy