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Seriously??!!
- Thread starter christianbassguitar
- Start date
Sounds like he's putting money above all else in any situation. Try not to mix biz with him in the future. If he's willing to kill a friendship over THIS, lesson learned on what kind of friend he is (was.)
DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
My initial reaction was "oh no need to be sorry, I should apologize for misunderstanding."
Then I realized your also a Canuck, we would just be apologizing in circles all day!
Maybe, if this drummer had mentioned it way back then. But he didn't bring it up until now. So no, he didn't turn anything down. He's just scamming for money.
That's not a friend I would keep around. Also, 2 months advanced cancellation is plenty.
Seeing lots of talk about missed work for the drummer on the show date but little mention of practice and prep time. If the drummer spent time learning your music at your request, it isn't unreasonable for him to want some compensation. I often fall back to the idea that being a paid musician has less to do with the time spent on stage (the fun part) and more to do with the time getting ready and having pro gear and an available schedule.
The more advance notice of cancellation the better for all parties. If the drummer was really being businesslike about the gig, he should've had a formal cancelation policy and disclosed that at the time if the deal. The sting of the surprise is as much the issue as him requesting money.
The more advance notice of cancellation the better for all parties. If the drummer was really being businesslike about the gig, he should've had a formal cancelation policy and disclosed that at the time if the deal. The sting of the surprise is as much the issue as him requesting money.
So, you asked a guy to be a replacement, and he said he would do it, but he would also drop you if he got a better gig... you find another replacement (seems more stable/committed), and cancel the first guy... then a few months later he asks you for half a gig's money?
If I got this story right, he's a person you should avoid. It's quite bad he would be your drummer but wouldn't commit (though I can understand that), but to ask for money after all this time, that's just low... If you pay him, do it as charity, not as honoring your deal.
If I got this story right, he's a person you should avoid. It's quite bad he would be your drummer but wouldn't commit (though I can understand that), but to ask for money after all this time, that's just low... If you pay him, do it as charity, not as honoring your deal.
I have mixed feelings about this. We sorta had the same situation earlier this year where we had to use guitar sub for a few months. Our regular guitar player became available sooner than we thought, and we were re-integrating him back into the band, but we had about 5 of gigs booked with the other guy. He does this for a living. Anyway, we definitely knew he would be playing a couple of those early gigs, but a couple of them were a couple of months out. He insisted on playing both since he blocked his schedule. A couple of us weren't happy about that, but we played a couple of gigs with both guys. I reasoned with the band to let it be since he did us a favor for sitting in as long as he did, and to keep that relationship positive just in case we needed his services again. However, had this not been a real source of income, I would have been inclined to ask him not to play the later 2 gigs.
If I understand this situation correctly, I think the guy is not being a friend. I would tell him had he communicated that he insisted on half pay back in October, then we could have worked it out, but at this point, it's not cool.
If I understand this situation correctly, I think the guy is not being a friend. I would tell him had he communicated that he insisted on half pay back in October, then we could have worked it out, but at this point, it's not cool.
He's not your pal and if he didn't say anything at the time you told him he wouldn't be needed you don't owe him jack.
You are absolutely in the right. You certainly don't owe him a dime of the cash and I'd tell him to go pound sand. Alternatively throw the cash his way and let him know you never want to talk to him again. Either way this person is a vampire and you need to cut him out of your life.
Explain to him what you feel about his "demands" in an adult, civil fashion. If he still claims he deserves money after the explanation, just say goodbye and good luck.
Well sure, but what? Do you want me to get all the facts before I post impulsively?
However, if that wasn't the case, that "advance warning" factor would still be irrelevant.
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yeah, but it was all resolved in october. plenty of time to "un-skip".
Big Hoss
Up note, down note, blue note, brown note...
- Sep 5, 2014
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My thoughts. You made arrangements for a sub, the sub is still able to fill in, he should fill in. The new drummer can wait until the next gig. Honor your commitments.
This is a good idea. And if he says he can't play because he's busy, he hasn't cancelled anything, and he's just scamming you. If he can do it, your new drummer shouldn't mind giving up one gig.
When you offer someone a gig, your word is your bond. And it's not unreasonable to assume he may have had other offers for other activities that day and turned them down.
Even if your sub has absolutely nothing going on that day, it's still a bit like putting a treat in a dog's face and then eating it yourself. Kinda mean.
I think your band is making a mistake by not honoring the commitment. I've seen this kind of behavior put a stink on musicians and bands that lasted a long time.
Either explain to your new drummer that the drum slot was already spoken for on this one gig while you were in the audition process and you're going to stick to your word, or pay your sub. Re-think your business model and re-calibrate your ethical compass while you're at it.
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I suggest you send him an email, saying you would like to work this out between you and him, and say that you dont want to ruin a friendship over this, but that you are not sure what is fair. Include a link to this thread, and ask him to see what other people think about it, before settling the matter. And, offer to have him do the gig as well. Better to preserve a friendship, and professional relation, by coming to an agreement as to what is fair, rather than burn any bridges.
Wow, lots of opinions being thrown around here...think about this different spin on the subject; maybe he finds himself in some financial trouble and just needs some help. He may be to embarrassed to ask someone outright for help so he has conjured up a reason to ask you for money.
Sounds like the drummer would have skipped out for a better offer any time in the in between anyway. C ya bro.
