If you look at it this way, you can come up with any number of scenarios. You can't make assumptions. You have to look at the situation for what it is.
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Seriously??!!
- Thread starter christianbassguitar
- Start date
October? Nonsense. I think the definition of "friend" has been stretched a bit ... just sayin' ...
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
In that case I apologize for using the word "friend" in my earlier posts I had something not music related but similar to this happen to me and it was the best money I ever spent pay the money get rid of this guy that way he won't bad mouth you all over town and when you see him out in public give him a head nod then look the other way.
You are absolutely right...but if this is a true friend, it may pay to give him the benefit of the doubt if you intend to continue the relationship.
By all rights, the reason given simply does not justify any money changing hands if it was indeed a matter of days between the booking and the cancellation of the gig several weeks in advance of said gig.
However, if it turned out that this was my friend's thinly veiled attempt to ask for some money to get his ass out of a bind, I would want to know. If this were my friend, I would ask him point blank if there was some reason he needed the money.
This is all predicated on the notion that he is really a pal and not just an acquaintance.
Why didn't this "friend" say something when he got the Cancellation call ? The cancellation was a month ago. He's just now asking about being compensated ? Nope. That's b.s.
I don't get the "statute of limitations" lingo.
They waved a gig under the guy's nose and then pulled the rug out from under him. Whether he comes back and cries foul two days or two months later doesn't make a difference. It's dirty pool.
Same for the "friends" lingo. The relative level of "friendship" has nothing to do with it.
I can't speak for the Toronto area. If local musicians can get away with that and suffer no negative consequences there, I'm glad I'm here. In my little music community where bad news travels fast, it gets you and your band a bad reputation. As a band leader myself, I'd much rather cough it up than endure the hit to my integrity. I know a couple of BL's who play funny with the money; it caught up with them and they have one hell of a time holding a band together and finding subs.
Your other option is to let the drummer to whom you first promised the gig play it, pay him, and give your regular drummer the night off.
They waved a gig under the guy's nose and then pulled the rug out from under him. Whether he comes back and cries foul two days or two months later doesn't make a difference. It's dirty pool.
Same for the "friends" lingo. The relative level of "friendship" has nothing to do with it.
I can't speak for the Toronto area. If local musicians can get away with that and suffer no negative consequences there, I'm glad I'm here. In my little music community where bad news travels fast, it gets you and your band a bad reputation. As a band leader myself, I'd much rather cough it up than endure the hit to my integrity. I know a couple of BL's who play funny with the money; it caught up with them and they have one hell of a time holding a band together and finding subs.
Your other option is to let the drummer to whom you first promised the gig play it, pay him, and give your regular drummer the night off.
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Big Hoss
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I need to update my answer, a LOT...
I re-read your post and have a better understanding of the situation. If we are talking a couple of months ago, only a couple days between the agreement and you sourcing up a new drummer, well, your friend is being a bit money hungry...
So, if you pay him a share of the December gig he's not needed for and he ends up booking something else on that day, will he pay you back?
I wouldn't hold my breath.
I wouldn't hold my breath.
Big Hoss
Up note, down note, blue note, brown note...
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Yeah I didn't catch that part, the Friend is being somewhat of a not friend in this case. Money really brings the a-hole out in a lot of people...
I will join the chorus here and say this guy is a nutball, and probably the last guy you want to rely on in a gigging situation. I hope for his sake he's a really amazing drummer.
Smooth_bass88
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Then he should have mentioned that on the day (4) that he was informed that his services weren't needed.
My opinions...
This implies that the OP and the drummer does not have a binding contract. Sounds to me like "I can drop your gig at any time I want; but if you drop me you gotta pay me damages" i.e. all benefit to drummer pal. Looking for an alternative replacement seems like the most reasonable thing OP's band can do to secure their gig.
Agree! If drummer pal said "OK" when his services were cancelled without raising the issue of the "damages", then drummer pal should have no further right to ask for payment as any prior agreement is now cancelled.
This implies that the OP and the drummer does not have a binding contract. Sounds to me like "I can drop your gig at any time I want; but if you drop me you gotta pay me damages" i.e. all benefit to drummer pal. Looking for an alternative replacement seems like the most reasonable thing OP's band can do to secure their gig.
Agree! If drummer pal said "OK" when his services were cancelled without raising the issue of the "damages", then drummer pal should have no further right to ask for payment as any prior agreement is now cancelled.
It'd be one thing if he cancelled work, or it was short notice or he spent a lot of time learning your songs. But if none of that is really the case, forget it.
Ah. Mercenary. Steer clear.
A guy who will bail on a committed gig to take a different gig for $50 more is not someone you can count on. Nothing wrong with taking a sub gig as a hired gun, but you have to stand by your word when you say you'll take a gig, no matter what the pay is, or you're worthless to anyone.
Since you told him first, I'd play the gig with him and let the new drummer join the band right after that gig.
