So about getting paid for gigs.

[mrcbass]

Before I read our post, I voted with Henry Hill, but changed to smile and nod. Without really knowing everything, it feels like OP isn't willing to lend a little time for a friend. Unless OP has other commitments, OP seems a bit full of him/herself.

I agree that it's pretty lame they won't feed you (assuming there is food involved, but I personally wouldn't make it about that. If you care about your friends, you'd do it with no second thought. I wouldn't bust their stones about getting something out of it if you want them to remain friends.

 

[bherman]

Food and drinks would do it for me if its with good friends. Are party guests paying for their food and drinks?? I doubt it.

 

[LBS-bass]

Before I read our post, I voted with Henry Hill, but changed to smile and nod. Without really knowing everything, it feels like OP isn't willing to lend a little time for a friend. Unless OP has other commitments, OP seems a bit full of him/herself.

I agree that it's pretty lame they won't feed you (assuming there is food involved, but I personally wouldn't make it about that. If you care about your friends, you'd do it with no second thought. I wouldn't bust their stones about getting something out of it if you want them to remain friends.

Except the OP doesn't make it sound like this is a group of the OPs friends partying. It sounds like this is a group of friends the people in the band knows, and the OP describes his involvement with this group as "tangential." So I don't see a friendship obligation to the party group on the part of the OP, and if he's only friends with the band members, he's coming in as a sub, so not even their usual bassist.

In other words, a band he's not a part of has decided to play at a party for a bunch of THEIR friends as a favor to their friends, and now wants him to come in as a sub bassist.

 

[logdrum]

What does rough acquaintances with the couple mean? I hope not past history. I would not go just because of that.

 

[baileyboy]

... some of the members have had to drive 200+ miles for rehearsal... They're providing all of the gear, of course. They aren't getting fed, no free drinks, and aren't getting provided with lodging for the event.

Malignant dumb. Even as a "gift" for a friend, it would not have been too much to ask for a meal and lodging for the night.

... and now i've been asked to sub in for the gig... Do I take the gig, or do I respectfully bow out?

If you've already agreed to it, I would do the gig. If you haven't, respectfully decline, no reason necessary.

 

[Turbo Sparky]

Punt.
Was in a band awhile back; knew the band obviously but the BL had a friend that wanted live music for a "New Year's get together";
"How much does it pay? Ammenities? Libations?"
"Nope."
"Nothing? That's like a $500 gig, and nothing?"
"Nope. It's for a friend."
"{Insert Goodfellas quote.}"
Respectfully punt.

 

[Dean N]

The band, who are playing gratis, are actually prohibited from partaking in food and drink? Was this explicitly stated by the persons throwing the party? OP, please clarify. If so, it'd be a hell no. I wonder why the primary bass player passed...

Regardless, if you really want to help out your friends, do it.

And have a couple pizzas delivered to the stage during your set, and visibly eat it throughout the gig.

 

[chuck1073]

I don't understand why the band isn't at least being fed. I understand that an open bar can be expensive but, they expect the band to play for free....and bring a bag lunch? Pass.

 

[CosmicRay]

Hi Talkbassers.

I've got a curious situation I have been tangentially involved in, and now have been asked to be part of. Long story short (and names and situation changed to protect the innocent), a group of friends are "getting the band back together" to play at an anniversary party for a college friend. They're doing it for free, primarily as a gift, but also because it's been a number of years since they've played together. So, it's really all for fun. Except....

They're taking the time to practice on their own, and have done a few all day rehearsals to prepare for the show (some of the members have had to drive 200+ miles for rehearsal). They're providing all of the gear, of course. They aren't getting fed, no free drinks, and aren't getting provided with lodging for the event.

So i've been involved in a group chat about this, and have been keeping my opinions to myself about this, as I know they're doing a solid for a friend. Which is cool, and a fine thing to do.

... and now i've been asked to sub in for the gig.

Two sets of material, no rehearsals. It's an hour drive for me to the gig. I am rough acquaintances with the anniversary couple, but the guys in the band are some of my best friends, going back years.

So.... what are your thoughts on this situation? Do I take the gig, or do I respectfully bow out?

What happened to the first bass player?
But it seems you've already decided.

 

[Rabidhamster]

To play music with best of friends, if you haven't seen them in a really long time and wont see them otherwise, maybe its worth it to you depending how much time it will take, how often you play out, how much the thing is going to cost you to do, and what else you have to do that night.
To me, it would be awkward AF to drive an hour to be at a party for people I don't know very well, play, and not get paid OR be allowed to go get a drink or grab a snack on a break. If you have volunteers and you have food and drinks, you better have food and drinks for volunteers, this isn't the food bank. Is this a party for a couple who have had a hard time of it for a while and are destitute or something? Live music to bring their spirits up? Anything that can make it a charity?

If you get a free band you're friends with, you worry about them drinking up all your beer and eating all the food. They don't worry about running to 7eleven on break for a drink and a slim jim because they need to get back and do you a good show, good buddy.

Does it sound like a fun time to you?

 

[lfmn16]

Where’s the fun part?

Playing music with your BEST friends?

 

[lfmn16]

I play for fun at a jam just about every weekend, but what I don't do is carve out time for a bunch of extra rehearsals and commit to a lot of driving for those, plus a distant show where I'm bringing all my gear, when I'm not going to be compensated in any way.

I agree with those who say that not being provided food or drinks is exceedingly lame. Won't the regular guests be given those things? Or is this some sort of party where everyone's paying to attend? That's rather lame in itself, but makes it marginally more understandable.

The OP said no rehearsals.

 

[LBS-bass]

The OP said no rehearsals.

Oh, thanks for that clarification. I thought I read otherwise!

 

[lfmn16]

I play for fun every single time. I don't charge to play music. I charge to haul my gear, set up, tear down, and haul my tired ass back.

According to the OP, "They're providing all of the gear, of course."

 

[LBS-bass]

According to the OP, "They're providing all of the gear, of course."

Yes, "they" being the band, which means the OP will be expected to bring his own gear.

After going back and re-reading, I note that he also said its two sets of material, with no rehearsals. Meaning the OP is probably going to have to learn 20+ songs on his own, with no opportunity to get together with the band and clean up any problems. So you are correct that there are no rehearsals, but I'm not so sure the OP thinks that's a positive.

 

[Dean N]

Yes, "they" being the band, which means the OP will be expected to bring his own gear.

After going back and re-reading, I note that he also said its two sets of material, with no rehearsals. Meaning the OP is probably going to have to learn 20+ songs on his own, with no opportunity to get together with the band and clean up any problems. So you are correct that there are no rehearsals, but I'm not so sure the OP thinks that's a positive.

After going back and re-reading, I'm doubling down on my hell no.

 

[74hc]

Seems to me that when a group of buddies get together and perform for another buddy, and then they need to hire a subcontractor to fill in, the default expectation is that subcontractor would be paid.

Is the venue getting paid? The people cooking the food, those that are bussing the tables and serving the food get paid? Or, are they buddies as well?

 

[cnltb]

Hi Talkbassers.

I've got a curious situation I have been tangentially involved in, and now have been asked to be part of. Long story short (and names and situation changed to protect the innocent), a group of friends are "getting the band back together" to play at an anniversary party for a college friend. They're doing it for free, primarily as a gift, but also because it's been a number of years since they've played together. So, it's really all for fun. Except....

They're taking the time to practice on their own, and have done a few all day rehearsals to prepare for the show (some of the members have had to drive 200+ miles for rehearsal). They're providing all of the gear, of course. They aren't getting fed, no free drinks, and aren't getting provided with lodging for the event.

So i've been involved in a group chat about this, and have been keeping my opinions to myself about this, as I know they're doing a solid for a friend. Which is cool, and a fine thing to do.

... and now i've been asked to sub in for the gig.

Two sets of material, no rehearsals. It's an hour drive for me to the gig. I am rough acquaintances with the anniversary couple, but the guys in the band are some of my best friends, going back years.

So.... what are your thoughts on this situation? Do I take the gig, or do I respectfully bow out?

A polite 'No'.

 

[2F/2F]

Just politely decline.

 

[svtb15]

For ME>.. IF it were a close friend, i would do it for free... and only If i did not have another gig.. If a paying gig came up at the last minute I would have to take the paying gig and drop this freebee.. Sorry, it's the way it is, It's my job.

You said it's a ROUGH acquaintance? Then you have nothing to lose by saying no.

For me, I would have to get paid I would not do that gig for free.. .
I ASSUME they are all professionals at their day gigs. So they can afford to pony up and peel some cash for you.
No food, lodging,,, sounds like they they are just desperate to play out. .
Honestly. I don't think it worth it..
And teh EXPOSURE THING.. Lol Yeah. I'd say My Mortgage is just 1600 EXPOSURES!