Scrap the alcohol...you could at least feed me (Seymour). I don't eat much, I promise.
Riis
Riis
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So about getting paid for gigs.
- Thread starter Tnavis
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For this reason alone, I'd do it without a second thought.
Wow, this thread got busy!
A bit of clarification. When I say that the band isn't getting fed, there's no meal at the event, and by no drinks, i mean there's a cash bar (and the band isn't getting drink tickets). Since it's at an actual event venue, they can't really bring in their own beverages, so no cooler hiding behind the drummer.
I've met the anniversary couple exactly once, and wasn't invited to the event.
And yes, the guys in the band are my best friends, and while we played a ton of shows together in various bands over the years, I've never actually been in bands with them before. They also haven't been active in bands for almost ten years, while I've been staying busy that whole time. It's a completely different angle for each of us; for them it's a "It's gonna be so much fun to get together and play again!" where as for me, while i like the idea of hanging with my friends.... the gig itself seems like a real drag.
The idea of "The hang, the music, and the money: two should be worth it" resonates with me. Really, in this case the hang is like.... half there, the music isn't (it's all material I'd need to learn, as I don't have the material under my fingers at all), and there's no money.
There's no hard feelings if I say no, and that's the way I'm leaning. They'll give me some good natured hell about it, but they've got other folks who can step in.
A bit of clarification. When I say that the band isn't getting fed, there's no meal at the event, and by no drinks, i mean there's a cash bar (and the band isn't getting drink tickets). Since it's at an actual event venue, they can't really bring in their own beverages, so no cooler hiding behind the drummer.
I've met the anniversary couple exactly once, and wasn't invited to the event.
And yes, the guys in the band are my best friends, and while we played a ton of shows together in various bands over the years, I've never actually been in bands with them before. They also haven't been active in bands for almost ten years, while I've been staying busy that whole time. It's a completely different angle for each of us; for them it's a "It's gonna be so much fun to get together and play again!" where as for me, while i like the idea of hanging with my friends.... the gig itself seems like a real drag.
The idea of "The hang, the music, and the money: two should be worth it" resonates with me. Really, in this case the hang is like.... half there, the music isn't (it's all material I'd need to learn, as I don't have the material under my fingers at all), and there's no money.
There's no hard feelings if I say no, and that's the way I'm leaning. They'll give me some good natured hell about it, but they've got other folks who can step in.
Friends don't ask friend's to play for free, unless it's a charity that everybody is on board with.
Your update is pretty bleak. Yeah it's definitely a resounding NO, even with some food and drink tix.
I’d say do it. Money and all that comes from a solid steady gig. You said they are all doing this for fun. Some guys are traveling from over 200 miles away. And it’s for a good cause. I can respect everyone who would say to get paid but to me for a one off for fun that to me seems a bit selfish. Part of doing something for fun is the payment is the act itself not what you get in terms of money. The cool thing is that this may lead to something cool. But you’ll never find out unless you try. What do you have to lose, some gas? That’s the worse best thing is an afternoon of playing music with some bets friends for fun.
Hi,
I've done a few freebies for/with friends or charities but there was never any extra work on my part other than bring my rig, play, eat, drink, and have fun. Learning a couple of hours of material takes most of the fun out of it. Still, I might do your gig, but probably not.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
I've done a few freebies for/with friends or charities but there was never any extra work on my part other than bring my rig, play, eat, drink, and have fun. Learning a couple of hours of material takes most of the fun out of it. Still, I might do your gig, but probably not.
Thank you for your indulgence,
BassCliff
Love and family and best friends are invaluable intangibles that money cannot buy...and they are all very fragile things to be treasured
I respectfully disagree. The band member's obligation to play free for a friend doesn't necessarily extend to you, as a sub. Your time is valuable. You, as a sub, are what is making the gig work.
Given how stinky a deal this already is, I'd state your rate and pass with a "thank you, kindly" if it can't be met.
I took a gig doing just this last August. There was a birthday event for three different people I didn't know. Four hours of country music I'd never once listened to and thirty days to do it. Band played free as a favor to their friends, but I was paid for my time because I was the fall guy if the main bassist couldn't make it (he did). I was still paid for my time, because I put a lot into it.
Bottom line, don't give away your time if your heart's not in it. And even if it is, at least get some food and gas money.
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If these guys really are good friends of the OP then they will understand if he declines.
This, except there's no real requirement that you be honest, that I can see.
I like money, but I would do this gig anyway. An hour commute is nothing, especially when jamming with friends.
No food, no free drinks, no lodging sounds a bit to me like the most direct way the party people felt comfortable saying “we don’t want your band to play”
I have a hard time believing they won't be fed. Even when I've been hired for beef and beer style benefits by non-acquaintances someone comes up and makes sure we all go get something to eat.
Agree 100%, and at the same time love, family, and dear friends are fragile and we must remember they need nurturing sometimes to the point of our time and payment for our time as musicians; that was a point. Love hurts.
I'd do it...but I'd tell them I want dinner and drinks. It would be ridiculous not to get that much for my drive and time.
I played in a three-person band for my high school class's 50 year reunion. I really enjoyed seeing everyone and spending some time with them.
But if they can't even provide food and something to drink? Nope.
It happens. A band may be doing a no pay gig for what ever reason, and their bass player can't make it. They hire a sub to get them out of a jam and pay him appropriately. The OP should not ask for pay from his old buddies, but if he's not into it, as seems the case, he should just tell them it won't work out and wish them the best.
