Taking one for the team

[Joe Nerve]

Funny how there is always enough money to pay for the other costs of the benefit, isn't it?

Dan K.

Yes. I didn't want to derail the thread, but I have a rough time with people who try to guilt me into playing benefits. I've played in a couple of bands that gave me the crap that we're doing this for a good cause. That's not what they're concerned about, they're concerned about the fact that they think they're going to get exposure. While some people say, so what, it's a win/win and only good is coming out of it, I disagree. I give money and services away, but I want to do it as I choose, not by performing for some benefit that I really don't have any interest in whatsoever. Not doing it, or not wanting to do it does not make us bad people.

A couple of years ago I almost walked out on a benefit gig. It was a firefighters benefit in Staten Island and when I walked in the entrance gates they wanted $40 admission. $20 each for me and my wife. I told them I was performing and that was my donation. They said, "Sorry. All the band members are paying too." I took a deep breath and told them that wasn't happening, and they told me then I wasn't coming in. I said, "bye". Called my band members, and they worked something out. And yeah, they looked at me like I was some kind of lowlife.

Don't paricuarly care for benefits.

 

[Betrayer_Bass]

Wow, that is not good on the part of the benefit organisers. Sounds like pay to play to me!

 

[joebar]

Funny how there is always enough money to pay for the other costs of the benefit, isn't it?

Dan K.

totally true-a couple of years ago when the olympics were in vancouver, i backed an original country artist for two shows.
in my mind i thought... playing a gig in the center of the universe on a huge stage; in front of tons of people...
(for free)
never again.
surely they could have paid all of the bands something.

 

[Mystic Michael]

A couple of years ago I almost walked out on a benefit gig. It was a firefighters benefit in Staten Island and when I walked in the entrance gates they wanted $40 admission. $20 each for me and my wife. I told them I was performing and that was my donation. They said, "Sorry. All the band members are paying too." I took a deep breath and told them that wasn't happening, and they told me then I wasn't coming in. I said, "bye". Called my band members, and they worked something out. And yeah, they looked at me like I was some kind of lowlife.

As if you should be grateful to them for providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the exposure that would propel your band to the big time! All at the bargain price of only $40 too! Such chutzpah.

If the remainder of your band had followed your lead and walked away, I wonder how much longer their little shindig would have lasted...

MM

 

[Faraday]

There is a difference between volunteering to play for the benefit of a cause you have chosen to support and being treated as if you owe it to someone to perform for free because they are interested in the cause and you should support your community (where community equals their cause).

Here is an alternative approach. Charge your going rate, and agree to donate it or half of it back - or your rate minus your costs of doing the gig. Other donors may be giving the organization food or other items at cost, so you won't be the only one. The point of charging your rate and then donating it back is to avoid being seen and treated as if your contribution is worth little because it's just music and you love to play anyway. You also get listed as a donor. If you play for money, it's good to be viewed that way consistently. You don't want to be viewed as the amateur band that is available for free (unless you are, in which case your life probably is more fun).