TONIGHT SUCKED!!!!!!

[bassbully]

Sorry but just got home from a horrible gig. I'm to tired to say much but in a nutshell... I left the originals rock band I have been in for four months. I told them I would do the three gigs we had booked to help them till they replaced me. They have already replaced me but the guy needs to practice with the band.
Tonight was gig two of three at a dive bar the lead singer set up. We were begged to play this gig by the bar where the singer knows the manager.
We were promised $200 cash and drinks for the band. I get there, setup, and play the first set which the guitarist messed up two songs he wrote what's new.

I talked to our Bl at break about pay she said " well it's slow we will see.. There were 20-25 people in and out all night watching us and World Series putting the drinks down. We play second set and wrap up. I ask her about the pay, she says we will see but I will get you paid. I watch a little baseball and want to hit the road.
The BL and her sidekick guitar player has counted the tip jar. I see no money and ask them both...ok what about pay? She flatly states "there is no pay...you can drink all you want at the bar" B@@@@@@t!!!!!!!!!

I just got POed and walked out. I have ever been treated like this by a band ever. I have had owners cut the bands money but not my bandmates screwing me out of pay. Yea it was just $40 bucks but it was a Friday after work gig, almost an hour drive one way and the Indains were in game three. I'M GOING TO BED!!!!!!!!!!



EDIT: I worked it out with the guitar player today. I'm sure the female Bl had him contact me for her. I got paid even got my practice amp back. I will follow with next weeks gig. Its my gig and I booked it. My rep is on the line and I will be the one the bar pays. Thanks for all the replies.

EDIT: #2 The venue owner emailed me Saturday asking to reschedule the gig for another weekend in November. I was shocked and had to read it again. I informed him the band and I had split and they would need to contact him for a makeup date. Poetic justice? Karma? Who cares..... I'm done with that band and moving on to my new one.

 

[flojob]

Lame. If youre bring told that theres pay, and you get stiffed, I wouldnt feel obligated to show up for that 3rd gig.

 

[Mvilmany]

I can't imagine that you'll do that last gig.

 

[tangentmusic]

Blow off the third and final gig.
They blew of paying you. Return the favor

 

[btmpancake]

You should warn the next bass player-immediately!

 

[Gazman]

Help the guitarist learn his parts.

Play the 3rd gig.

Iinvite your replacement on stage to play a few songs, even let him use your gear.

Do all this, and you will be rewarded with a magical unicorn, that pours beer from it's horn, packs up your gear and drives you home.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Help the guitarist learn his parts.

Play the 3rd gig.

Iinvite your replacement on stage to play a few songs, even let him use your gear.

Do all this, and you will be rewarded with a magical unicorn, that pours beer from it's horn, packs up your gear and drives you home.

Or not :/

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Honor your word, even if it's just so you can say to yourself that you kept your promise. Be true to yourself.

I played in an originals band in the 80s, lots of gigs at all the "in" spots of Hollywood and LA. I was a hired gun for a couple of really decent, talented guys. I always got at least $50 for a gig, even if it was out if their pockets. They always felt bad when that was all they could pay me. I didn't mind because they were good songwriters and fun to hang with.

I've seen your situation countless times with "originals" bands. Not all musicians and business people are created equal. Know what you're worth and set limits.

After hearing your story I'm embarrassed to tell you what I make for gigs. I turn down $100 gigs all the time. Know your craft. Carefully choose who you work with. I'd rather stay home and practice than play at what I know will be a bad gig.

Admit it. You've had these thoughts about this group from day one. Be true to yourself. Play music you like with people you like at gigs you like. Be glad you've invested only four months. I'm sure you will find a better situation soon.

Sorry, sometimes I'm just too old to sugarcoat it. But I love you, man.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[cronker]

It's all quite strange to me because I'm the band leader, and here in Australia, I wouldn't think to accept any gig without a signed contract between artist and venue. $$$$ guaranteed.
I also would never, ever tell someone they are getting paid and then renege. As much as it may hurt my pocket, I would pay them myself - a contract is a contract.
I split the cash between us all at the end of the gig and we move on to the next,We have a small, but effective agreement that $10 from each of our pay goes toward a "band fund" used to market ourselves in the viral webby stuff along with the old school posters on traffic lights (which I love!)

 

[mikeyjm2]

The BL and her sidekick guitar player has counted the tip jar. I see no money and ask them both...ok what about pay? She flatly states "there is no pay...you can drink all you want at the bar"

Dude... that sucks. As much as I might agree that not doing the third one would be justified, I can also see where just doing it to hold up your end of the bargain (even if they don't hold up theirs) would be the thing to do. Then you move on to something better and don't look back.

 

[yodedude2]

Sorry but just got home from a horrible gig. ...

well that sucks. you will do as you please, but i believe you are justified to insist that you be paid for the 2nd and 3rd gig before you perform at the third gig.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

I have been a BL.
If, for any reason, something went weird and there
was no pay, I'd dig into my own pocket before I'd let my band get screwed.

 

[Renaissance]

It wasn't all bad, you nailed the thread title! Sorry you had such a miserable night.

You didn't ask but since the thread took a turn....

Two wrongs do not make a right. Do the last gig because you told them you would and walk away with a clear conscience. As bad as my temper can be, I would still rather have my dignity than their forty bucks.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Is the third gig at the same bar? If so, that changes things. If not, keep your word.

 

[RiZzBot]

Forget the third gig. But if you do decide to play it, take full advantage of the free drinks. Once you're good and sauced and right before you leave; grab a handful of the guitar player gf's backside, snake wind pipe the singer and ride off into the dark like some 1980's badass. That'll teach them.

 

[flatfender]

Help the guitarist learn his parts.

Play the 3rd gig.

Iinvite your replacement on stage to play a few songs, even let him use your gear.

Do all this, and you will be rewarded with a magical unicorn, that pours beer from it's horn, packs up your gear and drives you home.

 

[96Brigadier]

I don't think you should play the third gig. They didn't hold up their end of the bargain, playing the third gig is like throwing more good money after bad. It cost you time and gas money to get there for nothing. Don't do it again, just be polite when you let them know you aren't playing with them again and do it right away so they can plan accordingly.

 

[Ewo]

I'd be royally POed, too. But I gotta agree with Cliff's comment, above. Even when somebody breaks his/her word to you, it's better for your reputation on the local scene to keep yours.

 

[LT131]

If you are committed play the last gig but wear a t-shirt that says, "I'm quitting this band."

 

[kalanb]

well that sucks. you will do as you please, but i believe you are justified to insist that you be paid for the 2nd and 3rd gig before you perform at the third gig.

This. I don't get why people are saying it's a matter of integrity/dignity to do the third gig. He made a deal with his current band, which included being paid. He kept his end of the deal and the BL didn't. For me, that's grounds for a renegotiation. It's not different than any other job. If I agree to do a two project for a client, would anyone question me bailing on the second month if I got stiffed for the first month. Why is it different for musicians?

Don't screw them around or no show, but let them know that they will need to find a replacement for the last gig unless they can pay you for the second gig and third gigs in advance.