TONIGHT SUCKED!!!!!!

[lamarjones]

Only at a certain demand do you have a contract IME, and also for a certain level of event as well. Bar gigs aren't something I know to do contracts, even venues for bands that don't have a lot of pull. Reason usually is, if you have reason that shows your demand, then yes a contract sounds doable. If you don't have a fair bit of demand you can demonstrate, no club owner feels compelled to give you a safety net. This is PRIMARILY for original bands, cover bands should have a totally different setup as it's a totally different goal.

 

[bassbully]

In my market the bar owner and venues hold the cards. There are way more bands seeking clubs to play at then we have available. That is why when an club owner changes the date you accept it or take a chance of losing the gig, and future bookings.
A contract in my area would of maybe stopped things like not getting paid and moving a show date. But what would of been the return? Threating the contract and legal action over $200 bucks?

 

[mellowinman]

My only comment is to the number of people who posted suggestions having not read the entire thread before commenting. This thread would have been half as long.

I would do the following:

1. Fire the drummer
2. Buy a P-Bass with a Tort Guard and Flats
3. Rage Quit the band
4. Go out on Dates with Beautiful Women

I admit that I did not read much of the thread, so I am going to go ahead and continue doing #4, and suggest everyone who is not married do the same. Remember to be a gentleman.

 

[DirtDog]

Well if you know me, I would have eaten my pay with some bar food and drinks.... I would end up owing them money.

Same - I hear that food and drinks are on the house in lieu of pay and I'm ordering the Surf and Turf platter and a litre of Cristal.

 

[BAG]

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.

In Townsville, it's all on the nod. Contracts? Most of us don't own a pen. Only some of us own a shirt.

I've been running pubs and clubs for over 20 years and it is extremely rare that a cover band, or an originals band without any track record, sent me a contract for a gig.

I've never dudded a band. If I agree to pay you $500 that is what you'll get whether I had 5 people or 500 people at the gig..... and if I did have a good night you can be pretty sure i'll give you some drinks at the end or to take home. I'll most likely have fed you before the gig as well.

In saying that, I've lost count of the number of times I've had bands looking for a gig saying that "we'll pack the place out" and asking for a guarantee in excess of $1000. I tell them that we won't do a guarantee but they can have then entire door and charge what they like. At $10 per head they'll make over $3000. In almost every case they won't do it usually saying something like "we can't take the chance that nobody will turn up". But you wanted me to take that chance and you told me you'll pack the place. Don't brag about your pulling power unless you're prepared to back it up!

 

[bassbully]

I've been running pubs and clubs for over 20 years and it is extremely rare that a cover band, or an originals band without any track record, sent me a contract for a gig.

I've never dudded a band. If I agree to pay you $500 that is what you'll get whether I had 5 people or 500 people at the gig..... and if I did have a good night you can be pretty sure i'll give you some drinks at the end or to take home. I'll most likely have fed you before the gig as well.

In saying that, I've lost count of the number of times I've had bands looking for a gig saying that "we'll pack the place out" and asking for a guarantee in excess of $1000. I tell them that we won't do a guarantee but they can have then entire door and charge what they like. At $10 per head they'll make over $3000. In almost every case they won't do it usually saying something like "we can't take the chance that nobody will turn up". But you wanted me to take that chance and you told me you'll pack the place. Don't brag about your pulling power unless you're prepared to back it up!

If more bands would look at what you are saying here and see the venues investment in a band for a night, it would make things allot easier on both.