Venue "forgot" to comp our food

[ahbradot]

For a few decades I had weekend gigs as a wedding videographer. Even if I was contracted to get fed, there was little time to scarf down the food or some other hassles.
I learned over the years to just bring my own Scooby snacks and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich just in case.
I learned to not expect anything or rely on anybody for a meal. It was a hit or miss if I was able to get a meal.
Now on the other hand, many times I saw the band or the DJ and/or photographer get pissed off because of the uncertainty and inconsistency of these venues. I truly empathize with you and others that have to deal with this matter.
To be fair, there were numerous times where I was treated like a king and everything went smoothly. For that I am truly grateful.

 

[lfmn16]

I had a bar try to charge me for soda once. I said, "Is water free?" They said yes so I said, " Then I would like a water please."

I wouldn't make a stink, but I sure wouldn't eat there again.

 

[smperry]

I've definitely played places where they tell the band they'll comp a drink and then they don't. So annoying.

 

[bolophonic]

I had a bar try to charge me for soda once. I said, "Is water free?" They said yes so I said, " Then I would like a water please."

I wouldn't make a stink, but I sure wouldn't eat there again.

I had a gig in a "famous" venue years ago and the bartender charged me $.50 for a water. So I just walked away with a cup of water sitting on the bar. Totally asinine.

 

[bolophonic]

One of my old bands played at an Oktoberfest party a few years back. The band was basically comped unlimited beers for 16 MEMBERS. I don't drink, so I asked if I could have a bratwurst instead and they said no. The band drank about 100 free beers and I paid $7 for a brat. Oof.

 

[SlowpokeJoe]

At the end of the night we get a tab. I got mozz sticks and one beer, which at the rather inflated prices at this place comes to $17.

It's very sad that Seattle restaurant prices has me thinking that you got a pretty good deal!

 

[u2brothr]

You had a GIG!?!?

THIS MADE ME BUST OUT LAUGHING.

We usually have a contract when we play.... no matter the size of the gig. Mistakes happen. I would mention it..... but not make a big deal about it. At the end of the day, if you want bigger and better gigs, you gotta remain professional.....

I can honestly say, when we play our gigs.... and a lot of them are more "corporate" in nature..... We aim to be the nicest guys ever. We even tip the sound man.... during the gig we ask people to make sure they tip the waitstaff. No need to act like a primadonna. Your reputation follows you.

I'm thankful that we don't play bars anymore. But it was from bars we came from.

 

[74hc]

Place I play at has a table of coffee, tea, and donuts or cookies. They have a basket for food donations. I just fill my mug, grab a donut, and go. I'm already running in the red factoring the pay, gas, strings and other depreciable expenses.

 

[BadSanta1281]

 

[petrus61]

Played a new house last night, a bar that just opened recently. Big place, seems like they're investing in doing things right, nice stage, in-house sound guy - good spot for us overall.

One thing sticking in my craw afterwards, though. The compensation was supposed to be $500 for the band plus food and two drinks comped.

At the end of the night we get a tab. I got mozz sticks and one beer, which at the rather inflated prices at this place comes to $17. The singer explains that the owner forgot our comps so we have to pay it. $20 with a nominal tip.

I'm doing quick arithmetic in my head. As a 4-piece, my share of the pay is $125, and should have been a total of $145 compensation with the food and drink comped. But with that getting deducted rather than added, now it's $105. So by "forgetting" to comp the band tab, the owner effectively just cut our compensation by about a third - would have been more for my bandmates who ordered actual dinner and the allotted two drinks.

As I said, it's a good room and I'd like to play more dates there, so I don't want to raise too much of a fuss, but doing this on our first gig in the place is putting the owner on my "do not trust" list.

Am I overreacting, have you guys seen similar, or what do y'all make of it?

Contact or craw stick?

 

[fdeck]

This is completely an aside, but I never worry about food and drink at gigs. The actual value to me is minimal. I've often got nice leftovers waiting for me when I get home. And I try to stay out of the bar staff's hair when they're serving our audience. Sure, if there's a break in the action, I'll gratefully take a glass of beer.

Weddings are the worst. The cost per meal is obscene, the food is variable. Getting the band seated and fed can mess up the flow of the event. Half the band is vegetarian. I'd actually rather see the wedding party just save the money.

 

[two fingers]

So, why didn't the BL say something when they "forgot"?

 

[Jefenator]

I have heard tell of unlimited booze and unlimited menu selections from back in the day - before I got on the scene in the mid 1990s.

Then places went to a drink a set or one or two drinks a night, which I must admit is probably a good idea. (Along with confining food to the $15 sandwiches & not the $40 entrees.)

One place used to give us this pizza with just a few scrawny sprinkles of sausage. They tried to eliminate that & just make it a cheese pizza - the infamous "meat cut". The BL put his foot down and the owner relented.

 

[2112]

That's okay, y'all can play "Wreck of the Ol' '97" next time...

 

[Renaissance]

I wouldn't mention it. Nothing to be gained at this point. New venue - it was probably just a miscommunication on their part. I would however, make sure everyone is "up to speed" on the terms next time.

 

[DWBass]

Been there, done that. Annoying to say the least. I stopped ordering from venues even if comped and verified.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

I remember a band during the 80's that were a darn good band that had no problem getting gigs.
They had a cool deal going on They charged the club 500.00 cash to be paid when they showed up, plus the tip jar. If the money wasn't there at unloading time, they'd go back home. They had no problem getting work. but did pack up a few times.

 

[Collin Lyle]

The pizza joint down the street has music a couple nights a week. They've done a great job building it up and treat the musicians well. Anyway, they do the food and drinks comps with a gift card. Pretty nice as it keeps it simple and you don't have to use it all to while you're there. Don't feel like eating and drinking? Come on back another night and use up your gift card. I think it's a great way to handle the meal/drinks thing

 

[Renaissance]

I was in a group that played for "exposure" at one place, I can't remeember if we had to pay for beer or not, but I had a couple and when I finished them I dropped the mug onthe flloor and smashed it. oops.

Did they pay you the next time or did they serve you in plastic cups?

 

[BlueTalon]

Probably next time I'll confirm the comp with the server before ordering.

I'd confirm it with the servers before performing, preferably before setting up.