Wants to be payed for practices

[nnnnnn]

$75 for a rehearsal in this case might mean $15 for gas and $60 for two hours' travel plus rehearsal time, say 5-6 hours.

I don't think $10/hour or so is wild exaggeration of his expenses or the worth of his time. Nor does it seem to be fudging anything. It's second hand knowledge to the OP that he told the BL it was for gas. WE DO NOT KNOW what the drummer actually said. So I'd tap the brakes on careening to the conclusion you're trying to draw.

$10/hour is fine. More per hour is fine. Asking extra for travel time is fine. Again, I'm fine with the dude asking for any amount at all as long as he doesn't say it's for an expense he didn't really have. Of course you're right that we don't know for sure what he actually said - maybe he said something more detailed and the BL summarised it as "gas". I was just commenting on the information as it was presented.

 

[FloridaSam]

I'm happy when the drummer brings name brand potato chips to rehearsal and not the ones from Dollar Tree.

 

[okcrum]

$10/hour is fine. More per hour is fine. Asking extra for travel time is fine. Again, I'm fine with the dude asking for any amount at all as long as he doesn't say it's for an expense he didn't really have. Of course you're right that we don't know for sure what he actually said - maybe he said something more detailed and the BL summarised it as "gas". I was just commenting on the information as it was presented.

Understood. That can be a questionable assumption here since many thread starter posts have incomplete data + a single person's opinions jumbled together. Check out Amps & Cabs sometime for examples...the trick is trying to ferret out the signal from the noise.

 

[nnnnnn]

Understood. That can be a questionable assumption here since many thread starter posts have incomplete data + a single person's opinions jumbled together.

True. No offence intended to the OP here.

Did we just resolve a disagreement amicably? I think we both intended to, but if it actually worked we might get kicked off the internet.

 

[okcrum]

True. No offence intended to the OP here.

Did we just resolve a disagreement amicably? I think we both intended to, but if it actually worked we might get kicked off the internet.

I believe we did just that! Ssssshhhh, don't let anyone know.

I'm gonna say g'day to all you Asia/Pacific folk and get some sleep. I'm pretty spun out from the gig tonight, but it was a good one.

 

[glocke1]

I guess by definition, he is a Pro because this is his PROfession. I consider a " Pro " being somone who is touring with major acts, not someone who just doesn't want to work a normal 8 to 5 job LOL. You speak as though you have experience with this, are you a " Pro " or " Amateur ".

haha.....thats my definition of a pro also.

If the guy wants to be paid for rehearsal and is not a pro that meets the definition above, I'd tell him to pound sand.

There are LOTS of "pros" like this in my area that would ask to be paid for rehearsal, but these are generally guys who have what is basically a mediocre skillset on guitar and don't want to work a day job.

 

[Volker Kirstein]

... I consider a " Pro " being somone who is touring with major acts, not someone who just doesn't want to work a normal 8 to 5 job LOL. ...

... If the guy wants to be paid for rehearsal and is not a pro that meets the definition above, I'd tell him to pound sand. ...

So full time studio musicians, orchestra pit musicians, tv show house bands, casino house bands, etc. are not pros? Interesting.

 

[glocke1]

So full time studio musicians, orchestra pit musicians, tv show house bands, casino house bands, etc. are not pros? Interesting.

Good catch...they'd fall under the "pro" umbrella, the "touring" phrase is sort of a catch-all in this instance.

Regardless, I still stand by my statement that there are just a ton of glorified hacks that call themselves pros that would (and have) pulled this " I need to be paid for rehearsal" nonsense.

 

[Keyser Soze]

Good catch...they'd fall under the "pro" umbrella, the "touring" phrase is sort of a catch-all in this instance.

Regardless, I still stand by my statement that there are just a ton of glorified hacks that call themselves pros that would (and have) pulled this " I need to be paid for rehearsal" nonsense.

As Brad said, "...you can call yourself an astronaut but that doesn't make you one."

Pros can spot other pros. They know what the criteria are. From viewing this thread, it's clear that many TBers can't recognize nor articulate what sets pros apart.

 

[nilorius]

To pay for practising - that's ridiculously and for gas too. I can only understand this situation if this happens at recording process when a really pro, good musician is needed at studio.

 

[mcnach]

Didn't read entire thread, but if you're a tribute, why do you need to rehearse? If the dude is as good as you claim, pay him his 150 per gig or keep looking.

Edit: Okay, I read the thread. If this is a tribute, playing covers from only one band, do you really need to rehearse? If he showed up and nailed everything at the audition, I would rehearse with the rest of the band as needed, with either recordings of the drums or a drum machine, then get together with the drummer for gigs or very rarely for rehearsal (all while keeping your eyes peeled for another drummer that would be better suited for your situation (which will be easier to find if you are gigging with a "pro" drummer)).

+1

Nothing gets tiring faster than unnecessary rehearsals. They take time, cost money... so either they're needed, or you do them because you're having fun with them. I've been in situations when rehearsals were nothing more than a hang-out or at times a place for one member to catch up because they didn't do their homework. That's not what rehearsals are for.

The drummer you've found seems to be treating this as strictly business. If my primary income were music I'd do the same, wouldn't you? So if you think you'd like having a good drummer who can nail the stuff without prior rehearsal, it sounds like a great match. If not... keep looking. It sounds to me like it's not what you want. Neither of you is wrong, you just want something different.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi twinfallsbass

dude came prepared and pretty much nailed everything. Had a great conversation with him afterwords and he really liked what we were doing and wanted to be part of it.

That sounds great to me. Looks like the guy sees a futur for the band.

his “ conditions “ are, he wants a minimum of $150 a gig and expects to be payed $75 per practice for gas money.

Which is as others have already stated quite normal. And not very expensive.

Setting up a professional tribute show can be time consuming!

Choreography, harmonic vocals, getting as close a possible to the original…

It is hard work (that can be big fun!)

That fact that he asks money for that, shows that he takes things serious. (which is not a bad thing)

Band practice? Practicing together is something you can do for fun. Pros can' t afford that!

The $150 a gig is another thing that annoyed me, if we do not make $150 per member at a gig, tough ***** dude, we all take the time and effort per gig, and we all deserve an equal share.

I would expect to make more money than that with a working tribute band!

When you get good gigs his offer is great!

You should be able to pay him the rehearsals and still have more than he asks for each of your other members!

Maye you underestimate your own value?

Or do you plan only to play uncle George' s barbecue party for free drinks?

we all agreed that we should continue on with him

I think that drummer was good, but not that good.

So he was only good enough as long as he was for free?



my 2 cents


Wise(b)ass

 

[Ralphthepainter]

Tbh, that doesn’t matter tho. You’re worth what someone is willing to pay you and a lot of the times that can come from you setting your own worth(in addition to other things obviously). Even in corporate 9-5s the people making the most are the ones who climbed the ladder or got themselves in the right spot, not necessarily the ones who are the most talented or working the hardest.

I was talking with my brother about this. He got a job thru a temp agency and when it was time to get fully hired he asked for more money. His manager told him there were people in the company who had been working there longer, had more experience who aren’t making that amount. My brother ended up getting his desired pay and admitted to me that other people there know more and even worked harder than him but made less. I asked him how this was possible and he just said “well they didn’t ask”

The difference is for some replying in this thread... it’s business. They actually see this as their trade and a vehicle for supporting their families. That’s honorable. But I MUST assume it’s the vast minority of those who are on musician forums.

Say you love baseball. You have a 9 to 5 to support your family but join a local league to play. Your the star in fact. Your the best hitter and the pitcher. Along comes a pro who signs up and goes to the league and says I want paid because I’m a pro short stop. I’m not the star and nobody knows who I am, but pay me.

I just think the “fit” is wrong in this scenario. Most of us I assume come to this thread with a background like me, weekend warrior half fun, hope for some coin to help justify the investment of time and gear. In my world most gigs pay $450-$500 and larger weddings $800-$1200. Thats my market. That’s the going rates. I want everyone to get a fair share. If you’re a pro that’s great, but a piece of my pie gets you 1/4 of the purse. Nothing more. If anything after reading this thread, I’d be inclined to not even offer the counter $50 I originally suggested and now he can also load in and load out 1/4 of the gear. Because now you’ve pointed out it’s cool to be selfish, worry about number 1 and hey, it’s just business.

 

[Hardbassjunkie]

Doesn't seem like you are going to through with it but if you did, it would be resentment city. Having only one "paid" sounds like a horrible dynamic. Gotta hand it to him he has balls to ask that.

 

[retslock]

I’ve been paid to rehearse but not for a covers band ever. TV and professional theatrical productions pay musicians to rehearse. Cover bands not so much. He asked but there’s no law that says he gets the gig, it’s up to the BL. But yes, it is done in certain circumstances.

 

[Acoop]

A Professional gets paid for his time. ... And he would like to be paid for his. ... I've been paid to rehearse for shows, for tours, for plays, it's not unheard of and I don't think people should beat up on him because this guy decided to be a professional and ask for compensation. (You said he was really good) ... At the end of your gigs don't you have to go "ask" for your pay? ... If you don't ask you don't get. ... Nobody wants to give you money. ... The bottom line is, this drummer was wasting his time going to your audition. ... Maybe he just waned to get out of the house. ...

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, $150 minimum per gig and $75 rehearsal fee... I like this drummer's style. In fact, I'm going to call my BL and set this as my new requirement.
I'll be home at the computer from now on if anyone needs to get in touch.

 

[TreySonagras]

This is one difference between a free-lance hired gun and a full member of a band. A band member considers the rehearsals as part of the gig and factors in all the time spent when considering gig pay. A hired gun shows up, does the work, gets paid, and then is off to the next project. I do a lot of hired gun work in the church world...Gig pays $xxx.xx for x rehearsals and performances. The bands I am in are situations where I know I am probably going in the hole financially, but I enjoy the music. It sounds like the drummer and the BL are talking about these two different things.

 

[obimark]

Hey all. I have been playing steady in the PHX area since ‘98, so it’s saying something when I say that this is a new one for me. I joined this “ Killers “ tribute band and we have been auditioning drummers for the last month or so. Had a drummer audition last Sunday, dude came prepared and pretty much nailed everything. Had a great conversation with him afterwords and he really liked what we were doing and wanted to be part of it. Sent him on his way and we all agreed that we should continue on with him, BL said he would call him the next day to offer him the position. Got a call from the BL the next day after he talked to this guy and he said the drummer had some “ conditions “. Come to find out, playing drums is all he does for making money and his “ conditions “ are, he wants a minimum of $150 a gig and expects to be payed $75 per practice for gas money. Like stated earlier, I have doing this a loooong time, been in many high/low profile bands and I have never heard of or expected to be payed for practicing! Many of my projects required a travel time of 45-60min and I never once felt like I should be payed to travel for practice, The $150 a gig is another thing that annoyed me, if we do not make $150 per member at a gig, tough ***** dude, we all take the time and effort per gig, and we all deserve an equal share. I expressed my concerns with BL and after a long conversation, he kind of agreed. The BL thinks that drummer is just trying to see what he can get out of us and is going to call him and express our concerns over his “ conditions “, basically calling his bluff. I think that drummer was good, but not that good. Have any of you guys/gals heard or experience this??

Good for him. This should be a wakeup call for all "hobby" bands. Not everyone likes wasting their time running through the same 20 songs over and over so the guitarist can "learn"his parts better and we can have it "just right" to play Bob's oyster bar and coffeehouse once every other month. Let's be real, most "Dad" bands are an excuse for the guitards to hoard gear and drink beer.

I am with this guy- I'll join your hobby band, come to practice ready to play all the songs, and you will pay me. If you never gig, which 75% of the bands I joined didn't, no problem. I'm good.

 

[Max Bogosity]

The big surprise is how few TBers seem to think of music as a business or even as a job.

Meanwhile, as a total amateur I’m over here being surprised by how MANY think of music as a business/job. I’ve always assumed there to be a negligible number of people making enough money at this to consider it anything but a hobby. Cool.