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What's Fair Pay for a Gig 3 Hours Away?

#21
My quoted "day rate" (so anything more than, like, five hours of total commitment) is $800 flat, so I don't have to muck about with what gas, tolls and food will cost precisely.

But, man, I've done gigs for free 'cause I wanted an excuse to go to (for example) New Orleans, or because I had the day off and felt good about doing someone a solid. Think about what number is gonna keep you from grumbling on your way home.

And fwiw, Houston is a big place with no lack of traffic. It's taken me an hour to get from Museum Park to Downtown. A dark day, that.
 
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#24
Dark Star Wars said:
Just got a text from BL asking if I'd be down to play in Houston (we are in Austin). I looked it up and depending where in Houston, it could be anywhere from 2:45 to a 3 hour drive (each way). I'm just a fill in for this band, I'm assuming the main bass player said "no way."

So what is reasonable to 'hold out for' regarding pay.

I already told BL - I'm open, but it depends on the details, he said he didn't have any yet, was just asking if im open to it.

I cant imagine the bar/club would be offering enough $$$ to make it worth it, I'm not trying to be greedy, but I'm also not interested in traveling 6 hours round trip for the usual 100 bucks...

So - what's the bare minimum you'd take for this (assuming you had a ride). and What is the min to do it if I have to drive myself.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Normal gig pay + travel expenses (inclusive of lodging if it is overnight) should be the formula IMO.
 
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#26
I'm kinda curious what the upside is to doing a bar gig 3 hours away. What's to gain? If the place likes the band and wants to book them again, then that means more 3 hour trips to gigs. If a patron sees the band and wants to hire them for a private party, that's another 3 hour drive. Unless there's something I am missing, I just don't see the logic in the BL taking the gig in the first place.
 
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#30
Many factors involved. Do you sub in this band a bunch? Do you owe the BL a favor? Maybe the BL is looking for interested people and has not committed to the gig. Maybe the venue owner owns closer venues?
At this point in my life, I would take it in a heartbeat.

Not enough bands in Houston?
 
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#32
Dark Star Wars said:
Just got a text from BL asking if I'd be down to play in Houston (we are in Austin). I looked it up and depending where in Houston, it could be anywhere from 2:45 to a 3 hour drive (each way). I'm just a fill in for this band, I'm assuming the main bass player said "no way."

So what is reasonable to 'hold out for' regarding pay.

I already told BL - I'm open, but it depends on the details, he said he didn't have any yet, was just asking if im open to it.

I cant imagine the bar/club would be offering enough $$$ to make it worth it, I'm not trying to be greedy, but I'm also not interested in traveling 6 hours round trip for the usual 100 bucks...

So - what's the bare minimum you'd take for this (assuming you had a ride). and What is the min to do it if I have to drive myself.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Four hour bar gig or hour set multi-band event? Covers or originals?
Just based on what info we have I would say $250-300 each plus rooms, unless there is some other unstated reason for taking the gig.
 
#33
Stingray5 said:
I'm kinda curious what the upside is to doing a bar gig 3 hours away. What's to gain? If the place likes the band and wants to book them again, then that means more 3 hour trips to gigs. If a patron sees the band and wants to hire them for a private party, that's another 3 hour drive. Unless there's something I am missing, I just don't see the logic in the BL taking the gig in the first place.
Click to expand...
I've played with guys who would take any gig, any where, any time, any pay. Maybe if you're 18, your band stinks and you can't find any place local that will hire you.
 
#34
We (not just my band, but the others I get hired for) do this all the time for 370-450 per player. That's like 5 person vs 4 person band.

Some places provide motel, some don't. So if I feel like paying for staying the night I'll use trivago and search a cheap room, or else I'm driving home.

$100 bar gig, no way in heck.
 
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#37
Depends on the gig.

1. Bar to Medium club - Pass
2. Large club - Depends on venue and the pay, but don't talk to me for less than $500 if 6 hours of travel is involved.
3. Corporate Gig, Large venue: It's a go, but only if the pay aligns.
 
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#38
Whats in it for you...you're subbing so there is no longer game with this gig.
So, to travel 6 hrs, it would have to be a very good gig. For a bar gig, why are they shipping you guys in.
You guys will want fuel...they will want to pay regular rate..??
I dont get it...

If they HAVE to have you, then name your price.
 
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#40
If this is just a sub situation I wouldn't do it for less than $300. But then again, if it builds good-will with the BL and gets me more gigs, maybe I'd ask $200 and let him know I'm doing him a favor.

I drive 1.5 to 2 hours pretty much every gig (each way). Most gigs are in the $200-$250 range but there are ones here and there that pay $150. Once I made the commitment to the band though I take the good with the bad. These are offset with occasional $500, $600 and even $1000 gigs. So it's really important to see the forest for the trees.

But if this really is a one off with a band you don't play with often, it's a lot easier to walk away if the number feels too low.
 
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