When Sub dates are just not worth it.

Yeah, fair enough. Life's too short!

 

You already agreed to do the dates?

 

Who else is paying you $100 that night...

 

For me, the first sub gig with a new band is whatever it is. I try to research what I can, but unless I happen across some really poor videos, it's hard to know for sure what I'm getting into. If they can't be responsible in providing me set lists, then they get what they get outa me - which is not as prepared as I'd like to be. We need the time we need and constant changes are frustrating.

But, ya gotta do the gig if you agreed to do it. I just won't work with those specific clowns again.

 

I’ve been doing LOTS of sub gigs lately, almost each one with a different guitarist and lead singer (three piece). I learn the recorded version of a song and we bash it out at the gig. The challenge for me was learning the songs I didn’t know and learning songs I hate. It’s part of the “fun.” What makes it not worth it for me is the stinkin traffic on the way to the show, and being forced to use IEMs for the first time, at a show, just because our sub guitarist brought his PA and it was his way or the highway, basically. He is not on our list anymore. I do like to gripe but there are very few other things I would rather be doing.

 

If the band is playing a longer set, they're probably being paid more and you're just not getting any of the extra. The gig is in July, if you don't want to do it, don't do it but tell them now.

 

Ah yes, the joys of being an independent contractor. I’ve only done 2 sub gigs in my life. One was subbing in my 6th grade teacher’s polka band back in the 60s, and one hard core C&W band on short notice like 3 hours.

The gig was a hole in the wall, I had no clue about any of the songs, and had to drive 40 minutes out of my way after a 4 hour gig to the “manager’s office” in a very seedy part of town. A film noir director couldn’t have built a better set.

I was greeted buy two larger men that looked like Russian Mobsters who escorted me to the manager, and then I had to explain to him in detail why he needed to pay me. Apparently there was a miscommunication between said manager and the BL on the price. And oh by the way, the BL happened to owe this manager money and the proceeds of this gig was to help settle his debt which was no small amount.

I did get paid and I never heard from the BL again. He’s probably anchored at the bottom of Ohio river somewhere. That was my last sub gig.

 

Church gigs pay better than that and you only play a handful of songs per set.

 

I think that's the best course of action anyway. This gig, even though it has issues, might lead to other good opportunities.

 

I think you go back to the agent friend asap and say hey … I sincerely appreciate the opportunity but these guys aren’t very organized this is going to require a heckuva lot more time and prep than I’m being compensated for.

Then give them a phone number or two of possible replacements and slip out the the back door with your summer dates open for better ventures.

 

ok, so I would just play the gig.. and just play the songs I know.. and mime the rest.. wear a wig and fake beard.. and shades.. and forget about it.. but make sure you get gas money.. food and beer.. lol and bring a stool.. so you don't have to stand through that crap.. don't for get your tip jar.. lol plus if you play acoustic guitar.. go early- avoid traffic.. and play for tips.. can't hurt.. you already got to be there so.. goof around.. make more money..

 

"I think I know 50% of the set so I dont need to listen to them"

yeah.....

Are you sure they will want you back after the first one?