Would You Drive 6+ hours for $300?!

[GearHeadBassMan]

and then 6 hours back to make your gig the next night?

I say no, especially when not on tour. I have a problem with bandmates who don't think things realistically.

extra problems include an overheating van with a gas leak with an expired registration.

and three of us have jobs to go back to after the weekend.

 

[Relic]

it would have to be some sort of super-killer gig otherwise it's just plain stupid...$300 is barely enough money for food/beer/gas.

 

[Steve]

IF...the $300 was my cut and not for the entire band

And

IF...I had a reliable legal vehicle.

Yes.

Otherwise, no effing way.

Exactly how cold is it right now where you are just in case you wind up on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere at 4 A.M.?

 

[etoncrow]

The way you qualified your question it would seem you have already arrived at your answer...

 

[b_carville]

I'm doing it this weekend for $250.

Five hours though,not six & I'm carpooling & the $250 is my cut. Wouldn't of done that three years ago.

Hey,I need the money & February's always light my way gig wise.

Still,after food,fuel,etc.,my takehome will probably be about $200 to $220.

 

[jaywa]

IF...the $300 was my cut and not for the entire band

And

IF...I had a reliable legal vehicle.

Yes.

Otherwise, no effing way.

Same here. But that's today, with gas at $2 a gallon. If it was still $4 a gallon then I would be rejecting that gig out of hand.

And by the way, what happens if that van breaks down and you can't get back in time for your gig the next night? Would be pretty silly if that 2nd gig was a regular client and you jeopardized that steady business by failing to show.

 

[OtterOnBass]

Let's see, if it's a three-hour show (including loading times), that's 9 hours of work for $300. Minus gas let's say it's $270. That's $30/hour. Not bad, I'd do it.

 

[T-MOST]

12 hours round trip is about 2 tanks of gas (in my vehicle) which is about $50 these days. Add tolls and McDonalds and thats another $25. So I pocket $225. yes, I would.

 

[ryco]

Depends on the gig. Is it a 4+ hour cover gig or a 45 min set in front of a huge crowd?

And the $300 would have to be my cut, free and clear. And would I be driving separately?

I'll agree, that is a long ass drive for one day.

 

[MatticusMania]

I would, though probably not if I had a local gig the next night. And my car is not on the verge of breaking down. And the $300 was my take.

 

[jugoziithouu]

Well imho its more than 300$, dont you enjoy playing?

I know its ****** to be on the road and all but isnt it rewarding when you finally get on stage and have some great time?

Maybe thats just me

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

depends on the gig. I've driven more for less $ but the gig was good.

 

[CapnSev]

If $300 was my cut? Yeah, I'd probably do it, depending on the circumstances.

 

[Intune]

extra problems include an overheating van with a gas leak with an expired registration.

Fifteen hour gig split four ways-$5hr per person.
Overheating van- $8 Thermostat.
Expired registration- $150 Ticket.


Gas leak explosion- PRICELESS!

 

[MatticusMania]

Yeah, to answer GearHeadBassMan's question more directly. I would definitely recommend NOT taking that van, but if you'll be taking home $300 for yourself, why not load the gear in your own car and head out?

 

[timzrage]

I've travelled 8 hours to Los Angeles to do what was supposed to be a killer gig. There were maybe 20 people and we got stiffed from the band that invited us. Rent a car for $30.00 and then you've got a safe and legit way to get where your going without the miles and hastle of your own car.

 

[MatticusMania]

Good suggestion Tim. It doesnt cost much to rent a car for a day. Maybe rent a van for a few dollars more? If everyone in the band is making $300 then it would be quite worth your while, and not much of an expense to rent a van and fill it up with gas twice.

 

[excane]

Would I be the one who actually has to drive or just be in the car for that long?

 

[GearHeadBassMan]

Let's see, if it's a three-hour show (including loading times), that's 9 hours of work for $300. Minus gas let's say it's $270. That's $30/hour. Not bad, I'd do it.

I guess thats a good way of thinking of it. however, its total, not per person cut.

I already had my answer, I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't the odd man out.

 

[txbasschik]

Only if my entire cut was the $300.

Cherie