Your worst justification for playing a gig for free

[Wisebass]

I play for food
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Brother, I just read of your heart troubles on another thread.
So you might just wanna put that down.

Yes! Better play for money

Wise

 

[Waytootrue]

I have regularly voiced complaints at my band leader for taking free benefit gigs in SF, CA.
But we recently did one of these (amplified acoustic with me on upright) at a half-way house run by St. Anthony's Church in the Mission. The listening audience was a room full of ex-cons, fresh out of San Quentin, transitioning toward life and jobs out of prison. I have never performed before a more supportive and enthusiastic audience. The emotional feedback, hand-clapping, and boisterous response to our music was incredible. And we were playing ordinals!

By the time we got to a demanded encore and we threw down the Doobie Bros Black Water, complete with harmonized vocals from the crowd on the coda the place was going nuts.

The management of Bread & Roses, who'd set up this benefit, and has been doing similar work for decades, was extremely happy with the results of this show.... I am still waiting for plum paid gigs from them but this one was worth the donated time and effort.

Playing for Charity is a pretty good justification for doing a free gig I'd say

 

[Band Mom]

"They will pay us in pizza and beer! I would have used that money to buy those things anyway."

 

[Florinda4]

I have regularly voiced complaints at my band leader for taking free benefit gigs in SF, CA.
But we recently did one of these (amplified acoustic with me on upright) at a half-way house run by St. Anthony's Church in the Mission. The listening audience was a room full of ex-cons, fresh out of San Quentin, transitioning toward life and jobs out of prison. I have never performed before a more supportive and enthusiastic audience. The emotional feedback, hand-clapping, and boisterous response to our music was incredible. And we were playing ordinals!

By the time we got to a demanded encore and we threw down the Doobie Bros Black Water, complete with harmonized vocals from the crowd on the coda the place was going nuts.

The management of Bread & Roses, who'd set up this benefit, and has been doing similar work for decades, was extremely happy with the results of this show.... I am still waiting for plum paid gigs from them but this one was worth the donated time and effort.

I've also done a few free gigs with a guitar player buddy in the SF Bay Area for Bread & Roses, at a couple of hospitals. Very much worth the time and heartfelt love of the music from folks who can't get out and rarely have visitors or anything as humanly entertaining as live music.

 

[Two-Spirit]

It's a fashion show, and there will be models there, and I can meet some of the models, and models have big egos, so I'll finally be able to have a conversation with someone I can relate to!

If I want to play for free, I'll play for free. I'm beyond competent as a guitarist, bassist, and singer. So, I don't feel like I owe anybody anything. It's hard finding band mates that don't want to gig late at night or go on tour.

 

[Mike Sorr]

I play for free in my church's worship band and I wouldn't accept money for this even if offered. However, only God gets that service at no charge. It doesn't extend to club owners and others who only think they're god.

 

[Wesley R]

Years ago we were pretty much a mainstay at a local dive (fun, low $ for sure) but a great place to break in new band members. A bar manager from a competing bar stole us away. It was an easy steal, four times the money and a steep discount whenever we came in. They were having a welcome party and asked us to show up for the party, mingle with the crowd and we used somebody else's gear and did about 4-5 songs before welcoming the other band back up on stage. It was there gig not ours, and they were the band that was there when we were not.

 

[fishdreams]

best justification: I get to play music i believe in with the best musicians this town has to offer in front of people who care.
Worst justification: I get to play music i don't care about with musicians I don't bond with in places I wouldnt touch with a 10-foot pole mostly because the regulars are revolting creatures. Getting paid some is not making it better.

Morale of the story: thankful for the day gig.

 

[AcadianBassman]

I think the worst justification would be spite or ego. "John's band is booked for the club but, I hate John so I'll play for free just to put the screws to him! I know the owner, he'll let me go in for the door at no risk to him" - that sort of thing, which does happen. So childish.

I play for free one Friday a month (when not at my real job) at a local New Horizons club - the seniors club. I enjoy playing the old country and traditional Irish/Maritime tunes with my old teachers, relatives and all kinds of people from the surrounding area. People have driven a few hours to attend at times - no kidding. It's the pure love of playing that keeps me coming back time and time again. And heck, it's the only solid and continuing gig I have lol A great place to have some fun. Also why I like open mic/amateur nights, so long as the venue is willing to hire local acts along with the "away" bands. I can understand not wanting the locals to "play themselves out" by performing too often and become boring to patrons but, the occasional gig shows great appreciation for free entertainment on open mic evenings/afternoons.

 

[Richland123]

 

[Bunk McNulty]

If my BL says it’s justified, I do it. She doesn’t let me get involved with business decisions. A very wise course, since she knows my sorry record as a BL.

 

[pglaser01]

I do one for inpatient homeless guys going through extensive treatment.

Geez and I thought a 90s grunge cover band was a niche market

 

[rtslinger]

My 2 cents, Cover band should never play for free, unless it is some meaningful charity event. Doing your own thing, if playing for free is going to help you get notice it is a step in the right direction imho. Back in the day my original band did showcase shows for rooms full of important people and yeah they were all for free.

 

[powmetalbassist]

Played for free to get my future wife out to a show, and drunk, so I could nail her. Hey it worked, got laid that night and been happily together ever since (married almost 6 years).

 

[BAG]

I'm looking down the barrel of playing for free for on and off for the next year or so, but it's out of choice....
1. It's playing with my two daughters and the eldest is in her last year of school. Might not get to play much with them in the future and playing gigs with your kids is pretty cool.
2. My cut will go to them to save for their own PA gear, car etc.
3. I earn pretty good money at the day job.

But, i won't book a gig for the girls unless it pays well.

 

[TjMetalhead]

I love playing and I love being on stage. It's a calling, I've always been an entertainer since I was a child so whenever I get a chance to perform I'll take it. I never really expect to get paid as long as beer is on the house. I'm just doing it for fun until I can move.

 

[MarshallLaw]

I've never made a dime playing music, and I'm fine with that.

I've only played in all-original bands, generally niche underground styles of music.

Even if I'm playing to 6 people, those 6 people came to the show because they are fans and genuinely enjoy the music that I've had a hand in creating. I love the bonds I've formed with other bands and fans. Being part of a scene and helping to foster is a great feeling. Totally beats making a few bucks, IMO.

Any money that has come to any of my bands has been invested back into the band - more merch and promo items, growing the recording budget, or just food and gas. In situations where we were the local opener for a touring act, and we actually got paid, we gave that money to the touring band. It's hard being a small time band on the road - i know I'm going to have food in my belly and a bed to sleep in that night - it's not always the case for them, so I try to help out as much as possible.

When you're playing in a cover band, the people at that bar or wedding or party aren't there to see your band. They would be there if it was another band, a DJ, an iPod on shuffle, or if there was no music at all. That's kinda sad, but i guess getting paid makes it better. That's just not my style.

 

[SteveHeissner]

Because:

1. We didn't make the venue as much money as other bands
2. We played the songs we liked without regard for the audience
3. We played really loud and didn't sound very good.

Meanwhile, the good cover bands played songs the audience knew and liked, kept the dance floor full, and the bar pouring all night. They got paid and thanked by the bar owner.

Sometimes getting paid to play music involves compromise.

 

[SpyderX]

I have time at work today to disagree with people, so I will .

But first I’ll say, if it’s a cover band I agree 100%. I’d never do a free show, playing covers, for exposure. That pure BS and all it will do is affirm that your band isn’t worth paying.

Playing original music is an entirely different story. New original bands invest way more money in their band than they’re likely to even come close to getting back in the first year. If you gave me the choice of playing to 50 people where each band memeber might make $20 to $50, or to play in front of 350 people for free, I’ll take the 350 every time. I think that anyone letting their pride get in the way of that is making a very unwise business and marketing choice.

I learned that through experience, being that pride filled guy. Playing in front of 50 paying friends does less than zero for your band. It often hurts it, in fact, because it uses up favors ya might one day really need. Throw those 50 people in a club packed with 350, and they’re much more likely to come back next time. 50 friends in a big crowd also gives that crowd permission to love what you’re doing, but that’s a whole nuther topic...

I agree wholeheartedly with everything Joe says here. However, in my case, I'm closing in on 60 and not looking to make a career anymore or be in a position where my paycheck depends on playing out. So, for me... playing for free is better than spending a night at home. So it's for fun these days. Money is secondary.

 

[goldenglory18]

Wait, y'all get paid to play? Dannnnggggggggg