What's Fair ?

The Shadow · Post by **The Shadow** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:09 pm

Charge 'Em!!!!!!!!! Your foolish not to.I was in the same boat and never
will be again. The expense is overwhelming. P.A. gear isn't cheap, not
to mention a vehicle to haul it,inspection,registration,tires and other
wear and tear items,not to mention fuel. Throw in the fact that your
setting up and tearing down and that adds insult to injury. Tell them
the free ride is over, and if they don't like it tough shit. Thats just the
way the titty flops.

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 8:20 pm

The Shadow wrote:Charge 'Em!!!!!!!!! Your foolish not to.I was in the same boat and never
will be again. The expense is overwhelming. P.A. gear isn't cheap, not
to mention a vehicle to haul it,inspection,registration,tires and other
wear and tear items,not to mention fuel. Throw in the fact that your
setting up and tearing down and that adds insult to injury. Tell them
the free ride is over, and if they don't like it tough shit. Thats just the
way the titty flops.

How do you really feel about it?

Charltor · Post by **Charltor** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:34 pm

The Shadow wrote:... titty flops.

I like it when titties flop.
Except for the one downtown with the 2 size to small sports bra uniboob flopper, with unknown stains dribbled on the front kind!

metalchurch · Post by **metalchurch** » Fri Aug 31, 2007 9:39 pm

Uniboob Flopper!! LOL! man that's great. I know the kind that you speak of, trust me.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 5:04 am

Here's my short answer without reading any of the replies so far:

• If you are providing a full PA, you should get a "PA cut" or the band should hire production — one or the other. We hire out for every gig except for "house PA" gigs and small bar gigs where we use only our practice PA and our rigs. We do it this way so we don't have to screw with it.

In your case, there's wear and tear to deal with, plus transportation of the gear, plus setting up the gear, plus running the gear. You should be compensated in some way. Why should it be free? It wasn't free when you bought it and it's not free to repair when it breaks down.

Now, I'm not saying you should charge $200-$300 bucks a show, but I'd make it fair, like maybe $50 a show or something. It's your shit, you're providing it so the band doesn't have to pay someone real money for sound, so you should get something.

• As far as booking gigs goes, I deal with the club owners for bad daZe and I have never asked for nor have I expected anything over and above my cut at the end of the night. It's part of my job in the band, just like it's old sKool's job to make sure our T-shirt inventory is kept up and it's Future Bobby's job to deal with the IT guy.

IMHO, anyone who takes a "manager's cut" for handling bookings (I know there are some out there who do) is just screwing the rest of the band.

And for the record, your questions are valid and at no point did you come off as being whiny. You're just looking for input about a good topic and that's what we're here for.

r:>)

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 5:14 am

songsmith wrote:Drunks + Microphones = Karaoke.

When I quit drinking almost four years ago, old sKool was afraid that I'd lose my "edge" because he was always amazed at how I never missed a beat while being totally smashed on stage.

Funny thing is, I never did drop lyrics back then and I surfed my share of table tops when intoxiacted and never fell down. Nowadays, I do drop lyrics from time-to-time (at least I don't have every lyric of every song taped to the back of the FOH mains ... LOL) but I cover pretty well the few times it happens, and I NEVER jump on tables anymore ... 'cause I'm afraid I'll break my hip.

r:>)

Klamachpin · Post by **Klamachpin** » Sun Sep 02, 2007 5:01 am

You shouldn't have to set up all the gear yourself "butthead"! Sounds like you're getting the royal dicking. You need to tell your bandmates to get with the program or give 'em the boot! Being in a band is a team effort. Each member has certain duties & responsibilities, whether that means helping with the PA, setting up the lights, setting up the drumkit, ect. The band as a whole should pay for expenses, then each band member should get an equal cut after that. Someone has to take on the massive task of putting together the PA, transporting it, maintaining it, ect. It's hard work but it's part of your dream & allows you to do what you love to do - play live music. Everyone has to bust a nut to make it happen. Don't be a dick about it if you don't have to, but make sure your expenses are paid by the band if it keeps the bands motor running. If your bandmates aren't down with that, it's time to be a dick & give 'em the "Donalds" line - You're Fired!!!!

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 1:01 am

Jimi Hatt wrote:Welcome aboard, REDARROWROCKER.

Here's an idea based around lonewolf's "make 'em pay" concept. How about making the PA the "Fifth Beatle"? Give it an equal cut every night, the same as any other member. Then divide it up among whoever helped set up/tear down/transport the PA for that show.

That way no one gets punished with a pay cut. Instead, they are opting out of some extra bling. Some will be perfectly happy to sacrifice a few bucks in exchange for a lighter workload, and that's fine.

Thank you.. It's an honor to be in such good company. I have been out of the music business for the last 20 years. This is a great way to share the music experence. Even for old newbee's. I agree with Lonewolf too. Treating someone special is nice way of putting it. Keep up the idea's coming I am all ear's.

Live, Laugh and Love Life is short.
Too soon old too late smart...

Debbie

boot-man · Post by **boot-man** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 7:43 pm

I own my own sound and light company and am currently forming a band. i have already informed everyone in the band that we will be hiring production out and not using my gear because i don't want to get into the same situation. money is the root of all evil. and in bands does cause quit a few breakups.