Just curious...what are the going rates these days?

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

Wow, that'll give you a little insight, huh?

VENTGtr · Post by **VENTGtr** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

If you're a VENUE just starting out and you offer the door, don't expect much.
If you feel the need, offer a decent gaurantee/door, or an option on the band's
part of a set amount (That's fair) or the door.

A venue that pays the door but gets good number on a regular basis, sure, a place
where the payout might not be huge but we like, usually sure.

Lot of us travel to play different areas and that can take a few times to build a
"following". If I travel however far and it's a local town's "Days", so there aren't
many peope out, and a venue tries to put that on us, they quickly become not
worth much effort.

People aren't as likely to travel outside their area nowadays, so don't expect
hundreds of people in line the first night you have someone, no matter how well
they do other places.

If you have a fair set-rate and the band brings in good numbers, or you like them
and think they'll do well, offer more if you'd like, etc. BUT, be fair in your dealings.
If not, can come back on you quick. And, don't be out to do the cheapest option.

Oh, and as has been brought up in the past, a "No Cover" can bring in people whose
3-5 bucks they'd have spent on cover will generally go towards alcohol sales. Plus,
is an attractive option for a lot of people. Like you said: "..times are tough".

Best of luck to you and your uncle.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

VENTGtr wrote:If you're a VENUE just starting out and you offer the door, don't expect much.
If you feel the need, offer a decent gaurantee/door, or an option on the band's
part of a set amount (That's fair) or the door.

A venue that pays the door but gets good number on a regular basis, sure, a place
where the payout might not be huge, but we like, usually sure.

Lot of us travel to play different areas and that can take a few times to build a
"following". If I travel however far and it's a local town's "Days", so there aren't
many peope out, and a venue tries to put that on us, they quickly become not
worth much effort.

People aren't as likely to travel outside their area nowadays, so don't expect
hundreds of people in line the first night you have someone, no matter how well
they do other places.

If you have a fair set-rate and the band brings in good number, or you like them
and think they'll do well, offer more if you'd like, etc. BUT, be fair in your dealings.
If not, can come back on you quick. And, don't be out to do the cheapest option.

Oh, and as has been brought up in the past, a "No Cover" can bring in people whose
3-5 bucks they'd have spent on cover will generally go towards alcohol sales. P lus
is an attractive option for a lot of people. Like you said: "..times are tough".

Best of luck to you and your uncle.

This.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

JayBird wrote:If a band is as kick ass as they say they are...then let them play for the door. It's that simple. There are a bunch of bands that'll blow smoke up your ass and tell you how BIG of a following they have. More often than not...they're full of crap.

A good price for a FIRST TIME band is $200-$300, if you're paying flat rate. However, if you do not have much of a built in crowd and plan to rely on the bands to pull your crowd...go the door deal route. Then see how big of a draw they have. It's up to you from that point on if you want to rebook and pay more/flat rate. On the other end of the spectrum...if you have a nice crowd of "x" people each weekend no matter what, then you don't want to give the band a huge pay day. The band wasn't the reason for that crowd, so why give them all you door money. There are tons of bands that do not do one damn thing to promote a show. Once they get that flat rate there is no reason for them to bust ass and promote the show. They are getting paid no matter what.

Wow Jaybird, apparently the bands you refer to don't have production costs and other expenses to put on a show. Your quote for first time in doesn't even begin to cover our costs walking through the door. But thanks for setting the rates for all of us with this club owner at least. Man, read the first post in this thread.

To the Roadhouse, You just have to decide what you want and rely on good information when determining whether a band is worth the asking price. We're a business that provides a service and we work hard to provide the best service we can. Some ask for more, some ask for less. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. r:>)

THEM BONES · Post by **THEM BONES** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

Not to mention, most working professionl-like bands have invested thousands of dollars in personal stage gear to provide the best service we can. I go through sticks, cymbals, and heads like noone's business; all of which I need to make for a good sounding show. Then you figure in your band's monthly advertising, websites, gas, food, lodging, production,.......get it? (obviously not)

Like Rob said, you get what you pay for. You're looking for a band that has experience, reputation, and most importantly WILL MAKE YOU MONEY. Try throwing those bands $200-$300 bones and see how far ya get. Good Luck.

JayBird · Post by **JayBird** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

Hey dingbats...what if there is an in-house PA. Do you drop your price...hell no! First off, I was talking about a first time band, not a "well established" band when I gave that price.

I'm not over local bands, but I'm over the local bands that can't even get 20 friends and family to a show. What does that say about your band when your girlfriend/wife or your parents don't give a shit to see you play.

It was stated about the $100 + door, 100 people at $5, $500 + $100 = $600. That's wishful thinking. Lets say that only 20 people show up...now it's $100 + $100 = $200. Do you now go back to the venue and say, "Hey man we're worth more. We want $600."? It's all a gamble and some you win and some you lose.

You can all be pissed at me for whatever reason, but I was only trying to help out someone that is trying to get bands into a venue who had obviously been dooped by some worthless overpriced band.

witchhunt · Post by **witchhunt** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

JayBird wrote: What does that say about your band when your girlfriend/wife or your parents don't give a shit to see you play.

Very cheesy.

THEM BONES · Post by **THEM BONES** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

Wow, SHIT! You caught on to our "Let's charge the same for in house sound" trick! Fuck man, the cat's out of the bag now! You're right we're just out to screw club owners over!

Building lasting professional relationships with clubs is overated anyway, Why the fuck would we want to see a club profit ? So we could profit too? Nah, that doesn't make sense. Screw em' all!

Please..just stop Jaybird.

hicksjd9 · Post by **hicksjd9** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

I think you should make 200-300 bucks for the next festival you book, jaybird. I also think all of the advertising, lighting, and sound reinforcement expenses should come out of your pocket. Don't forget the hours you put in making calls and booking the venue. They mean nothing.

Anyone who would pay you a fair price for the countless hours you put in to organize the event must be out of their mind! I'm sure you would be raring to do another festival like that as soon as possible, right?

moxham123 · Post by **moxham123** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

JayBird wrote:What does that say about your band when your girlfriend/wife or your parents don't give a shit to see you play.

I guess this statement does not apply to me. I do not have a wife or girlfriend and my parents are in their mid 70s. My dad is half paralyzed in a wheelchair and my mother takes care of him 24/7. I am sure they would love to see my band play by it is not to be.

JayBird · Post by **JayBird** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

Anytime you guys want to see my numbers after a show or a festival you're more than welcome. I'd be happy to bring home $200 on a show...hell even $100 for all the hours I put into setting them up. I tried doing national shows to bring something new and different to the area. It didn't work. I lost my ass all the time. I know what production costs. I know what a PA costs...I have one. You're playing for three damn hours...if that at a bar show...a half hour on a big national show. Not like you're busting your ass working a 12 hour shift in the coal mines. Don't blow smoke up my ass about all these HUGE expenses bands have. Yes, it's expensive being in a band...however it isn't as expensive as owning the bar. I know you guys in Bad Daze are big time and deserve the big payday. Once again, I wasn't talking about you or the well established bands. I was refering to bands trying to get their start in bars and clubs. I was also pointing my finger at the band (whoever they are) that ripped the club off for $1500 a night. If they are so damn big, then they would have been happy to play for the door...they "should" have made even more. You all missed my point. Maybe I should have been more clear. I will now bow out of this post. You all win!

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

Oh boy,someone's pissed.

KyleMayket · Post by **KyleMayket** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

JayBird wrote:Anytime you guys want to see my numbers after a show or a festival you're more than welcome. I'd be happy to bring home $200 on a show...hell even $100 for all the hours I put into setting them up. I tried doing national shows to bring something new and different to the area. It didn't work. I lost my ass all the time. I know what production costs. I know what a PA costs...I have one. You're playing for three damn hours...if that at a bar show...a half hour on a big national show. Not like you're busting your ass working a 12 hour shift in the coal mines. Don't blow smoke up my ass about all these HUGE expenses bands have. Yes, it's expensive being in a band...however it isn't as expensive as owning the bar. I know you guys in Bad Daze are big time and deserve the big payday. Once again, I wasn't talking about you or the well established bands. I was refering to bands trying to get their start in bars and clubs. I was also pointing my finger at the band (whoever they are) that ripped the club off for $1500 a night. If they are so damn big, then they would have been happy to play for the door...they "should" have made even more. You all missed my point. Maybe I should have been more clear. I will now bow out of this post. You all win!

I can vouch for this, several times when I ran sound and lights for the national acts, we wouldn't get the draw we needed, and at the end of the night, Jason would have to run to the ATM to pull out money just to pay me for the night. And we're not talking a huge amount, as he said, it's his PA, I just ran it for the 6-8 or so hours(including set up and tear down), and I would only get $50 on those nights, I'm not bitching about it, but apparently there's something that you guys missed about his post, but I've seen the numbers, and it's kind of depressing. Just my piece. please continue around me.

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

JayBird wrote:Hey dingbats...

Hahahahahahahaha!!!! Now that's funny!!!!!

witchhunt · Post by **witchhunt** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

That's not funny unless Archie Bunker says it.

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

witchhunt wrote:That's not funny unless Archie Bunker says it.

True,but it still is funny anyways.

KeithReynolds · Post by **KeithReynolds** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

ok, so we have 3 different groups represented here. club owners, bands, & promoters.
Everyone wants to make money off each other.
I dont think playing music should be about making $$.. but wtf do i know?

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

FourthDimensionAudio wrote:ok, so we have 3 different groups represented here. club owners, bands, & promoters.
Everyone wants to make money off each other.
I dont think playing music should be about making $$.. but wtf do i know?

You don't know shit,haha

KeithReynolds · Post by **KeithReynolds** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

I know...Ive always played cause I like creating music.

What a waste of time & money!

onegunguitar · Post by **onegunguitar** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

FourthDimensionAudio wrote:I know...Ive always played cause I like creating music. What a waste of time & money!

Hahaha!!!!!

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

I ask for at least $2000 to show up for signing's and $10,000 to actually perform....

I've yet to get paid...~SnOOge!!

fahy34 · Post by **fahy34** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

I don't really want to get involved in this but I feel like I've been quiet long enough....

In regards to this...

JayBird wrote: What does that say about your band when your girlfriend/wife or your parents don't give a shit to see you play.

How about selling what I believe is the 3rd most amount of tickets at last years Too Loud Festival and then not being invited back because we started booking shows at a venue you don't like.

We were able to do things our way and be successful at it, something you weren't able to do. We lowered costs, found a quality PA, paid the local bands and were fair to each other. Plus we gave metal a home in Johnstown and you think that's a bad thing. Get over yourself man.

By the way thanks for not inviting us this year, we would've declined anyways.

Mike
The Defining Hour

KeithReynolds · Post by **KeithReynolds** » Thursday Jul 02, 2009

I heard alot of stuff about that festival from bands.
i know i didnt feel like blowing anyone to get on that show last year....which seemed to be the requirement.

If you can make him money he will put you there. thats the way the shows seem to be run. I dont agree with it, but im not him and im fine with that. I dont mind never playing one of his shows. im fine without playing with bobaflex

and the other d-list 'nationals'.
Sometimes integrity needs to take priority over money.

btw Mike, you guys did a great thing there.

fahy34 · Post by **fahy34** » Friday Jul 03, 2009

FourthDimensionAudio wrote:I heard alot of stuff about that festival from bands.
i know i didnt feel like blowing anyone to get on that show last year....which seemed to be the requirement. If you can make him money he will put you there. thats the way the shows seem to be run. I dont agree with it, but im not him and im fine with that. I dont mind never playing one of his shows. im fine without playing with bobaflex and the other d-list 'nationals'.
Sometimes integrity needs to take priority over money.

btw Mike, you guys did a great thing there.

Thanks man, we are really pleased with the way things have gone so far. It's great how the bands have come together to create a nice community and strong friendships, I just hope we can keep it going.

UNEARTHA7XMatt · Post by **UNEARTHA7XMatt** » Friday Jul 03, 2009

fahy34 wrote:I don't really want to get involved in this but I feel like I've been quiet long enough....

In regards to this...

JayBird wrote: What does that say about your band when your girlfriend/wife or your parents don't give a shit to see you play.
How about selling what I believe is the 3rd most amount of tickets at last years Too Loud Festival and then not being invited back because we started booking shows at a venue you don't like.

We were able to do things our way and be successful at it, something you weren't able to do. We lowered costs, found a quality PA, paid the local bands and were fair to each other. Plus we gave metal a home in Johnstown and you think that's a bad thing. Get over yourself man.

By the way thanks for not inviting us this year, we would've declined anyways.

Mike
The Defining Hour

Just to add a little to this Mike. We dont set out to make money at any of the shows we put together, unlike a certain other person. I guess some people are just Money Driven. Unless our band is playing, we make nothing! Its the bands that should be making the money not the promoter. I see how much you promote your shows, thats why you had such an awesome turn out at the Bleed The Sky show at Ace's. Christ I sold more tickets MYSELF to Too Loud Fest last year than most of the bands that played and I live almost 2 hours away. All im saying is if you got some kind of problem with what we are doing then come on over some night that we are playing and we can "Sort it Out", Cocksmoker!