United Kingdom

Im on a roll today..second rant

Ive just been contacted by a venue...

They asked us if we could play there, then included a form i have to fill in asking us how many people we would bring down. They go to great lengths explaining to me that its "a 2 way street, we let you play here, you bring a crowd"

Umm... the 2 way street is, YOU get a good originals band FOR FREE (they never offered payment, we never asked for payment) and we play at your pub (thats all it is..a pub..its not the o2)

Geez...

Somewhere along the line things have gone incredibly wonky!

These pay-to-play companies will tell you that doing their shows is a way to let people know how hard you can work, that you are a go-getter, that you want to be successful. THAT IS A LIE. In reality, no real hard-working band would ever think of doing a show like this. They know they are a huge waste of time, effort and money...not to mention they’ll do damage to your image. The image your band (or you as a solo act) projects can be as important as the music you play.
So you need to ask yourselves a few questions. For instance, who plays these shows? Aren’t these shows typically filled with beginners and bands who need more practice time? Do your favorite bands ever pay-to-play? Of course not! No legitimate band would ever fall for doing these stinky gigs. They’d never consider selling tickets and handing all the money they collected over to some “company rep”. Older bands view this practice as pathetic.

It’s important to consider what your image will be and how people will view you. What does paying to play say about your band?

* We’re not good enough to do a real show.
* No real club will book us.
* Our music isn’t worth anything.
* Nobody really wants to see us so we have to resort to selling tickets.
* We are desperate.
* Our band isn’t the real deal.

Paying to play sends the wrong message. Doing these shows makes a bad impression. Paying-to-play can do more damage than you think!

Good points, RGM.

You never pay for promotion either..

Be as wanting as you will, but don't be stupid.
That would be a fatal flaw in the golden statuette.

Never pay for promotion ? Seriously ? Advertisement ?

You never PAY THEM for promotion..

You do it and pay for it yourself..

The usual question asked by these venues - after you tell them 'xx number of people' - is them asking you to pre-sell tickets "Here's 20 tickets, sell them @ $5 each, just send us $100' ...

The usual question asked by these venues - after you tell them 'xx number of people' - is them asking you to pre-sell tickets "Here's 20 tickets, sell them @ $5 each, just send us $100' ...

Yeah right, and its pathetic..

Boss Hog is still alive and doing quite well, Friday nights and on the weekends. lol

You never PAY THEM for promotion..

You do it and pay for it yourself..

AH . . . got ya.