Long post warning. I also posted this as a response in another thread but thought maybe it DID deserve its own thread.
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I just had to deal with an unpleasant and similar situation not worthy of its own thread just yesterday.
A band member booked a friend of his wedding on New Year's Eve, in Portland a few months ago. Didn't check to see if I was available, just booked it, for $500 as far as I know. We are in the Boise area.
At the time, it was far enough out, whatever, I had nothing booked.
Well, about two weeks ago my dad had to have emergency heart surgery. (Went well)I just recently moved, about 5 minutes from my parents place. They both work, and my mom (who has MS and can't do a lot of the everyday things dad normally does) has to work in order to stay afloat while dad is out of commission.
I'm a stay at home dad of 3, with an 8 month old, so I'm more or less free to help out, at the least twice a day, everyday, usually more.
As soon as this came up, I let the band know there was a good chance I wouldn't be able to make it. (I own the PA)
Yesterday it had become evident I would not be able to make it, so I made the call. Of course my bandmate was angry. I explained that I'm just too needed by my family right now. My parents have wood heat only, takes work to keep them warm.
Then he says that he'll be eating it on the plane tickets. I said, "you can still go". Then he explains that his girlfriend and himself were flying to Chicago 5 days prior, then directly to Portland. I still don't understand why that's a factor. (Unless maybe the folks hiring us were covering the ticket costs, which is even more messed up, because that should go in my pocket for sound and travel)
I said sorry, all my siblings live much further away, I already have a full plate as is, family first.
After I got off the phone I started thinking.. (I can be a bit slow)
He was expecting the other band member and myself to haul, (to Portland & back, in the winter, in my personal vehicle) babysit, set up, run, the PA +personal gear (including his) while he flies around playing rockstar. Then he can just walk to the stage and play.
This band had only played non paying opening act gigs prior to me joining about a year ago. How convenient that I joined right after I had a PA given to me. (By my dad by the way)
So yeah, we'll see how things go. Have a local gig this weekend.
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I just had to deal with an unpleasant and similar situation not worthy of its own thread just yesterday.
A band member booked a friend of his wedding on New Year's Eve, in Portland a few months ago. Didn't check to see if I was available, just booked it, for $500 as far as I know. We are in the Boise area.
At the time, it was far enough out, whatever, I had nothing booked.
Well, about two weeks ago my dad had to have emergency heart surgery. (Went well)I just recently moved, about 5 minutes from my parents place. They both work, and my mom (who has MS and can't do a lot of the everyday things dad normally does) has to work in order to stay afloat while dad is out of commission.
I'm a stay at home dad of 3, with an 8 month old, so I'm more or less free to help out, at the least twice a day, everyday, usually more.
As soon as this came up, I let the band know there was a good chance I wouldn't be able to make it. (I own the PA)
Yesterday it had become evident I would not be able to make it, so I made the call. Of course my bandmate was angry. I explained that I'm just too needed by my family right now. My parents have wood heat only, takes work to keep them warm.
Then he says that he'll be eating it on the plane tickets. I said, "you can still go". Then he explains that his girlfriend and himself were flying to Chicago 5 days prior, then directly to Portland. I still don't understand why that's a factor. (Unless maybe the folks hiring us were covering the ticket costs, which is even more messed up, because that should go in my pocket for sound and travel)
I said sorry, all my siblings live much further away, I already have a full plate as is, family first.
After I got off the phone I started thinking.. (I can be a bit slow)
He was expecting the other band member and myself to haul, (to Portland & back, in the winter, in my personal vehicle) babysit, set up, run, the PA +personal gear (including his) while he flies around playing rockstar. Then he can just walk to the stage and play.
This band had only played non paying opening act gigs prior to me joining about a year ago. How convenient that I joined right after I had a PA given to me. (By my dad by the way)
So yeah, we'll see how things go. Have a local gig this weekend.
