Does Your SO Get in Free?

[dgrizzly]

When you play a standard small-to-medium-sized club / venue / bar gig:

Does your significant other get in for free?

If so, how is this typically accomplished?

• Band members get +1, establish your +1 at the door
• Guest list
• Etc

Had a gig last night. It was super disorganized and I had to pay for my fiancé out of my own pocket. We played last and brought the majority of the crowd. I felt disrespected, but I'm also trying to not get all bent out of shape about it. Just looking for opinions / experiences from those more seasoned than myself.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

You should negotiate that up front.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Depends on the venue. What he said ^. Then both sides know.

 

[Eilif]

My wife doesn't pay. We've already paid enough for childcare and I'm probably getting peanuts from the venue anyway, so neither myself or my wife are paying.

 

[dgrizzly]

You should negotiate that up front.

Again, super disorganized and I didn't book this one (I was not pleased).

But in that situation (where it was NOT discussed beforehand), what would you expect?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I would have probably just told my SO to stay at home, unless she/he had their own money to pay the cover charge.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Unless the venue has a list of who has a free pass, or comes in early with the band, unless it is otherwise negotiated, they should figure on paying. The club is not going to say "gee, the bassist from band one got one person, the guitarist's girlfriend from band twon hasn't shown yet".

 

[Fielding]

The only time my wife has ever paid was when it was a charity gig, and we did it to support the cause. Every other time, she (or a friend) is either on the list, or they come in with me during load in. It's commonplace to have the promoter/bouncers/bar tender/door person come around during setup and ask for our plus one's name. Usually the person working the door acknowledges they are with you and lets them in. I have had to go to the door and verify someone is with me before.

She's on her own when it comes to her drinks.

 

[getbent]

I've always seen it handled as part of the advance with the club, but it usually works out to each member of the band getting a guest list spot (or maybe a set number of spots, like 5 for the average band, depending on how big the club is and how big your band is, membership and draw wise).
Next time, ask your BL/"tour manager"/logistical point person or the door person (after soundcheck but before doors open is usually the best time)

 

[dgrizzly]

The only time my wife has ever paid was when it was a charity gig, and we did it to support the cause. Every other time, she (or a friend) is either on the list, or they come in with me during load in. It's commonplace to have the promoter/bouncers/bar tender/door person come around during setup and ask for our plus one's name. Usually the person working the door acknowledges they are with you and lets them in. I have had to go to the door and verify someone is with me before.

She's on her own when it comes to her drinks.

So, this is pretty much what I'm used to. She helped me load in, but the sound guy showed up an hour and a half late, pushing the entire night back. 2nd song into the first band's set and the promoter shows up (over 2 hours late), stops the show, kicks everyone out of the room to pay and get wristbands. We almost walked because of the disrespect us, our fans and the other bands were shown. The bands payed for their own drinks.

 

[Fielding]

Yeah, I wouldn't play for that promoter, or venue again. If the venue was cool, but the promoter ran that show then I'd avoid them. If they go hand in hand, then chalk it up to experience and move on. I have a love-hate relationship with many promoters.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Not relevant. My wife does not do nightlife.

 

[bolophonic]

Are you kidding? No way.

 

[dgrizzly]

Are you kidding? No way.

You've never had a +1 or guest list at a gig?

 

[bolophonic]

You've never had a +1 or guest list at a gig?

HA! Sorry.... That was extremely careless commenting on my part. I meant, "no way would my wife ever have to pay a cover charge to see my band."

 

[dgrizzly]

HA! Sorry.... That was extremely careless commenting on my part. I meant, "no way would my wife ever have to pay a cover charge to see my band."

Haha ok that makes a bit more sense! This is my mindset as well and also what I'm used to at most places. The promoter and venue were very much "this is how we do things here" which is what prompted my thread. I didn't book this gig, but I will certainly not be doing business with that promoter again.. And most likely not with that venue either.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Again, as long as you clear it ahead of time it is no big issue. But especially if you are playing at an event with multiple bands, if the venue does not have a list, don't expect them to take everyone's word. They gotta make money, and I've seen bands abuse this.

 

[wmhill]

she's usually carrying in equipment when we get there, so yup.

 

[dgrizzly]

Again, as long as you clear it ahead of time it is no big issue. But especially if you are playing at an event with multiple bands, if the venue does not have a list, don't expect them to take everyone's word. They gotta make money, and I've seen bands abuse this.

We obviously want people paying to see the band. Venue makes money, we make money, it's all good.

Honestly, though, I've never had to negotiate with a venue for each band member to get a +1. It's always implied. We certainly don't expect the venue to take anyone's word. Usually the door guy keeps a tally under each band on a piece of paper or they ask us for our +1's names before the gig and have them on a guest list.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Not saying it usually needs to be negotiated - it's usually implied. But either know how many you can bring in, or have a list. I've seen bands try to squeeze in extra people. Often the same ones who complain they aren't getting paid enough.