What's Fair Pay for a Gig 3 Hours Away?

Dark Star Wars

Dark Star Wars

Nov 5, 2015
15
35
4,931
Austin, TX
#1
Just got a text from BL asking if I'd be down to play in Houston (we are in Austin). I looked it up and depending where in Houston, it could be anywhere from 2:45 to a 3 hour drive (each way). I'm just a fill in for this band, I'm assuming the main bass player said "no way."

So what is reasonable to 'hold out for' regarding pay.

I already told BL - I'm open, but it depends on the details, he said he didn't have any yet, was just asking if im open to it.

I cant imagine the bar/club would be offering enough $$$ to make it worth it, I'm not trying to be greedy, but I'm also not interested in traveling 6 hours round trip for the usual 100 bucks...

So - what's the bare minimum you'd take for this (assuming you had a ride). and What is the min to do it if I have to drive myself.

Thanks
 
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#5
$300 is fair if it is truly show up and bang out a gig as a bassist. If you are doing any promotion whatsoever bringing in business, tell them you want a percentage of bar sales. If you have to drive solo I’d ask for more.
 
#14
Just as a reference point, I’d expect to pay my band members and fill-ins $600 each for a gig that entails a 3 hour truck each way. I look at it this way, someone could always get sick or have an unavoidable conflict. I want to ensure there enough budget in it that I’m guaranteed to find a backfill without dipping into my take on the gig.
 
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#16
Dark Star Wars said:
Just got a text from BL asking if I'd be down to play in Houston (we are in Austin). I looked it up and depending where in Houston, it could be anywhere from 2:45 to a 3 hour drive (each way). I'm just a fill in for this band, I'm assuming the main bass player said "no way."

So what is reasonable to 'hold out for' regarding pay.

I already told BL - I'm open, but it depends on the details, he said he didn't have any yet, was just asking if im open to it.

I cant imagine the bar/club would be offering enough $$$ to make it worth it, I'm not trying to be greedy, but I'm also not interested in traveling 6 hours round trip for the usual 100 bucks...

So - what's the bare minimum you'd take for this (assuming you had a ride). and What is the min to do it if I have to drive myself.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Check your local union scale
 
#18
Figure up the expenses for your cut of gas, food, lodging, etc... Add minimum wage for all the hours you'll be travelling/playing not counting sleeping.

That would be my baseline price for if I REALLY REALLY wanted to do it.
Double that would be my baseline if I really didn't want to go.

Negotiate for a compromise somewhere in the middle.
 
#20
Lance Bunyon said:
Hotel room where each bandmber gets their own bed. $1000 to $1500 for the band. Meal allowance for the band.

Bathtub full of green M&Ms...
Click to expand...
I need my own room. Just for the sake of the other band members getting some sleep.

And red M&Ms. The green ones look too healthy.

to the OP: It all depends, some people would pay to have an excuse for a weekend away from the wife/husband and family.
 
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