• From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Topic: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

Ok I'm playing in a band and we've had a few offers to play out locally here.  The problem is we can't seem to get a price in our heads to charge because we've either:
A)  Did it for free
B)  Did it really cheap
or
C)  Got paid in tips and Beer.

We are a 6 piece band and I've got no clue what to charge, so I thought I would ask what the going rate for a decent band is these day to get an idea what we should ask for.  I've heard $350 for most blues/rock style bands, $500 for country acts.  A few guys in the band seem to think we could charge more then $500 for a 2 set show lasting around 2.5 to 3 hours long.  I personally would be surprised if we ever got a gig for more then $350.  So what do you think the average going rate is for a decent band?

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  • From: Benicia, Ca.
  • Registered: 2006-05-08
  • Posts: 5,828

Re: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

In this economy I'd take whatever you can get and the exposure will lead to bigger paydays.

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  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

I had to look around for a band for a private gig. Rates ran $50-$100/hour per musician. You have to figure in your overhead, ask what each would consider fair, then set a price. Don't sell yourselves too cheaply if you are decent and reliable. Ask around what others charge in the area to get a feel for it because rates vary by region. Have a demo cd ready for anyone interested.
Rick

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  • mbcl
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  • Registered: 2008-05-01
  • Posts: 1,491

Re: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

All depends on how many people you can bring in. If you are attracting a healthy crowd then take  a share of the door. If not you need to go in cheap on the understanding that once you build an audience the money goes up. The venue needs to make money. No point them paying $500 for band that brings in 20 people!. However they will happily pay good money for a busy bar...

Martin
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5 Reply by Rocket (edited by Rocket 2010-10-01 06:36:00)

  • Rocket
  • Rocket
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
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  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

Mcbl great points, I'll echo some.  But bar traffic is them, owners and bartenders /waitpersons being satisfied.  A crowd being satisfied may or may not have any direct bearing on that, very likely yes though.  Some places pack 'em in and just toss up bands like a stupid drink special-and both may suck!  Low band pay, high drink costs, big crowds=wtf if you are keeping 'em happy at both sides of the bar and even more on the floor, whether there's dancing storms or totalyl ga-ga eyed or stupified and engrossed in watching your playing...
  A FOLLOWING is indeed another thing altogether, and that is where a band can set the price or at least leverage in negotiations.  You can shop that following around as your own, as they are a double insurance policy for venue and band alike.  Take advantage of it if you get the chance-exploit it!

Dawg's right, start small, aim high(er) or aim hire!  wink

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

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  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

Thanks guys!  I feel silly even asking that question because I'm just having so much fun just playing.  I can't believe people get paid to do this.  It is a lot of work and so far around $350 is what I was expecting to hear from people.  Thanks a lot guys!

AD3THREE's Website

  • Rocket
  • Rocket
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  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

AD3THREE wrote:

Thanks guys!  I feel silly even asking that question because I'm just having so much fun just playing.  I can't believe people get paid to do this.  It is a lot of work and so far around $350 is what I was expecting to hear from people.  Thanks a lot guys!

Just remember to do a little math and recall what doctors and lawyers make an hour and put the pedal to the metal!!! Go man, go!

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

Feedback too...

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”
  • From: Edgewater, FL
  • Registered: 2007-12-08
  • Posts: 5,046

Re: What is the going rate for a blues/rock band these days?

Rock bottom we get is $400 for 4-45 minute sets; 4 pce. band.  If I have to bring a small PA, that counts as another band member.  If it's a party week somewhere, twice that.

If we do 2 2hour sets same rate.  If we open for a touring act (a much better gig) one hour is $100 per man, plus eats and so on... the sky is the limit.  On those openers we bring the A game.  Stage garb, Throat spray, best tunes,  Backup harmony and the best amps.

We make that a show. no digging in our butts between tunes. whip the audience into a state of anticipation...etc.

But the biz has changed...karaoke, Simon Crowall, and American idol has changed the landscape completely.  Who knows?

MuchLuck
GetGood and charge a lot
BJJ FDOL

Rock On & Keep the FAITH
             It is
Blues From the Bottoms

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