We have always aimed to pay the union casual gig rate to band members in our functions band, and have done so most gigs for over 20 years, but this stance has resulted in last years gigs dropping by 40% on the previous year. So you have to set out your stall and live by that. Market forces may mean this is our last serious year gigging. But we will not go out for pub prices and undermine the business and sell all bands short. You can’t be down the pub for £200 then try charging £600 for a wedding the next week because word gets about. It’s a tough call.
People will pay for quality acts but from the punters view its like fishing for ducks at the fair, the internet is a real lottery for them.