peterj219 Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 Hi - just interested to hear your views on a very small issue - nothing overly important, but wondering what the ettiquette is.... I have been helping out a band in practice sessions, as their bassist cannot make the practice session (strange, but hey!), we play for about three hours on a saturday morning at a small dedicated music rehearsal facility. My role for three occasions now, is to help them in learning and general playing of the music.... I do not mind as it is simple enough music and it occupies my saturday morning. I volunteer my help for free as I know a couple of the band members socially.... So.... at the end of my last session with them they asked if I would help out next saturday - I said no problem.... they then asked for a share of the facility hiring fee.... not too expensive, but as I didnt have any cash with me I said I could not... they said thats okay - you can pay for it next week!! My question being - should I be expected to pay as I will not be in the band during their gigs and I help for free..... what do you reckon? Quote
mrtcat Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 Nope. You're helping them out. If it were me my response would be "OK but if that's the case I want an equal share of what you make at gigs". I'd be inclined to suggest the bass player you stand in for should pay your share. Quote
peterj219 Posted October 27, 2013 Author Posted October 27, 2013 Hey thats a good idea - like I said, I dont mind playing as I consider it an extra bit of practice, but definately will get their bassist to cough up!! cheers Quote
martthebass Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 +1 I've helped out a couple of local bands with rehearsals when their respective bassists are otherwise occupied. Never been asked to contribute to the room fee.. Quote
molan Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 The complete opposite! Our drummer was ill this week and I got hold of a dep at very short notice for a rehearsal. We paid him £20 for the rehearsal and £5 petrol money. Hs not a pro musician or anything but he gave up his time and we really needed his help so we were happy to pay him for an evening's 'work'. Quote
icastle Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 I'd do musical mates a favour, but I certainly wouldn't pay to do that favour. I'm surprised that they had the cheek to ask quite honestly! Quote
ambient Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 Nooooooooo waaaaaaaaaay would I pay. At the very least I'd expect expenses, and then only if they were close friends. Quote
peterj219 Posted October 27, 2013 Author Posted October 27, 2013 Yeah - a bit strange that they did ask.... even stranger the fact their bassist can never get to practice.... Quote
DarkHeart Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 If your doing them a favour then i wouldnt pay, at the end of the day your doing THEM a favour. Quote
Thatguy59 Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 I woudln't pay, and it seem from what I've seen that it's pretty normal to be that way. I helped out a band and wasn't asked to pay, then I joined them full time and I was asked to put in. Quote
peterj219 Posted October 27, 2013 Author Posted October 27, 2013 Yeah - unfortunately if they did want me to join I would have to turn them down...... Quote
BassBus Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 When I first started playing with the band I play in it was just a depping spot. As time went on I was getting more and more playing with them. Funnily enough it was only at practices. The other bass player never missed a gig. Money involved in that, surprise. In the end the band said to other guy that as I had been helping them out so much I would be doing half the gigs. Surprise, surprise suddenly my playing at practices dried up as he never missed one. I called his bluff and left the band. I went along to see them at a local gig shortly after that and came the question "Has Bill asked you to come back to the band. We never know when Derek is going to turn up". Sounds a similar situation you find yourself in. Don't pay. If the other guy values his place in the band then he needs to pull his weight. Quote
flyfisher Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 [quote name='icastle' timestamp='1382906830' post='2257942'] I'd do musical mates a favour, but I certainly wouldn't pay to do that favour. I'm surprised that they had the cheek to ask quite honestly! [/quote] Those were my exact thoughts. My inclination would have been to pay the requested amount without complaint but then not be available for any future sessions. Quote
peterj219 Posted October 27, 2013 Author Posted October 27, 2013 Thank you all for your comments - maybe I will give this next session a miss..... Quote
Nick Riffed Posted October 27, 2013 Posted October 27, 2013 I think they have a bit of a cheek. I'd be inclined to go along to the next rehearsal and leave my wallet at home. Could lead to an interesting discussion. Quote
KevB Posted October 28, 2013 Posted October 28, 2013 They shouldn't be asking you. Tell them your depping rates are three times the amount they want from you for rehearsal but you are willing to overlook the shortfall as a favour so they don't have to pay you and you're even. If they don't take the hint ask them to find someone else. Quote
chris_b Posted October 28, 2013 Posted October 28, 2013 .... ask them if that means you've joined the band. Quote
Dropzone Posted October 28, 2013 Posted October 28, 2013 Might be worth sending an email asking if they were joking when they asked you to pay for helping them out of a situation, or tell them to take it out of gig money ;-) Quote
chris_b Posted October 28, 2013 Posted October 28, 2013 This reminds me; about 15 years ago a local drummer, pretty well known and rated, was asked to join our band. He said yes but wanted to dep out the rehearsals! We got someone else. Quote
lojo Posted October 28, 2013 Posted October 28, 2013 Occasionally I dep and if it requires if it requires a rehearsal session, Im never asked to pay, Id apply the same principle to your involvement. Quote
Lozz196 Posted October 28, 2013 Posted October 28, 2013 I don`t think they should ask, but when I depped for a band, as I was having fun (though didn`t want to join permanently) I paid an equal share at rehearsals. Quote
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