Money Or No Money??

[MIKEY777]

A question how many of you would play for no money just for the fun of playing??......Mikey

[mcjnic]

Back when I could actually hold sticks (several months ago) I recall doing several gigs a month for free. I love playing just for the fun of it.

[Drummy Drummerson]

I'll take it a step further. I would PAY to play. Okay, I'm (half) kidding. I earn some $ from shows. It's a bonus but I would absolutely play for no $. As long as I enjoyed what I was playing, that is. I would think this poll will be nearly unanimous. But, maybe not ...

[Olimpass]

The greatest satisfaction I ever had playing was always for free jamming with friends and being creative practicing, usually sounding best when the cassette recorder ran out of tape too! Open mic nights at a blues bar meeting some great players, networking, etc. I used to pay for a practice space above an old envelope factory with several rooms for bands to practice and have met many talents this way also. It was always for FREE. Getting paid is always great and helps one appreciate the work put into it. I've never done it for a living but if you do, you have to get paid!

[vintagemore2000]

I will do it some ,but not a lot, sorry, But I spent a lifetime to learn to play my Instrument, and have big dollars Invested in the equipment, Now for a good cause I have no problem donating my time etc!! but No I'm getting paid when I arrive! band3

[grantro]

I used to play benefit gigs to raise money for the local food bank/shelter. It's a great feeling knowing you can make a difference in someone's life just by playing an instrument that you love to play!

Cheers

[atomicmorganic]

I have always played for a living, so, no, I very seldom play for free.

[james]

For me, its all about playing good music with good friends. Would happily gig for free (and have done it many, many times :))

[O-Lugs]

I also play for a living.

[Gilnar]

If we get paid, the cash goes into the band moneybox, because we are currently saving for recording some decent demotape in studio. Because of that, I personally don't get paid, but the band, as a whole, does. We already turned down several gigs, because they were just not worth it. But we, of course, play for free, when we decide it's too good party not to be part of, or when it's some interesting beneficial act.

[GG Vintage]

For 20 years I played in the orchestra for a community theatrical group that once a year would do a Broadway Musical. Weeks of rehearsals, 5 - 7 performances...and no money, but great people, lots of fun and I just enjoy playing! Actually, I had a paying gig a couple of months ago; first time since our 1960s rock band! Guess you can tell I never did this for a living (although I frequently wished I had).

[al9000]

Getting paid is a nice bonus, although we're not making that much once you consider practice time, transit time, and set-up and tear-down time.

I don't mind playing benefits. I've been fortunate because they often lead to paid parties.

I'm happy as long as the audience is grooving.

[AZBill]

Unlike Frank's album, I've never really been in it for the money. Love playing and getting people to dance is the biggest ben, for me. Thankfully, I don't need to play for money - nothing against you, money.

[MIKEY777]

Myself,its like 50/50 i do alot of benefits a year but i also play for pay i have been at this for so many years i feel good inside to give back from time to time.At benefits, church's, open mic nights you meet some very cool players at that..As far as having myself set up the drums ete I don't i have someone with me do that i just show up and play for pay...Mikey

[drums2xs]

i think that most drummers play for joy/fun. but if you play in a band and the plays at a venue for profit One should expect to get paid. and if its for charity then the pay is just that

[Jaye]

I chose 'maybe'...as in...'it depends'.

For a good cause or firends, I will play for free or almost free...on occasion. But if it is a venue where the proprietor/sponsor is actually making some pretty good for-profit money (whether or not the presence of the band adds to that), damn right I expect the band to get paid.

[Webmaster]

I have seen a similar topic turn really ugly on another forum. So before that happens, I'm just going to lock it down.

Thanks for staying civil.

David