Post by Jethro Tool on Nov 21, 2008 0:15:01 GMT
Obviously I can see it from the bar owner's viewpoint - especially in the credit crunch days. But he had entered into a contract with yourselves. You fulfilled your part of the contract; it is only fair that they should fulfill their's.
The Mangledwurzels ALWAYS have a written contract with the person we are booking with, signed by both parties when the booking is made. And when it comes to being paid, we have the contract to hand just in case there are any misunderstandings... We rarely have misunderstandings - and I'm sure the band member coming over with a clipboard with the contract obviously there makes misunderstandings less likely to happen!
Don't get me wrong, we did have a few problems in the early days. The George in Bradford-on-Avon was one which sticks in the mind. We're talking 2005, so the landlord's probably changed by now... We did a gig at a lower-than-normal rate as a trial with the understanding that the landlord would put the hat around to top up our fee. At the end of the gig he then underpaid us - even when the contract clearly said more, and had his signature on it. And then he pocketed the money from the hat! What can you do (especially as he had two bloody huge German Shepherd dogs!)? Well, we've been back to different pubs in the town and played to packed crowds - so it's his loss in the end. Leaves you with a bad taste in the mouth though...even three years later!
As for Micky Lavans Bar - I don't know it myself. But one would question how much effort and promotional work the landlord has put in if *no-one* turns up! The band can also do as much as they can, but it is down to the venue to make the effort to drag people in. Booking a band is a part of the job, but there are enough free listings/promo opportunities around town to make sure people know about it!
If it is a large amount of money - then you can always threaten them with the small claims court. A contract is a contract - even a verbal one (although more difficult to prove). Otherwise, well, stuff 'em. Get your own back by making sure all your friends know what nasty people they are. And from the sounds of it, they could well be out of business soon!
The Mangledwurzels ALWAYS have a written contract with the person we are booking with, signed by both parties when the booking is made. And when it comes to being paid, we have the contract to hand just in case there are any misunderstandings... We rarely have misunderstandings - and I'm sure the band member coming over with a clipboard with the contract obviously there makes misunderstandings less likely to happen!
Don't get me wrong, we did have a few problems in the early days. The George in Bradford-on-Avon was one which sticks in the mind. We're talking 2005, so the landlord's probably changed by now... We did a gig at a lower-than-normal rate as a trial with the understanding that the landlord would put the hat around to top up our fee. At the end of the gig he then underpaid us - even when the contract clearly said more, and had his signature on it. And then he pocketed the money from the hat! What can you do (especially as he had two bloody huge German Shepherd dogs!)? Well, we've been back to different pubs in the town and played to packed crowds - so it's his loss in the end. Leaves you with a bad taste in the mouth though...even three years later!
As for Micky Lavans Bar - I don't know it myself. But one would question how much effort and promotional work the landlord has put in if *no-one* turns up! The band can also do as much as they can, but it is down to the venue to make the effort to drag people in. Booking a band is a part of the job, but there are enough free listings/promo opportunities around town to make sure people know about it!
If it is a large amount of money - then you can always threaten them with the small claims court. A contract is a contract - even a verbal one (although more difficult to prove). Otherwise, well, stuff 'em. Get your own back by making sure all your friends know what nasty people they are. And from the sounds of it, they could well be out of business soon!