How Much? That's Far Too Expensive

 

Often, people with limited experience of booking a live music act will recoil in horror when musicians ask for a reasonable fee for their services.  Now fees can vary depending on the area of the country, the type of band, length of set or indeed the type of venue involved.

Top professional musicians will charge venues a five-figure sum, and expect a portion of ticket sales.  To hire musicians at a more modest level, fees are much more affordable.  For example, a Wedding band, playing for 3-4 hours might expect to charge in the region of £1000 or more.  A solo artist playing a short 30-minute set in an afternoon in a pub would be around £100 mark.  

So, it is surprising then, when a four-piece rock and roll covers band, asked to play for 2 hours at say a party in a village hall, get told that's far too expensive when they ask for £250.  Actually, it's a massive bargain.  Let me explain why.

In our example there are 4 members of the band and they will split their fee between them, so £62.50 each.  Sounds generous doesn't it?  However, they won't just be at the venue for 2 hours though, they will spend at least couple of hours setting up, and at least an hour packing up afterwards.  So, from an initial generous rate of £31.25 per hour its now down to £10.42, not quite so generous.

But wait there's more.  They will have travelled, and taken time to load and unload their cars at home. If we say it takes an hour in total we're now at an hourly rate of £7.81 per musician.  

If you also consider the band will practice for say 3 hours a week, fitting that around their work and family commitments, that £250 works out at £6.94 per hour per band member.

Added to this there is the cost of the equipment that they use.  A decent PA may be in the region of £500 to £1000.  Decent instruments and amplifiers cost £300 plus each.  They may also bring stage lights as many venues don't provide a dedicated stage area.

Bear in mind also that the UK minimum wage is £9.50 per hour.  The band should be charging you £342 just to earn the minimum wage, and that's without considering the expense of travel and equipment.

So next time you want some live music, and let’s be clear you absolutely should book a live act, remember the band you hire aren't doing it for the money.  They certainly won't be getting rich whatever they charge you.