This month, I share with you the thoughts of several local musicians on the hot topic of “the return date” – in other words, when will they be back at the same venue and how often. Jimi Robinette of Riverdown recently brought up the subject on his Facebook page, sharing his years of experience as a member of Riverdown with others who may be struggling to learn the business of getting hired by local bars and restaurants. Here is an excerpt of his message:
The return date is the key to all cover bands’ success. Not the waitress, not the bartender, not the GM, not the owner, and not the drunken patrons. Believe it or not, sometimes not even the ring at the register. The “return date” is the sure sign that you have been selected as the few who have made it through the process. The Cover Band business is a multi-billion dollar business in this country, so don’t ever take it lightly. Doesn’t really matter how great you think your band is or how wonderful everyone thinks you may be – it’s the return date. Not a bigger compliment in the business then the return date. Stop taking it so personally, It’s strictly business. No one cares how long you’ve been in the business or who you have shared the stage with – sometimes it just doesn’t matter.
George Malin of Bounce Rocks chimed in with his advice:
I personally think more bands would have a better relationship with clients if they treated it as if they were entering into a partnership as opposed to just getting paid for a gig. I treat every client/club/bar with an understanding that we are all here to make some money and do what we love, and that we should work together to reach both of our goals. On a private party level, I treat every client with that same attitude, but where the goal isn’t to make money but to create an amazing memory/experience. Hear me PLEASE: Playing live music for a client is about giving something, not taking.
Ken Hurley of Shovel-Head has also been in the “business” for many years and has his own philosophy which makes booking his band a win-win for everyone.
In our Band, we prefer to work on a Long term Schedule. That is why we do this in a quarterly schedule, when at all possible. Some Bars or clubs like to work short term. Those are more difficult to book when we work this way. The First initial benefit with long term booking is being able to work around others’ schedules. Like most others out there, we have day jobs and families, So, we are able to make allowances for important dates, ie: Birthdays, anniversaries, Uncle Louie’s release from the nut house… you know – important stuff. It also lets us plan special shows, Veteran’s Day, a fan’s birthday, a buddy’s divorce, eh, you get the picture. As Long as the Bar or Club is on the same page, you have more time to plan and HELP promote an event. I use the Words “HELP promote” because I am a Firm Believer that as a Performer it is Not my Job to Put all the Bodies in the seats… it’s my Job to keep them there… But that is a song for another Day. When I book long term, I can plan ahead and make the most out of a crowd. If you know you can come see us tomorrow, what’s the hurry about seeing us today? The down side is clubs that book short term – how do you make time? We try. We usually have a few open dates and folks that like us enough will usually call and check with us to see if we “just so happen” to have a certain night open and sometimes we do! And often times we take it, even though we may have planned for a night off. We really do love to play! To make any of this work, everyone has to be on the same page. They must be professional, dependable and organized enough to pull it off. It really is tough work, but with some forethought and planning, you can make the most of your gigs and make you and the Club you play happy campers. Again I am No expert. I am just a humble singer. See you out there!!
Thank you Jimi, George and Ken for allowing me to publish your advice in the hopes that it will be used by both venues and bands to make every gig a more enjoyable experience for fans everywhere. ‘looking forward to seeing and hearing you out and about soon!