Cost of Bands

andi22

Hello musicians. Can anyone fill me in on the cost of a band? I know the rate varies especially if the function is a wedding or something corporate, Id like to know the minimum and maximum I can expect to pay either a soloist, a duo, a trio, a standard 4 piece or the 6piece+. Many thanks in advance.

Savman

It's a free market so there's no blanket rate type thing. Depends on the band, how many people and the nature of your event.

Denalihighway

the only thing i'd say is if its an important event dont skimp - a good band / dj / entertainer can make or break the night. I run events in my day job and I've had excellent covers bands but they dont come cheap usually 2.5k - 4k depending on the agency and the profile of the band. My guess is a lot of them then charge premiums for stuff like weddings etc. I'd say the sky is the limit and it gets scary like digital photographers etc...

I've only used these guys www.absolute.ie
and the acts have been top notch but not particularly cheap. I cant take chances with my events so there's a small bit of luxury there as far as budget (not that much though!)But it'll give you an idea of whats out there - suggest googling 'tribute bands Ireland' 'entertainment' 'cover bands ireland' and do some comparisons and do some homework. I havent used any others so cant comment so other readers/poster please be nice and dont accuse me of 'bias' etc...

telecaster

I play in Special Brew (Madness/Ska Tribute). We're 8 piece and charge 1.5 - 2.5k depending on the gig. Transport and availability of PA are the main variables which separates the top end from the bottom.

Denalihighway, either you're paying too much, or we're not charging enough! Maybe we should talk

Run_to_da_hills

I would often be responsible for organising rock bands for motorcycle rallies and would get quotes varying from €600 to €1500 and more. Basically you pay for what you get, the more expensive the band the better the gear and effects. At a rally we normally hire a cheaper amateur band to start off with, usually a group of younger musicians trying to make an impression for themselves with basic gear, sometimes these guys can put on a better show than the main band!! If you are thinking of getting a band make sure you get a play list and a demo cd/dvd first or even better find out a venue where they play regularly and see them perform first.

andi22

Thanks for your replies. Thats what I imagined it to be. Is it more expensive for weddings/corporate work?? Im getting married up the country and will be looking at booking an outfit soon.

The Smircher

telecaster wrote: »

I play in Special Brew (Madness/Ska Tribute). We're 8 piece and charge 1.5 - 2.5k depending on the gig. Transport and availability of PA are the main variables which separates the top end from the bottom.

Denalihighway, either you're paying too much, or we're not charging enough! Maybe we should talk

I saw you in The Sugar Club a while back and you were really great.
Haven't had so much fun in a long time.

Denalihighway

I suppose its a 'how long is a piece of string?' question really...if you want a 'sure thing' you need to stump up the cash in my experience, especially if its corporate or just a very large crowd. In that situation, the band usually brings a light show etc and the better acts can really work a room and bring the place to life. Not saying I'm an expert, I'm far from it, thats just my experience. For a small grungier gig we all love a band that will just tear it up but if its more serious then you have to do it right.

Telecaster for an 8-piece (if u guys are good which I'm sure you are), I would have said thats pretty reasonable alright for an event / wedding etc but I assume for a clubnight the rates would be lower for bands, dont know to be honest..