Cover Band advice?

JimiTime

Hi Y'all,
Just wondering what a really good coverband would get for a gig in Dublin? Is the standard of any consequence to venues? I.E. Do they differentiate between a group of accountants who play some stuff at the weekends, and a group of really good musicians who's profession is music? I've been payed €400 (a band) for a residency playing original music in the past. I'd be hoping to get at least €600, but preferably around €800. Is this totally unrealistic? I know there are going to be those who are going to say, you're way off the mark. However, I know that there are bands that would get big fee's, like AbbaEsque etc. So what does the band need to be to demand decent fee's? A tribute act? Or do the pubs and clubs differentiate between professional musicians, and hobby musicians?

All constructive input appreciated,
Thanks.

DerKaiser

€400 is pretty much as good as it gets for a working covers band in the city, try going further afield you might pick up the odd €600 gig, but you will not get €800 for a pub gig anywhere in this country, and no, the publican isn't bothered about your background, they only care about bums on seats,

For higher paid gigs you're going to have to start doing functions, 21sts, 40ths, weddings etc., now there is where you can make some serious bread

JimiTime

DerKaiser wrote: »

€400 is pretty much as good as it gets for a working covers band in the city, try going further afield you might pick up the odd €600 gig, but you will not get €800 for a pub gig anywhere in this country, and no, the publican isn't bothered about your background, they only care about bums on seats,

For higher paid gigs you're going to have to start doing functions, 21sts, 40ths, weddings etc., now there is where you can make some serious bread

Tis what I thought tbh. Thanks for the input. What would be a reasonable price for a function in your opinion? Wondering whether to move towards a tribute act, or cover band at the mo.
Thanks again.
J.

Sergio

DerKaiser wrote: »

€400 is pretty much as good as it gets for a working covers band in the city, try going further afield you might pick up the odd €600 gig, but you will not get €800 for a pub gig anywhere in this country, and no, the publican isn't bothered about your background, they only care about bums on seats,

For higher paid gigs you're going to have to start doing functions, 21sts, 40ths, weddings etc., now there is where you can make some serious bread

I know of two full time bands that mostly do covers up and down the country 4-5 nights a week and get around €1500 per gig so if your good enough then the money can be made;)

JimiTime

Colinboy wrote: »

I know of two full time bands that mostly do covers up and down the country 4-5 nights a week and get around €1500 per gig so if your good enough then the money can be made;)

Do you know how they command that fee? Obviously they are going to better venue's than your average pubs? Any chance of giving an example of the venues they play?

Thanks for the input,
J.

DerKaiser

Never met any bands on the circuit without a big name to command that sort of fee, is it Baggatelle? Smokie?

Tribute acts will get gigs and functions, but a general band will be more universal, what you charge; for corporate functions, judge by the size of the expected crowd, min €750 max €2000, 21sts and 40ths €1000 - €2000, weddings min €2000 max €5000, but you will only get the big fees if you are good and have a reputation, start small and play around as much as you can