Touring musician... am I getting fairly compensated?

Question

About to embark on a 2-month long US tour as a new member of a fairly established rock band. They are signed to a record label, but tour support is very modest. I am worried that I will not be able to even cover my basic bills (rent, utilities, etc) while away.

I am receiving a total of $1000 + a $10 per diem. Originally the band stated that I was not entitled to any of the profits made from merchandise sales (tshirts, CDs, etc). After discussions, they have now changed their mind and are offering me 20% of sales from T-shirts only, after the printing/shirt costs are recouped. They don't think I am entitled to any profits from CD sales, because I was not on the recordings, and have stated that I get 0% of the CD sales.

The $1000 does not even cover my portion of rent for my home for a single month.

The shows will not be huge... most are at smaller venues/ clubs.

A raw deal or par for the course?
What, generally, should I be expecting to be paid as a touring musician?

Thanks for the opinions so far.
I do like the music a lot and can see a bigger future for the group. I was offered the position of drummer as a permanent member after auditioning. I've known the 2 core members (husband/wife, btw) for years from being in other bands locally, and we've always had a great rapport.
I've been in many bands and have some touring experience on different levels (indie,major) and I've never had to try and convince a band to offer me a cut of the profits. When I hypothetically put myself in their shoes, I would offer all that I could to ensure the general well-being and happiness of a fellow bandmate, at least a fair cut of the profits. It seems odd that they would keep all of the money from CD sales for themselves, well aware of the impending hardships I will soon face.
Also, this band has gone through EIGHT drummers since 1999, all permanent members. I'm #9.
The band will have better tours in the future but I can't help but see red flags. Stick it out or not?

Answer 1

When I play out I charge a minimum of twenty five per hour, with a three hour minimum. If I bring any equipment, it is extra. (There is a sensible reason for that. I often play cocktail piano, or when I play guitar, the P.A. is provided) I do make exceptions for charity gigs, but I ask them to pay me and I donate all or a portion of the proceeds back to the charity. This gives me the latitude to turn down jobs I don't especially want without offending the people who want to hire me.

One thousand plus per diem for a two month gig is not even minimum wage. If you were a Union musician, you would not even be allowed to consider the gig. You don't mention the equipment involved, but if you are hauling anything at all, it will barely cover the wear and tear on your instrument and amplification.

If this were a prestige gig, say Warren Zevon was doing a farewell tour just before his death, I would consider that the fact that I could put that on my resume was worth something, but you haven't mentioned the name or rep of the band so I am not figuring that in.

You are going to have expenses on the road and ten dollars isn't even going to cover lunch. You can generally skip breakfast because you are going to be hanging out late after the gig anyway, but you need to get at least two solid meals per day, plus whatever you do to eat up the hours in between checking in at the hotel and the gig. You will need a few books, some magazines, toiletries en route, not to mention what you're going to do if anything actually breaks!

Bottom line, if you need the gig to pad your resume an you've got some extra cash in the bank to cover your loss, take it. Musicians do this all the time, just to build up the credibility. If you already have a reputation, then turn down the gig. You are worth what you are paid. If you start accepting less, than you are setting your own price and discounting your way to bankruptcy. Even if you do take the gig, talk to your tax person (you do have a tax person right?) about ways to defray the loss by itemizing. You should also find out what that 20% is going to come to and when and if you'll ever see that money.

I wouldn't say that it's a raw deal, because it might be the best that they can do, but I doubt it. Is everybody else in the same boat, or are they asking you to suck it up so they can continue to make their own house payments? Is there a future commitment involved or is this just a one off? (play the gig and then so long, have a nice day) The more I think about it, the more I would say thanks, but I've got a better offer, and then go find one.

Answer 2

Musician,
Outside of belonging to a union, there is no set guidelines for how a touring player should be treated or how they are to be compensated. Based on what you've stated, it looks to me as if your fellow bandmates do not have your best interest or even your very basic needs in mind. I'm with you on how you would do things if the situation were reversed. Unless an artist has established themselves and as built a loyal fanbase, merch sales are usually the only way a group can come home with a few bucks in their collective pocket. Maybe the band does not see you as a long-term member; based on their history with drummers and what you are being (and not being) offered, I'd say they will no doubt be looking for drummer number 10 pretty soon.
Even if this was not a band thing, the fact that they have attempted to cut you out of any extra earnings seems downright selfish and greedy. As for the CD sales, are you playing any of the tracks live from the CDs that are being sold at the concerts? If so, you are promoting the product. If you make the band sound good and put on an exciting show if front of an audience, more CDs will be sold. You ARE entitled to a cut, period. Best of luck.

Answer 3

I have to agree with the post above...unless you are young and musically unestablished.. this deal is lacking. How could ANYONE live on 500 a month?? If you are counting on that 20% on merchandise, well you know there is no guantee how much will sell, and if you will REALLY see 20% anyways. I guess it would also depend on if they intend on keeping you and you think they have a real shot of going somewhere....is there a possibility of a big payoff later? I'd think long and hard before I signed on the dotted line!
edit-
I honestly think they are right in insisting they keep the profits from the cd. #1 you didnt play on it#2 you arent paying for the production of it but I still think you should get more money for the actual tour. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

I am a professional musician, but do not tour - I own a classical chamber music agency.

I think you have already answered your own question. There is little opportunity for growth and/or exposure as a musician on this tour, and the pay is terrible. This is like the old Woody Allen comment on a restaurant "The food is awful, and they don't give you much, either!". You could STAY HOME and be further ahead, financially AND musically. You could paint houses, or work at ANY store for minimum wage, and make more money AND have more time to work at your OWN music. This is a rotten deal - turn it down, and walk away. Do not have a guilt trip, either - any worse, and they would and they would want YOU to pay THEM for the glory of playing.