Classic Rock Concerts- I gotta few questions

[URY914]

Last week Mrs URY914 and I went to see Three Dog Night and America. There were about 800 people and we paid on the average of $60 a ticket. One of the band members said they play 100 concerts a year and have been doing this for over 45 years.

Sooooo,

What do these guys make ($$$) per concert?
I would think the original members are being paid more than the new guys.
Are they paid a flat rate plus a cut of the door?
Can anyone fill me in on how this business works?

[Cajundaddy]

It varies widely and every act has an agent who negotiates the fees or percentages. Here is the booking site 3DN uses to begin negotiations:

http://www.delafont.com/contactselect.htm

[Gogar]

Yes.

Where was it?
Was it at a casino?
Was it a charity event or a (municipality sponsored) event?
Are you guessing there were 800 people there? Or do you know?


Cheers

[URY914]

Florida Theater, Jacksonville FL.
Not a casino.
Not a charity event. But the theater is a non-profit.
I was wrong on the number of seats. The website says there are 1900 seats. Don't know how many were filled.

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by URY914

Florida Theater, Jacksonville FL.
Not a casino.
Not a charity event. But the theater is a non-profit.
I was wrong on the number of seats. The website says there are 1900 seats. Don't know how many were filled.

Nice place! I've been there 3 times.

Is $60 the FACE value of the ticket, or the 'total' cost after the fees?


Since you're unsure of the attendance it's a little hard to estimate. A difference of 1100 seats is at least $66,000 gross. (which could significantly vary the pay to the artist, depending.)

I could do a pretty accurate scenario for you if you want based on the $60 idea.

If you wait a few weeks I could probably get the exact attendance and gross numbers for you.

[berettafan]

How cool to see any decent act in a smaller venue like that. I hate big arena shows. Saw a show at the Trocadero in Philly years ago and it was a very cool experience being so close to the music.

Just was looking recently to see if there are any good shows I could take my 12yo to in small venues but didn't find anything good with actual guitars and drums.


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[berettafan]

Was America good?

[URY914]

America was a little disappointing. The lead singer's voice isn't what it used to be. Which after 100 shows/year for 45 year is understood. 3DN was much better. All the guys were very strong.

[berettafan]

Crazy when you think 3dn is a much more powerful sound.


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[flatbutt]

Wow, the last time I saw 3DG was here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concert_10

Incredible that they are still performing.

[Seahawk]

I know nothing about any of this; however, among other events, my daughter produces those types of shows for a company in Scottsdale.

She has met 3DN a number of times and says they are really nice folks.

[berettafan]

Let's put this here since it is SOOOOO DAMN COOOOOOOL!



love, love, love this tune. the definition of soulful. excuse the cheesy video, wanted to post the original recording since the vocals are so powerful and the organ just makes it so great.

[Gogar]

I couldn't get an attendance # right away but may be able to find out whenever they update it. There is a database that most places update, but it's at their whim.

The answer to your question has many variables but the very basic answer is that the promoter would look at their past sales in the area and offer based on that.

If the place was 2/3 full and -expected to be 2/3 full at an average of $60, that's right around $76k

My guess is that the bands likely walked with about $35-40k gross between the two of them, i bet 3DN took $25 and America $15.

As far as "each member getting what", it's not so much who gets what but it's likely that the original members own a company and contract out the other players per show, or salary, or whatever. Just like any other business where you might have employees on hourly or salary or maybe a profit sharing plan.

If the attendance was poor and the promoter had guaranteed a certain number and doesn't hit it, the promoter has a loss.

If the attendance is great and surpasses expectations then there are likely bonus thresholds for the artist at certain points, if the contract is written well for the artist.

[David]

I got thinking about this when I saw Australian Pink Floyd. They probably have about 10 people on stage plus all the support staff to pay but they're charging a pretty penny for a tribute band and still almost filling a 3,000 seat venue in Houston.

I would expect they pay royalties to the real Pink Floyd but still they've got to be making pretty decent money compared to the average professional musician.

[Gogar]

They spend a fortune in lights and pigs and screens and stuff.

[KFC911]

Is Jeremiah still a bullfrog? Had no idea 3DN was still croaking .

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Gogar

They spend a fortune in lights and pigs and screens and stuff.

One of the (many) reasons Billy Joel is making a killing at the Garden.

One show a month till they stop selling.

He's up to ~38 sold out shows in a row played and has a few months sold out in advance with no sign of slowing down.

Minimal set, pretty sure he uses house lights.

Even if not it's all in place and whatever has to come on stage is sitting down in storage.

Minimal set up costs.

20,000 seats x's 38 shows ='s 760,000 tickets in one venue.

He's making some nice coin on that gig.

[Alfasrule]

Saw MOE for the 1st time a week ago. What a following!! Around 20+ years, but do they ROCK for a bunch of career performers. Got my moneys worth and it seems they are making their living and like a sales man what's the difference? Yea they work their 8 hours, but a great bunch of guys. Great SHOW!

I think of Chuck Berry driving in his Cadillac for decades, him and his guitar, nothing else and he just comes to town, hooks up with a local band and puts on a SHOW!! 2 times WOW!!
He was a traveling man.

Lived 5 Blocks from the Providence Civic Center in me teens like $10.00, been to a boat load of concerts, my Ears are paying the price ringing. Lupo's, The Call & The Ocean Mist! Rock&Roll! Never saw 3DN, but seen some unique bands and Lou Reed & The Animals at one show is in the top 3!! OMG!!

[URY914]

Thanks Gogar, that was the kind of info I was looking for.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by Alfasrule

Saw MOE for the 1st time a week ago. What a following!! Around 20+ years, but do they ROCK for a bunch of career performers. Got my moneys worth and it seems they are making their living and like a sales man what's the difference? Yea they work their 8 hours, but a great bunch of guys. Great SHOW!

I think of Chuck Berry driving in his Cadillac for decades, him and his guitar, nothing else and he just comes to town, hooks up with a local band and puts on a SHOW!! 2 times WOW!!
He was a traveling man.

...

Are Larry & Curly still in MOE ? Great live band...

I too thought of CB before you posted that...."have box, will travel"....bet you've seen the documentary with Keef. All Chuck's chilln' might be playin' his licks, but he ain't nice