[petpiranha]

Hi everyone in a local band,

it appears that Fat Sams are organising a monthly unsigned night which will feature both local acts and out of town bands. There's no tickets to sell but there will be no payment available for bands. If you want a no hassle, free gig then it's a useful opportunity.

However, I would point out that on a busy night it has the potential to make the venue a fair amount of money in bar takings while the bands are not paid anything. If it isn't busy the promoter should be better at his job and not book local bands that no-one wants to hear. Example, if popular bands like The View, The Rise, The Law and Rising Signs play there, how much money do you think they'll make over the bar? A lot. If I was in one of those bands, I'd know my worth and want payment. Bands have expenses too, not just venues!

Venues always trot out the same line: overheads, staff wages, expenses, etc. Well I have a house which is expensive to maintain (electricity, gas, etc) but I wouldn't offer you the opportunity to come round and paint it for free and say that it would be an ideal opportunity for you to showcase your ability as a painter - and expect you to be grateful for it.

Be wise, and don't be exploited.

Fat Sams has the potential to put on great shows so I hope this development can become a positive aspect of our local music scene.