Thanks for the replies, guys! I was sitting in drum lessons with my kid and his instructor (also a friend of mine) and we were just chatting about it so I thought I'd ask you guys. Like I said, many variables that add to this question, I am definitely aware of that. I listen to a fair amount of Country and it really seems like Country music has a lot of the so-called hired guns. Much of the Country world seems to revolve around the singer and most of the bands are named after the singer even though the singer may not be the songwriter. In those cases, it seems like the singer gets all the glory and the rest of the band (although equals in my eyes) seems like hired guns. I was thinking of them when I posted this question.
I guess I was wondering if they can live as full time drummers in those type situations (financially) or if they also flip burgers to help pay the bills. I would assume that touring drummers playing in arenas to 20,000+ several days a week are making a solid living but, I don't know...... It was just an interesting conversation, that's all. Definately not looking for someones exact level of income, not being nosy at all. Thanks for the help.
Years ago, 1990? I played in a David Bowie tribute, our second set was a replica of the serious moonlight tour. Back then we were told Bowie's musician were getting $350/week, and of course they paid for nothing, food, transport lodging etc. would have been included. Not alot of dough, and is backed up by Earl Slick claiming after that tour he had to sell some guitars to buy groceries. Life in the big time not all it's cracked up to be.
Years ago, 1990? I played in a David Bowie tribute, our second set was a replica of the serious moonlight tour. Back then we were told Bowie's musician were getting $350/week, and of course they paid for nothing, food, transport lodging etc. would have been included. Not alot of dough, and is backed up by Earl Slick claiming after that tour he had to sell some guitars to buy groceries. Life in the big time not all it's cracked up to be.
Wow. I was getting $220/week to play on a Carnival ship that year. We were really envious of the Princess musicians who I think were getting $350.
I am seriously considering doing this when I get out of music school. It seems to be a really good gig, can you tell me more about it? A big deal breaker for me would be my cabin. Did you get to stay in a guest stateroom? If I hadvto stay below deck in those little rooms I would probably stay home. However if I was offered an inside cabin on deck 5 or something I would do it. I know you get to wear plain clothes and go to the bars and restaurants when your not playing which is nice, but I would have to have a real room. Can you tell me about life on board? Maybe PM me a contact for carnival? Also do u have options for how long your tour on board is?
Thanks, Zach
in the mean time, here's a semi-ironic thing I wrote about it...
It depends on the company and the gig. Generally you are treated better than crew and there are not too many restrictions or non-musical duties to deal with. Usually you share a crew room with another musician or staff member- if you've ever lived in a college dorm, it's about the same experience. If you want a nice room usually SE Asia hotels are the way to go. Anyway, it's a great way to pay some dues- a dying concept- and get you accustomed to the idea that your work is worth money- I recommend doing it and not worrying about conditions too much. I'll send you a PM about it- in the mean time, here's a semi-ironic thing I wrote about it...