I'd say living the dream.
With the internet I think more youngsters would like/try/are able to go for it and are willing to do it, breaking even or maybe even pay for playing/touring with a band.
I would be happy to tour for a solid month barely breaking even just to have the experience.
Would almost say that last generations roadies are able to start their own bands in this day and age.
Sorry,but that kind of thing is another component of why promoters and venue owners feel bands should play for free or very little money.Too many younger players are too willing to play these show for free or next to nothing,which kills it for the bands who are starting out,and just about everybody else.
I got my experience playing for free,playing parties when I was 14.My first paying gig was when I was 16,playing a school dance.From that time on,except for the occasional charity fund raiser,when I played with a band,I got paid.The very thought of not making money,and playing for free was a joke.
In my early 20's my band toured the college circuit up and down the east coast,from Mass. to Florida,and when we finished the tour,we all came home with money in our pockets after expences.
I just read an article about Beyonce being contacted by some festival promoters to play in the UK.These promoters were VERY happy to be able to book her.Her agents sat down with these promoters and the meeting lasted 10 minutes.Her fee was 50,000 euro,which for a star of her caliber,and drawing ability is VERY reasonable.
The promoters were thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-10 K,which for that caliber of entertainer, is an insult.That dosen't even begin to cover overhead.
As long as bands keep bending to the will of these thieves ,the'll keep low balling musicians,and pocketing the REAL money,of which there is plenty to be made.Between T-shirts,novelties,food and beverage sales,these guys are killing it.
Peter Grant (Zeps Manager) had it right.If you want Led Zepplin to play,here's our fee,and we get a percentage of all t shirt sales and on occasion a percentage of ticket sales.They were also paid in cash most of the time.This was non negotiable.Lots of other bands followed suit,and everybody made a nice living.
My drums don't come out of the basement unless it's a favor for a friend,charity......or I get paid.We don't play too often,but that's by choice...not design.
Steve B