uhtrinity
Senior Member
I've heard and seen plenty of negative things about these guys. Well a few weeks ago they contacted us about an end of month show for August, it was pretty easy to decline since we are booked every weekend through the end of the month. I also hate the idea of driving my truck and our equipment 60 miles (one way) to play for 30 minutes.
Well, our guitarist started talking to the guy and end up putting us on the bill for a Sunday show in September with 7 other bands. I am finding it really hard to take this show seriously. It's not like we are hurting for paid gigs, and we do a fair share of benefits and festivals. Has anyone else dealt with Gorilla or the "whole pay to play" thing? We had a bad experience a few years ago with a promoter doing similar things, sell x number of tickets and get some money. After handing him something like $300 he handed back zero. We have since steered clear of those types of shows.
The promoter is insisting that we don't even have to sell any tickets, but he is still sending them while constantly asking how sales are going. Our guitarist was at least honest and told him outright it is a Sunday evening in a Mormon town, turnout will be the bands and the friends they bring.
We have been spoiled with 60 - 90 minute mostly original sets and 4 hour bar shows with covers. On top of that we know their will be no money, not even for gas. Frustrating situation, but I hate to make waves.
Well, our guitarist started talking to the guy and end up putting us on the bill for a Sunday show in September with 7 other bands. I am finding it really hard to take this show seriously. It's not like we are hurting for paid gigs, and we do a fair share of benefits and festivals. Has anyone else dealt with Gorilla or the "whole pay to play" thing? We had a bad experience a few years ago with a promoter doing similar things, sell x number of tickets and get some money. After handing him something like $300 he handed back zero. We have since steered clear of those types of shows.
The promoter is insisting that we don't even have to sell any tickets, but he is still sending them while constantly asking how sales are going. Our guitarist was at least honest and told him outright it is a Sunday evening in a Mormon town, turnout will be the bands and the friends they bring.
We have been spoiled with 60 - 90 minute mostly original sets and 4 hour bar shows with covers. On top of that we know their will be no money, not even for gas. Frustrating situation, but I hate to make waves.