The concepts of treatment and fair pay are subjective. Too many musicians feel an entitlement that somebody owes them a certain payment and respect, simply because the musician took time to learn his instrument, and because he has the passion. Sorry, but in any line of work, you are paid based on the value you bring to the person/entity paying. It's not a reward for one's effort, or desire, or personal needs... it's compensation for the value they bring. The higher the value, the more the person (or band) can expect to be paid.
Does anyone question why some actors command extraordinary salaries for a movie or TV episode? It's because their value in that vehicle draws several times the box office or ad-dollar revenue than their salary. It's money that wouldn't be there without their presence.
Same for a band. If a club hires a band that makes people dance, get thirsty, and buy more drinks, and the band's presence brings in an extra $1000 that wasn't there without them, then give 1/3 of that to the band. Maybe throw in a $100 bar and food tab to sweeten the deal.
But is the band entitled to know what the club's additional profit for the night is, so they can demand a dollar figure? No, there has to be a certain amount of trust that the owner will measure the results accurately, and pay fairly. If they don't act accordingly, then bands need to stop trying to get gigs in those venues.
Bermuda
Speaking for ourselves the band I'm in expect nothing other than a fair hand to be dealt with us.
There are two types of venue in England. Unfortunately venue a) represents quite possibly around 90% of the music scene (for unsigned artists) here....
Venue a) don't pay the bands. Don't treat the bands with much respect. Rarely actually give the bands even a free drink for their hard work. They don't promote the bands who are 'on'. They don't actually do much. Just rely on bands to "bring a following".
Sometimes they will say "bring a following this time and we'll let you play for a percentage of the bar take next time...." WHOOPEE FKING DO. But it never happens.
They're basically lazy bastards playing at being live music venue owners.
Then there's venue b) of which this Railway is a good example. We were scheduled to play here in May. The owner likes us. He's seen our videos on Youtube and watched us live. He then booked us to play.
"What's your fee" he asked. So we responded with "this is our first gig at your venue. We play assuming no pay. IF we perform well. You are happy with the product. Pay us a modest fee, but most importantly re-book us for a regular paid slot."
"Jeez, that's really fair..."
We've noticed that the guys modus operandi is to run a disco after live bands have played. But unlike most live venue owners he doesn't play The smiths, Radiohead, U2, and the Sex Pistols. He plays songs from bands who are playing in the next few weeks. "This is MLC. They're really good. Alternative punk. Slightly humerous. Really enjoy the stage. Great entertainment. Come see them in May" etc. etc.
So he contacted me yesterday and this is where he showed his real class. "I've had a band drop out on 4th April...you lads couldn't slot in by any chance". I checked, we could. "I insist on paying...you're doing me a favour". So I ask how much he was paying the previous band. "xxx amount" says he. "How about we take that (it's a really good sum for us !) and we'll bring along a young solo guitarist singer...and pay him from our wage"
"Wow...says he...that's fantastic. I'll throw food and drink on for you as well..."
Unexpected...which makes it all the nicer...as you can probably tell.