Playing A Free Gig

Early in ones musical career, playing a free gig is almost a given....almost. There are are numerous festivals, fete's and so forth screaming out for bands to donate their time (and musical talent) as a draw-card to their particular cause.


If your band hasn't performed your first paying gig then performing a 'freebie' is a good idea but don't make a habit of it. Advise the organisers that this is your only free gig. Additionally, you can but ask if you may headline the event. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.


This free performance can gain you so much exposure (if you perform a blazing set) that paid offers will soon be coming your way. Treat the free gig as free advertising. Try, if permitted, to have your bands banner behind you when you perform.


Some events require only one band to perform. If you happen to be that band, capitalise. Chances are you'll be playing a longer set than the customary 20-30 minute set with the 'crowd' quite often being passers-by on their way around other attractions at the event. Again, capitalise on this. Give each passer-by a nod, smile, wink and so-forth. Humorously change a word if you happen to be performing a cover song. Use every trick in the book as this is your time to make a memorable impression.


Many moons ago the band that I was with had a significant and loyal following. A local promoter asked if we would play a free 20-minute set at a major outdoor event. Due to our following I, as manager, had a few requests. These requests included headlining the event, having our own road crew, lighting crew, sound engineer, a 10-minute gap between ourselves and the previous band (thus ensuring we went on at dusk to capitalise on the light show and having our bands banner clearly visible behind us). 

The promoter instantly attempted to negotiate. By that stage of our career we didn't negotiate, thus we rejected his offer. We did, however, attend the event and were appalled by the lack of professionalism by the performing bands and lack of organisation by the promoters. Bands were sitting on the grass immediately in front of the stage & haplessly lugging their equipment onto the stage before the band on-stage had finished!
Additionally, it took the sound engineer most of each bands act to get the sound remotely listenable and the lighting appeared to have been set up by Stevie Wonder. The crowd of just over 2,000 began leaving just over half way through the event.


The following year, the same promoter approached me with the same proposition as the year before. This time, he had a contract ready to sign which included every request that I had proposed.


We went on at dusk with our crew at the helm. No-one saw us before we hit the stage. We played our hearts out.


A few days later I received a call from the promoter thanking our band and that the crowd was estimated to be around 4,000.

In conclusion, when approached to perform a free gig, bookmark this page, refer to it and weigh up your options. Performing a free gig should not be written off without due consideration.


To claim your 50% discount on "Mean Business" simply enter the codeword: thistle