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Elspode · 11-02-2005, 12:39 PM

Looking at that list, I see something no one else has mentioned...namely, you aren't just thinking of a cover band. You're thinking of an *80's cover band*. This is a concept whose time has come around. I have a friend here in the Midwest who launched a disco cover band about six years ago, and he is now absolutely kicking ass financially...still...with minimum bookings. They do a lot of corporate gigs and as an opening act at major festivals, with the odd bar stand every now and again. He had the right idea at the right time, did a great job putting it together, and is still having the greatest success of his musical life.

If I were going to do this (and I'm not), I would advertise for like-minded, professional people to form a band. I would contract with them for a percentage of the take for each gig. I would make absolutely certain that it was *my* band, that what I said would be the last word, and I would handle all the business personally, from bookings to payout. Owning the lights and PA could be a strong reinforcement for this path.

Finally, *marketing*. The children of the 80's are now making good money, carrying around a lot of cash, and have their kids grown enough to be ready to get out and get down. Find a suitably upscale, but symbiotic venue, and make it a home base. Work out a "bar exclusive" deal with the owners, and start playing every Saturday night. Develop your following, assuring the owners of predictable income, and later you'll ask for a bigger paycheck. In the meantime, people who see and like you will be networking and helping you to be hired for company picnics, trade shows, parties, whatever.

Be a full package, with your music and presentation as the centerpiece.

11-02-2005, 12:39 PM	#6
Elspode When Do I Get Virtual Unreality? Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Raytown, Missouri Posts: 12,719	Looking at that list, I see something no one else has mentioned...namely, you aren't just thinking of a cover band. You're thinking of an 80's cover band. This is a concept whose time has come around. I have a friend here in the Midwest who launched a disco cover band about six years ago, and he is now absolutely kicking ass financially...still...with minimum bookings. They do a lot of corporate gigs and as an opening act at major festivals, with the odd bar stand every now and again. He had the right idea at the right time, did a great job putting it together, and is still having the greatest success of his musical life. If I were going to do this (and I'm not), I would advertise for like-minded, professional people to form a band. I would contract with them for a percentage of the take for each gig. I would make absolutely certain that it was my band, that what I said would be the last word, and I would handle all the business personally, from bookings to payout. Owning the lights and PA could be a strong reinforcement for this path. Finally, marketing. The children of the 80's are now making good money, carrying around a lot of cash, and have their kids grown enough to be ready to get out and get down. Find a suitably upscale, but symbiotic venue, and make it a home base. Work out a "bar exclusive" deal with the owners, and start playing every Saturday night. Develop your following, assuring the owners of predictable income, and later you'll ask for a bigger paycheck. In the meantime, people who see and like you will be networking and helping you to be hired for company picnics, trade shows, parties, whatever. Be a full package, with your music and presentation as the centerpiece. __________________ "To those of you who are wearing ties, I think my dad would appreciate it if you took them off." - Robert Moog Last edited by Elspode; 11-02-2005 at 12:45 PM.