Dave is playing another casino tonight and he has sold as of this morning a big ole whopping 940 seats (it is only a 1,177 seat venue).

My question is how can Dave be keeping his band on the payroll when he only plays maybe 20 concerts a year and MAYBE averaging a 1,000 people per show? Seems like Brian Young probably made more money with Atomic Punks than he does with Dave, or am I way off?

Not bashing, just asking.

and the majority of the tickets sold are "comps" for the high rollers at the Casino....:)

Dave is playing another casino tonight and he has sold as of this morning a big ole whopping 940 seats (it is only a 1,177 seat venue).

My question is how can Dave be keeping his band on the payroll when he only plays maybe 20 concerts a year and MAYBE averaging a 1,000 people per show? Seems like Brian Young probably made more money with Atomic Punks than he does with Dave, or am I way off?

Not bashing, just asking.

Maybe he's written a bunch of IOU's. :D
He DOES have a high profile DJ gig coming up, doesn't he?!? :sssh:

Dave is playing another casino tonight and he has sold as of this morning a big ole whopping 940 seats (it is only a 1,177 seat venue).

My question is how can Dave be keeping his band on the payroll when he only plays maybe 20 concerts a year and MAYBE averaging a 1,000 people per show? Seems like Brian Young probably made more money with Atomic Punks than he does with Dave, or am I way off?

Not bashing, just asking.

Good question. I've often wondered the same thing myself. Not just about Dave either, but many other acts playing these circuits. Do they really make any money or are they doing it soley for the thrill of playing before an audience--any audience. I wondered if Dave didn't simply pay those guys out of pocket and not worry about making money from touring. Obviously the royalties from the classic 6 will ensure he never does have to work again. Other artists though who didn't sell as much and aren't making as much in royalties, I've wondered how they feed themselves? (300 people at House of Blues to see W.A.S.P, etc)

Keep in mind that the majority of the money that a band makes when on tour comes from the promoter of the venue. Dave may be getting a guaranteed amount of money to perform, no matter how many tickets he sells. I'm sure that there is a larger chunk of change set up for him that would dwarf anything the Atomic Punks could get on their own.

...that's how Van Halen still raked in the money even if the promoters lost a ton of cash on the last tour.....they had an upfront guarantee.

I hope no one ever again tries to compare Dave's CURRENT solo career to Sammy's after the numbers for the past few of his concerts...

Dave's last few gigs have been radio station type summer festivles where he is one of many performers. Crowds on average have been around 20,000. I guarantee he gets a flat rate for these type gigs. As for the small theatre (1000-2000) gigs. He would also get a flat guarantee leaving it up to the promoter to decide what tickets will sell for to get HIS money back. This is how it's done. I'm in a very small band out of Texas that plays some of these theatre gigs. We get paid well and are no where near the price of what Dave is probally charging. I would guess he gets $25,000-50,000 a night depending on the venue.

Maybe they are not on payroll, maybe they just charge by gig.

Keep in mind that the majority of the money that a band makes when on tour comes from the promoter of the venue. Dave may be getting a guaranteed amount of money to perform, no matter how many tickets he sells.

Yep! I belive that's how it works.

Maybe they are not on payroll, maybe they just charge by gig.
Artist like Dave have to retain their band. Those guys are probally getting $2500 a week on tour and $1250 a week off tour. I've got a few friends with high profile gigs and that's what they make. One buddy plays 15 shows a year and pulls about $60,000 salary. Leaving most of the year to play with whoever he likes, studio gigs, etc... Not a bad gig if you can get it. I'd bet Brian is making tons more money than playing with the punks.

I hope no one ever again tries to compare Dave's CURRENT solo career to Sammy's after the numbers for the past few of his concerts...

Hey, thanks for bringing Sam into the discussion. Can't go one thread without at least one..... :sleep: