We have a problem.  Last night The Times played a show at The Mad Frog here in Cincinnati.  After we finished, we were refused payment for the people who had paid at the door to see us play.  The owner said, "We never give the door to bands.  Only national acts.  You're not a real national act."  That's what he actually said to us.  Not only is this unethical, it's also in violation of both verbal and written agreements that we had with the club for that event.  Over the last ten years I've played venues from San Diego to New York City and I've seen talented young bands consistently lining up to be taken advantage of like this.  It has to stop.  The Mad Frog just had major renovations done (new hardwood floors, HUGE digital flat screen TVs, new paint).  Guess who paid for them?  We did.  And so did the countless other bands who played there night after night, foregoing hundreds of dollars each time they walk out of the club after hearing that they're "not a real national act."  At the end of the night, we DID get our money.  However, we had to firmly but gently remind the owner that it's illegal to breech a contract.  He cursed at us and belittled us in front of customers but we did get paid for the people who came to see us. 

Until the Mad Frog changes its policy toward bands, we would ask that you stop patronizing them, and that bands stop playing there.  In fact, we encourage you to give them a call or an e-mail suggesting that they begin to support hard working musicians.  (Mad Frog: 513.784.9119)  We're tired of being the only people in the building at the end of the night who've broken a sweat...and the only people NOT getting paid.

BANDS: stop playing for free.  CLUBS: stop taking advantage of your entertainment.  FANS: know where your cover fee goes.  I guess we know where it goes at the Mad Frog, and we hope they're enjoying the TVs we bought them.

Ash for The Times