I can agree with that mostly. I think a cover helps to defray the cost of a band, but there are other methods to recover that cost. In other cities a $5-20 cover is the norm. In Hampton Roads citizens will cry if they have to spend $2 to enter a room for a band. Those same people will spend $20 to enter a hip-hop or after hours bar to hear a dj. I support whatever gets people seeing LIVE MUSIC. Not footbal, not Karaoke, not DJ's. Live music, be it covers or originals. A cover will turn people away, so be smart and make your money off people once they are in your door.
 

Man, I'd pay a cover to see you, Steve.....If I knew it was helping to get you paid what you deserve:)..Much easier to up the drink prices when the band starts, though. people often still complain about that. even a good cover band should be able to earn a living. Lawyers practice (cover) law and make good money, doctors practice (cover) law and make good money, musicians practice and ...........
 

I go to Nashville a lot, and have got used to how they pay their bands at Lower Broadway honky tonks. The music there is excellent...Good bands do well , mediochre bands disappear.....NEVER A COVER CHARGE. The clubs pay the bands a base of around $20 - $40, usually goes for parking fees and bar tabs.....The bands play for tips, sell homemade CDS, and other things such as photos and t shirts. I have seen good bands gross $300 - $500 for a 3 hour gig in the day time. Night time bands may gross twice this. Bands that are not so crowd pleasing may gross less than $100...They soon disappear from the scene. ..A day of honky tonking for me will usually result in me tipping $25 to $40 or more in the various bands tip jars over a typical 10 hour day.....Steve