For 20 years I played in the orchestra for a community theatrical group that once a year would do a Broadway Musical. Weeks of rehearsals, 5 - 7 performances...and no money, but great people, lots of fun and I just enjoy playing! Actually, I had a paying gig a couple of months ago; first time since our 1960s rock band! Guess you can tell I never did this for a living (although I frequently wished I had).

Getting paid is a nice bonus, although we're not making that much once you consider practice time, transit time, and set-up and tear-down time.

I don't mind playing benefits. I've been fortunate because they often lead to paid parties.

I'm happy as long as the audience is grooving.

Unlike Frank's album, I've never really been in it for the money. Love playing and getting people to dance is the biggest ben, for me. Thankfully, I don't need to play for money - nothing against you, money.

Myself,its like 50/50 i do alot of benefits a year but i also play for pay i have been at this for so many years i feel good inside to give back from time to time.At benefits, church's, open mic nights you meet some very cool players at that..As far as having myself set up the drums ete I don't i have someone with me do that i just show up and play for pay...Mikey

i think that most drummers play for joy/fun. but if you play in a band and the plays at a venue for profit One should expect to get paid. and if its for charity then the pay is just that

[COLOR="Green"]I chose 'maybe'...as in...'it depends'.

For a good cause or firends, I will play for free or almost free...on occasion. But if it is a venue where the proprietor/sponsor is actually making some pretty good for-profit money (whether or not the presence of the band adds to that), damn right I expect the band to get paid.[/COLOR]

I have seen a similar topic turn really ugly on another forum. So before that happens, I'm just going to lock it down.

Thanks for staying civil.

David