Been offered a management deal. How does this sound?

Mr Bassman Sax

Mr Bassman Sax

Joined
Jun 15, 2007
Messages
856
Reaction score
3
I've had this rather nice chap trying to organise some gigs for us. I've pasted the bits about the deal below. Let me know what you think?

"well firstly I would be delighted to manage you for 20% of all money I secure in your name"

"There is no contract to sign would not tie any young band to one of them but everything comes through me concerning gigs etc. you can leave when you want and i can stop representing you when i want. We work together as a team to earn as much money as we can 20% of which is mine. You work on stage and i work off stage.

How can you lose"


This guy has already given us a couple of gigs and is often approached to organise music for events. Every year there is a 9 day festival in Great Yarmouth which he organises. Seems like a nice chap.

How does it sound to you guys?
 
I don't know him.

But I do know that we live in a world where evil presents himself as an understanding, nice entity...............At least you should check on his background if you can. Of course, maybe he is just a nice sincere bloke who is really good to you and your band.............. :wink:
 
First off, how many guys are in your band that will be splitting the remaining 80%? Second, if all he is doing is booking gigs for you, 20% sounds like alot... you can make phone calls to clubs yourself for no charge. Lastly, if you do go with his services, make sure you always know the bottom line up front price of the gig so he doesn't pocket more than his share. Good luck.
 
Normally, managers collect about 10, 12-15% of the income, but if it works out and you get a lot of gigs, there`s always room for increasing it to 20%. I`ve used it as an encouragement for potential managers, the last 5%, just to check how eager they are. If they do well, they get more, just a like normal job.

And, for everyones sake, get a deal penned in ink. Oral obligations are usually worth very little if there`s a disagreement.
 
Well... I'd be a bit wary... the BS factor is very high in this biz!

Do you know about any other bands he manages... and what do they have to say about it - ie, any "testimonials", can he come up with some sort of CV?

The exclusivity bit bothers me, but I can understand it from his point of view... if he's genuine!

Some other points to consider:

If you get a lot more gigs, it may be worth it - even if you only pick up 80% - that is 80% of something rather than 100% of nothing

Do you get a lot of gigs anyway?

I'd be expecting him to work very hard for his 20% - all gigs well advertised - no playing in "toilets" - everything running like clockwork... and I'd be expecting him to iron out any potential problems with the venue.

You should be able to concentrate on the important things, like playing the music, slagging off the singer, and having fist fights with the drummer!
 
I don't like the "no contract" part. You should have a contract saying you can quit any time... If he wants it. The experience told me that no contract = trouble.
20 % could be ok. Consider that maybe you don't bring THAT much money in the beginning, so maybe he will not earn a lot for start. Finding gigs is not an easy job.
You can renegociate the percents, after you have more gigs, let's say after one year. And be sure you write this too in your contract.
Also, for that money he should take car for other aspects, like transport, accomodation, water on stage... I don't know... everything to work perfect.
 
"well firstly I would be delighted to manage you for 20% of all money I secure in your name"
Click to expand...

Also - is this 20% of what he's told you he's secured the gig for...or 20% of the actual amount!!

It wouldn't be the first time that an agent books a band for way more than they declare.

Quite sad isn't it that the general feedback has been negative and cynical...not because we are (negative or cynical) but that there are so many sheisters out there.

G
 
yeah - this guy could be perfectly genuine, in which case it would be a decent deal, but you do have to be careful because there are evil scheming people out there
 
Food for thought. I know he is a nice bloke. Met him a couple of times. I know people that know him and like him too.

As for gigs we don't have all that many to be honest. If we get more then I'll be happy.

Just been offered another gig, don't know who with yet but some 50/50 split of door money. Haven't accepted the deal yet as I still need to speak to the band.

Any more thoughts?
 
As far as you take the money you want, is ok 50/50 too :-)
 
I think 20% is okay for someone who will go out there and find you gigs because that takes a lot of effort off your shoulders and you can just concentrate on the music. Also, since there is no exclusivity clause (is there?), you can continue to take 100% of gigs that come to you directly.

But like Florin said, get the same thing in writing and sign on it just as a backup.
 
No contract = bad. He has no motivation to do his job properly, other than the cash, and he might be screwing you out of your fair share. It happens all the time in this buisiness.

Be wary.
 
Since I have a band we have a contract deal with both a manager and a booking agency. Both contract are in WRITTEN. as far as the money our manager gets 15% from all the band's earning and does only PR and promotion. He usually doesn't book concerts but if he does he takes just the 15%. The booking agency also takes 15% from the earnings but only from concerts they book!!! I would strongly suggest that You get in contact with some of the bands that the manger represents and have everything signed with a lawyer.
 
Very true.

The simple fact is, you cannot trust anyone.

That's why contracts exist. Get one, and have a lawyer explain everything to you clearly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top