Ministry played NY in November 2004 and was paid $16,000.00 for the evening. The venue said it was the most expensive artist to demand this payroll. The venue claimed that after marketing the event, and paying Ministry, they made $4,000 profit. Most of the profits coming from alcohol.
Although this post might not be appropriate, I found this very interesting, as I have no idea how much bands make on the road. You always hear about a record/label deal but not when it comes to being on tour.
No, seriously, after production, travel, venue-cuts, and other expenses, I bet they made little, if anything.
Recently I once that the Rolling Stones reportedly made 100’s of millions on a tour, when in fact, after thorough auditing, and all expenses were paid, the band members were reimbursed at about the same rate of a union labor worker working for GM. Hell, it got so bad on tour that microphones had to be shared!
No, seriously, after production, travel, venue-cuts, and other expenses, I bet they made little, if anything.
Yeah, he’s right. Think about it: there’s a few guitar techs, a keyboard tech, a drum tech, many other roadies, a tour manager, truck drivers, cost of renting the busses (band gets one and roadies share some more) and trucks, multiple drivers, gas, airfare, work visas (foreign tours), hotels (for not just the band but roadies too), lighting guys, sound guys, promotion, food, drinks, etc, etc, etc. There’s a lot going on. Then whatever is left is split between all members of the bands.
I think merchandise is where most bands make most of the profit…
