Right just started up in the business...got a few bookings so far, nothing major as I havent really gone to town yet on the old advertising side of things.

But I have managed to get a night at the Q's pub in a localish town, first night is on the 14th Feb (dont know if my girlfriend will be too chuffed,...Valentines and all that)

I have said I will do the first one for free (gesture of goodwill ...arent I nice (a fool???), and from there is will be every other saturday.

Can anyone offer me any advice on how the pub 'game' works, any hints and tips, what would a reasonable fee be for doing say between 7 and 11 or half eleven (yeah its ooop north)...if I can pull this off, it will get me a long way financially to be where I want to be (a steadyish income for the time being)

Dont get me wrong, i am quite excited...but i will be bricking it on the night i reckon.

Alway serve the Guinness first, and don't forget no glass bottles to be given out.

Alway check the change before giving it back



14th Feb, she'll get used to it, along with her birthday, all of Christmas, anniversaries etc etc etc

CS is one of the best toi answer this sensibly

l well done i cant really coment on how much you should charge as it varys so much from town to town but this like should maybe help with some party games

Games link

Oh yes and as for the girlfriend just buy her something nice extra it always works for me as long as she gets something she is happy

Hi Revolution

Demographic locations will vary in 'local rate', a subject of many postings in the past.

I am uncertain of the 'local' rate to you, but you may experience a 'set rate' in which the local will pay-out, or 'maximum fee' paid is £XXX.

However, I'm sure you don't want to be 'ripped off' for a 'service' either!

You can get some feedback from members who may be near your location, or you could try ringing DJ's in the Yellow Pages for 'benchmark prices', say, to get a quote for 4 hours work on a Saturday Night in a pub, with regulars.

You could be asked some awkward questions from the DJ you phone - so try to be polite and honest in your approach, you may be surprised in the answers!

If you work during the week (the day job) then one could say that any weekend work is appreciated - that the payment is a 'bonus'!

Once you've tried the venue, gained some experience and had a 'feel' for the venue, you should then decide if it is the right place for you, and, you'll learn how the gig went via feedback the client / punters.

If you have any 'help' on the night, eg 'roadies', then at least you know your 'back' is being watched, as well as the moral support issues to cover!
Roadies are very handy while you set-up and dismantle the gear, load the vehicle and carry gear thru a public venue. There's always someone with the gear if you take turns in carrying!

However again, some may consider a roadie a distraction, so it's really down to you how you feel about that subject.

That aside, I hope you enjoy the experience - what a great night to start your 'adventure' on!!!

Good luck - and I hope it goes well.

(Don't forget to let us know how it went in the Chill Out Room's 'How Was It For You' section of the Forum)

cheers for that....

luckily I know the pub and I know quite a few of the local people as well...if I get them all down for the night, I am hoping they will make it look like a success

Seems like you are getting the advice needed here,i guess andy means i can give you advice on how to work every night and still keep a wife?! Always let her know a good way in advance so she can get used to the idea and make your own valentines day on an alternative night,all else failing give her copious amounts of flattery and money! or get her a part time job so she works when you are working. Most important tell her that there wont be any women under 60 at the gig!

I have now just got to hunt down all my romantic songs for the night

couple of things i have done in a regular spot, take time to get to know the regular people over there, find out what the likes and dislike of the karaoke before you, try giving away a few freebie prizes nothing expensive or big just a few nik naks to encourage them, also a BIG stick to beat the women off cause u r now a super cool dj and chick magnet lol

With pubs dont expect the punters to dance (although they often do!) - pubs dont usually have a dance license!! (some do though). Make sure you notice how old/young the punters are and play music accordingly. When I used to do pubs - way back in my youth! I found that "sing-a-long" type songs went down really well... Its a hard question to answer but your audience should let you know what they want to hear! Hopefully you will get bookings from the people who drink there for private functions.... Have you already accepted the job without giving a quote? Its nice to do a goodwill gesture once in a while, but I dont think I would have done the first night for free... unless they were giving the drinks away too!