Rich G.
Experienced
I'm not sure if this is a universal thing, but it certainly happens a lot where I'm from. Something unfortunate happens where people need money. A house burns down, an unforeseen illness, a tragic accident. People group together to see what they can do to help... and someone suggests "let's get a band... to play... for free". It's at that point my band gets contacted. Often by someone who has never seen the band before. They ask "Would you be able and willing to play a benefit for <blank> for free?".
We're busy enough where most times our reply is "Thank you for considering us. We're very sorry to hear about <blank>. Unfortunately, we are unable to participate in the benefit as we are booked that entire weekend.". Sometimes people will change the date of the benefit to a date where we are available.
We want to help everyone, but the simple fact is sometimes you have to draw the line. How do you handle the delicate situation of declining such requests?
We're busy enough where most times our reply is "Thank you for considering us. We're very sorry to hear about <blank>. Unfortunately, we are unable to participate in the benefit as we are booked that entire weekend.". Sometimes people will change the date of the benefit to a date where we are available.
We want to help everyone, but the simple fact is sometimes you have to draw the line. How do you handle the delicate situation of declining such requests?