Re: Booking Agents... (Kinda Rant)
Having worked for an agency "back in hair-band 80's" I can tell you that most agents at this level work for the venue, but take their fee from the act.
Consider what would happen if Realtors worked that way... when you list your home, you sign a contract with the real estate agent that, in theory, means he/she represents YOUR interests, exclusively. For an Realtor to do anything (besides required property disclosures) that benefits the buyer would be a breach of contract and several other things (fraud included).
At the club level, that's what happens. Been there, done that, burned the shirt. The band pays the commission but the agent works for the bar. Should the band have any problems whatsoever and have the balls to complain, they will be dropped and blacklisted with every agency within a significant territory.
For other types of gigs/venues/bands things can be done right, but I don't recommend agents to bar bands.
Have fun, don't get screwed (and that has nothing to do with luck).
Tim Mc
