$20K to Rock? The True Cost of Putting on a Show

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Running a band is more than just playing music—it’s a business, and this week, you’re getting a front-row seat to the real numbers behind a self-promoted, four-walled show. Dave and guest co-host Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes break down the hard costs, from union labor to venue staff, and what it takes to make those ticket prices work. Is the venue actually promoting your gig, or are you on your own? Or is it better when you work together? And when it comes to pricing tiers, always prioritize the fan experience—because that’s what keeps them coming back. Whether it’s VIP tickets or GA floor, every decision affects your bottom line. Always Be Performing means knowing the game as well as you know your instrument.

Beyond the business, you’ve got to deliver on stage. Dave and Mike dig into the power of stage banter, the hidden advantage of playing in original bands when learning covers, and why oversaturation is a real risk. Are exclusive endorsements worth it, or are they just another trap? And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: lip-syncing. Is there ever a place for it in live music? This episode is packed with insights that’ll sharpen your gigging strategy and keep your performance—and your career—on point.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 473 – Monday, March 17th, 2025
  • March 17th: Act Happy Day
  • Guest co-host: Mike Schulte from Pork Tornadoes
  • Dark Matter Promo Code GIGGAB15
• 00:01:01 Having Paul Kent back on Gig Gab!
• 00:02:04 Did the venue do the promo?
  • Cover Band Central on Facebook
• 00:06:22 You’re running a business
• 00:14:41 Cost Breakdown of Four-walling a show for 1,600 people
  • Building rental: $2,000
  • Union Stage Hands Labor: $6,100
  • Venue Staff (ticket-takers, ushers): $1,200
  • Cleaning Fee: $500
  • Box Office Fees (staff, credit cards): $1,000
  • Opening Act (45min set): $1,200
  • External Production Company (lights and sound): $5,000
  • Advertising: $1,750
  • Crew: $925
  • Catering/Hospitality/Hotels: $1,050
  • That’s $20,750 (aka $12.95 per person with 1,600 attendees)
  • $50 VIP Pit tickets, $25 GA Floor
  • 00:23:46 On the subject of stage banter
• 00:28:25 Oversaturation awareness
  • Dave’s rant about exclusive endorsements
• 00:33:46 Moral: take risks!
• 00:34:45 Dave’s Rehearsal/Sound-Check
• 00:43:48 Using Pricing Tiers
  • Prioritize the fan experience
• 00:46:45 The value of having played in original bands when learning cover songs
  • Mike’s Dope Walker
• 00:57:58 Lip Syncing?
• 01:01:42 Gig Gab 473 Outtro
  • Follow Mike Schulte
    • Confused Breakfast
    • The Pork Tornadoes
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • [email protected]
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

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