So I'm tempted to book the band that was supposed to be the first date my SO and I went on for our 10th. Their booking agency states they are 20 grand, which seems high to me honestly. Has anyone done this kind of thing before? Was it a band you were friends with? I was expecting 5 to 10 grand which id swing, but this seems a little high. I used to know one of the band members and still have the phone number. Would it be weird to reach out and ask about this? Do bands do things outside of their booking agency? Hell id be fine with an acoustic set.

To also make it EB related, I went to school with a kid and his dad coached some of our sports teams who had Johnny cash come and play his wife's birthday party. That is next level.

Sea Speed said:

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So I'm tempted to book the band that was supposed to be the first date my SO and I went on for our 10th. Their booking agency states they are 20 grand, which seems high to me honestly. Has anyone done this kind of thing before? Was it a band you were friends with? I was expecting 5 to 10 grand which id swing, but this seems a little high. I used to know one of the band members and still have the phone number. Would it be weird to reach out and ask about this? Do bands do things outside of their booking agency? Hell id be fine with an acoustic set.

To also make it EB related, I went to school with a kid and his dad coached some of our sports teams who had Johnny cash come and play his wife's birthday party. That is next level.

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I assume you're talking about a band that is original material with released albums? Not some wedding/cover band.

If you know the guy, talk to him. The agent probably doesn't know you know him.

Is there any reason you can't just spend half that on a really good Limp Bizkit cover band?

Bands will quote a much higher price to play a private gig than they get paid for a regular club show. Negotiate them down.

So who's the band.

When I've asked for party rates, I've just spoken directly to someone in the band. It all depends on travel and how many people they have to pay. But those were local guys or at least Texas guys. If you're going through a booking agency website, you're probably just getting some standard corporate party rate.

Yeq the rate online is what anyone can find. I figured some here would have some insight or experience and the rate online is just the no questions asked we will do it price.

I wouldn't say I know the guys anymore, I was just the dude who hung out when they were in a Texas town when they were on tour. Got food, partied etc. Probably hung out 6 to 10 times. I'm worried that would be weird this far down the line though as it was several years ago.

Not saying the name of the band, sorry.

Proposition Joe said:

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Is there any reason you can't just spend half that on a really good Limp Bizkit cover band?

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KORN or bust.

I'd just call the guy you know and talk to him. If you've set a date they may already be booked that day. He may refer you to their booking agency but might give you some info as to how to negotiate a better price. Doesn't cost anything to ask and if I was the band member you called I would be flattered that you remembered the band and was interested in booking them.

Proposition Joe said:

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Is there any reason you can't just spend half that on a really good Limp Bizkit cover band?

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Nookie is a Limp Bizkit tribute band.

Yeah, and I wouldn't feel any shame telling the story about the first date all those years ago and the happy couple is still together blah blah blah.

I'm kind of surprised anyone actually has a rate posted online; there's no reason for the big lawfirm christmas party planners to know what they charge for friends or events they actually want to be at.

Sea Speed said:

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Not saying the name of the band, sorry.

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Did they just have an album break in Belgium by chance?

Upon further investigation it appears it is more of a service that connects you with whatever act amd facilitates the whole thing, likely taking a hefty fee.

Not that I am aware of, and not to sound too hipstery, but I only really got in to their first couple of albums.

I would be really interested in what it would cost to have anyone in music play my backyard. 30 guests. Everyone has to have a number. Who's at the top of the list? McCartney? How much would it cost for original GnR members to set up next to my kids' swingset.

Sea Speed said:

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Proposition Joe said:

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Is there any reason you can't just spend half that on a really good Limp Bizkit cover band?

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KORN or bust.

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KORNwhatever. You can take that cookie and stick up your.

Bizkit rules

ChipFTAC01 said:

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I would be really interested in what it would cost to have anyone in music play my backyard. 30 guests. Everyone has to have a number. Who's at the top of the list? McCartney? How much would it cost for original GnR members to set up next to my kids' swingset.

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I don't know, you might be able to get Steven Adler for a reasonable price.

If I could have any band play in my backyard it would probably be old 97s. Wonder what ole Rhett charges.

ChipFTAC01 said:

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I would be really interested in what it would cost to have anyone in music play my backyard. 30 guests. Everyone has to have a number. Who's at the top of the list? McCartney? How much would it cost for original GnR members to set up next to my kids' swingset.

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mostly r&b, but into the single digit millions gets you probably just about single artist.

https://www.warble-entertainment.com/blog/10-most-expensive-bands-to-hire-in-2021/

But for a top tier band, maybe ask mark lanier.

Lol that is who I was talking about in my OP. hilarious.

Several years ago my SIL worked for the Lanier law firm. He always threw an over-the-top Christmas party hiring big name bands. She and my brother got to see Sting, Bon Jovi and Cross Canadian Ragweed at different parties.