Hi Naomi and all,
Thanks for respectfully disagreeing!! When I said
about the amount of work being less, and only doing
payed work, I was applying that more to the UK. The
profession this side of the pond, is no where near as
er. . flexible (don't know if that's the right word,
but it'll do for the moment!) as in the US. Bookers,
agents, companies are far more likely not to book you
if they perceive you're 'playing' at being a pro. I
am not suggesting that you, me or any of the others on
this marvellous list are doing such, but that's how I
view it!!
I have of course in my career done some unpaid gigs. I
now feel that I'm far too old, fat, and talented to be
bothered to get out of bed unless there is a cheque
(actually, much rather it were cash!) floating around.
There is you know, something to be said for the
Shirley Bassey maxim: When the BBC were making a video
of Perfect Day, and asked lots of performers to take
part: Tom Jones, Lesley Garrett, Tammy Wynette etc,
they rang Shirley and asked if she would take part. As
it was a charity recording she was told that everybody
was getting two fifty. After a while, it dawned on
Dame Shirley, that the BBC were offering £250.00
only!! She demurred of course (having first checked
that Tom Jones also was receiving same) "But Lesley
Garrett is doing it for £250" they exclaimed. Dame
Shirley's reply was succinct. "My darlings, I don't
get out of my bed for less than £250. . . thousand: I
have no idea who Lesley Garrett is, but she obviously
needs the money".
It made me smile anyway.
I certainly don't think you're deluded to accept
unpaid gigs Naomi, I just think it's something that
has to be treated very gently. After all, you wouldn't
ring the solitor for free. If I use that as an
argument, the dear UK people will say, "O, but
they're professional people: what you do is entertain,
and it's easy for you!" Well, I have a degree also,
and I don't pinch money like solicitors, barrister
etc. That's the sort of nonsense you get in the UK,
which I guess leads me to my way of thinking. Hope
that's explained a bit better? Possibly?
Best to all on the list,
Ian Voice wrecker to the stars!.
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