How to actually make money with your band

Baxter and Jonathan dive into how to make some great money doing music outside of just your local cover band gigs. Stick around till the end so you don't miss some great photos of baxter!
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[@dansours7157]

My cover band decided to do a Weezer tribute for a Halloween show we were doing. We didn't tell anyone but dropped some hints. The 2nd set we changed costumes to resemble Weezer & played the entire Blue Album. We pretty much nailed it. Best show we've done to date. Our 10 friends loved it. We considered doing the tribute band thing but lost our focus. I shared this vid with my bandmates to hopefully motivate them.

[@chris_2714]

In before they fix "actully" in the title 😄 Great video as always guys!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Gotta be fast

[@iangray7904]

Casino Guitars quote of the year ...“I was pulling off younger people for a long time “

[@turbomoogle]

And here I am waiting for Baxter to say he was in a The Strokes tribute. Someday. Someday.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Dude the pun...perfect! I love that...we did open for them, and heard them practicing everyday int eh same music space...awesome guys! And they’re super tall!

[@Canadianwheelchairguitar]

I've seen 2 tribute bands I saw U2 live in 2000 then saw a U2 tribute band a year later the tribute band was disappointing after seeing U2. I never got to see Pantera live but I saw a tribute band & didn't know any better. I started off as lead singer/rhythm guitarist for a cover band playing cabarets and bars then started an original music band with friends. The cover band I was in got paid WAY more than the original band did. I'm now 41, physically disabled in a wheelchair due to brain cancer but I still play guitar. I have more guitars now than I've ever had before, 6 with 3 future purchases I have my eyes on. I can't sing anymore & I don't want to hurt my wife's ears attempting it!

[@6strbassplayer]

My "side gig" is playing weddings. Funny thing is...it's the best paying gig. I do think that this year could really turn out to be a good one across the board. Cover band, tribute, or original, people are are starved for live music. I'm optimistic

[@supersoniq3506]

I live a couple hours away from Southern Pines. Someday, I'm going to visit your store. You guys are great!

[@MarcMercier1971]

I used to collect Hammonds & Leslies (and pianos) and started/ran a tech's list (still around... Hammond Technical List). The new electronic versions available are so accurate to the original it's crazy. You don't have to deal with oiling the tonewheel generator, recapping the generator, broken keyboard resistance wires (8 per key), the degrading foam under the keyboard that melts down and screws up the aforementioned resistance wires (ether foam, what speaker surrounds where made from and turned to dust). Vintage B3/C3/A100 can be a maintenance nightmare. Go new.

[@thorjensen8556]

I totally understand where you're coming from with this video, and I don't fault you for it. I'm a jazz musician (America's original cover band), I do private gigs, and play covers in a lot of projects. But I must say that I find it too bad that there is an encouragement to start a tribute band. Again, I get it. I suppose my critique is with the general climate and culture of live music these days more so than your video. It's absolutely understandable that its easier to connect with an audience with songs that they recognize, but we should all be paid for putting in the work and putting on a quality show, no matter if we portray a character or not. Thanks for your videos, and I look forward to more.

[@seancollins3106]

I agree in concept, but the video was about how to make money. good tribute bands don't have down time to write and record new music. a tribute band can play, and play, and play... as long as they bring the nostalgia

[@javierservigon]

Back in the day; i saw a Duran Duran tribute band... but they didn't have a keyboard player, they had 3 guitars and one of them did all the synth sounds with guitar... it was great

[@dvanolya]

Great video but where are the photos of Baxter at the end of the video like you promised?

[@jfrankcarr]

I did the corporate gig thing for a while, mostly playing some easy listening pop songs and seasonal music. Kind of zzzzzz but still fun playing in front of people.

[@backonstageapp]

Agreed...Narrowing your focus as a cover or tribute band is a great way to cut through the noise and ensure you'll have a slice of the market to cater to. Playing with cover bands is a great way to make good money without having to endure the "on the road" life if touring and taking a stab at the original music world isn't for you. Thanks for sharing, guys!

[@scottpickett9779]

Great video. I've been in part time cover bands for 25+ yrs. Started when I was 40. Just started a new one. We range from 60s Motown and rock - you name it, and we are getting booked up thru Nov. Good $$ to buy more guitar stuff. Full time would be great, but I keep my day job cause I love it and just in case.😁

[@JoelBass68]

I was in a wedding band a couple of decades ago. We were booking up to (and sometimes over) $15k for a 4 hour gig. And sometimes 5 gigs a weekend. There's a lot of money there if you hit the formula right.

[@216trixie]

Yes, I'm Lindsay Buckingham in a Fleetwood mac tribute band. I play in a few other bands but this is where the money is.

[@CasinoGuitars]

That’s awesome and thanks a ton for sharing!!!!

[@gtedeschi8850]

Wish I had the time and money to do a Kiss tribute. Loved every one I ever seen. Always fun

[@1968joseph1]

I agree with focusing on a time period or artist with a cover band. My spin on that idea was inspired by Tom Petty's Buried Treasure show on Sirius. Eclectic mix that focuses on underappreciated artists and lesser known songs of the big bands. I enjoy that "music you forgot you love" experience. Also, it seems to cut through the age barriers fairly well. Except for the elderly couple I ran off with Hank III. Lol

[@jimwoodard64]

My cousin was in an Elvis Tribute. Worked Vegas, Atlantic City, and the Mississippi river boats. Big money if you can nab the gigs.

[@yankeepeters2270]

On Craigslist near me recently: “CCR Tribute band looking for a John Fogerty.” Hahahaha! I’ll bet you are!

[@5000rgb]

We've got everything except the most important piece!

[@shanewalton8888]

Baxter nailed it with that last joke

[@jasonmagyar1643]

Been working on trying to start a 90s Hard Rock/Alternative tribute here in the DFW...

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

Hahahaha! Y’all reminded me of “Step Brothers” movie... We are a 1980’s era Billy Joel tribute band, Sir! Cheers guys!

[@dangolguitartech]

Being movers or a landscaping crew during daytime hours?🤠

[@MattyK-USA]

I love a good tribute band. Lately I've been listening to the Brooklyn Charmers, which (hopefully) are obviously doing Steely Dan tributes. They absolutely kill it, and appear to be very popular. Yacht Rock bands seem to be a thing now too - Yachtly Crew is huge at this point. Great stuff!

[@brooksroman2918]

There’s a band I’ve seen twice called the Texas Unlimited Band that’s pretty much unreal. They do weddings and big events and it’s like these dudes in their 50’s probably? Just doing everything. George Strait covers (they played George Strait’s son’s wedding) to Journey, they even carry tracks so they can do Uptown Funk and Blurred Lines and lots of stuff in between. Just an awesome show. I know they make bank

[@andrewhess2978]

Uptown Girl: we play strictly 80s Joel, sir.

[@wadeworkman7283]

The Stranger!!

[@richbriggs6053]

Buddy Holly hard core mosh pit. 🤣 love your war stories. 👍

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

In my "cow town" geography, just being in a band that can find gigs at all is a miracle! You guys are right about what you are saying though. Best wishes! ♪

[@5000rgb]

Legend has it that a Cheap Trick tribute band in Chicago was making more money than Cheap Trick.

[@aaronpeacock8572]

Just got inspired to do a Buddy Holly tribute band. Here in Lubbock, he's kind of a hometown hero. Thanks

[@tonepilot]

I love playing covers. It’s all the stuff I listened to and enjoyed. Can’t believe I get to play it with a band.

[@NoCoverCharge]

I’m sorry .. I hate cover bands

[@tonepilot]

@@NoCoverCharge Oh well, more beer for me.

[@tylerdurden5122]

@@NoCoverCharge here’s the thing- no one asked.

[@Terryomalleyonline]

The keyboard player always wants to “sneak in” a few of his original songs. 🤣🤣🤣

[@DavidHBurkart]

Buddy Holly! Nice! Best example I can think of is the Fab Four. Best Beatles tribute band, having evolved with different members since the late seventies. They slay it and do it worldwide, to this day.

[@Isxath]

Blues Brothers tribute band has been musical gold...also helps finance original projects...Hit It...!!!

[@RichBriere]

Wanted! Accordion Player who looks like Myron Floren for my Soon-to-be-Famous "Lawrence Welk Tribute Band". I'm hoping that Baxter and Jonathan will dress up as the Lennon Sisters. 🎹 Enquire Within.

[@jfdblues]

I don't know what it's like where y'all live, but here in Cincinnati there are very few cover bands, and massive support for local original music

[@1968joseph1]

I played there years ago and you had to pay to play originals. Are there venues that support original music in Cincy now?

[@jr0706]

Are there any vids on YT of this 80s hair metal band? I’d love to see this. I was a huge Poison fan in the late 80s/early 90s.

[@CasinoGuitars]

Jeffrey I do have the videos on my phone. They will make an appearance soon trust me!

[@jr0706]

@@CasinoGuitars must see

[@koltonk2713]

The correct response to "That was a Buddy Holly joke" would've been an eye roll with "Oh boy..."

[@wrobinson1702]

I'll be damn! Baxter did Buddy holly in the Broadway touring show, "The Buddy Holly Story"! I played "Murray Deutsch" and a Back-up singer/dancer in the ALT (Amarillo Little Theatre) version of "The Buddy Holly Story". We toured Texas and broke box office records everywhere. It was so much fun to sing and play on those songs. Here's another: "The Who's Tommy" I played the "Harmonica Player" in the touring version of that, and also did very well.(From the "Acid Queen" segment). That's a great way for a musician to get paid a reasonable (and predictable) salary.

[@wrobinson1702]

Also-now I'm going to have to look up "The buddy Holly Story" touring Broadway show on KZbin and find the one that Baxter is in!

[@johnkenny4052]

Keep it going....great topic today.... greetings from Ireland Happy St Patrick's Day☘️☘️☘️

[@30smsuperstrat]

St. Patrick was in a wildlings tribute band.

[@johnkenny4052]

@@30smsuperstrat 🤣

[@mitchmatthews6713]

Jonathan can't tour. He has the responsibility of cleaning the bathroom at Casino.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I’ve seen some good tribute bands. There used to a Pink Floyd tribute band that I would go see every time they came to town. On a good day I can pull off David Gilmour’s vocals but will never be able to play like him. My dreams of playing in a band like that are shattered

[@docstymie]

There’s only one maple fretboard hanging behind you. I love rosewood, too!

[@northmanlogging2769]

Worked with a lady that did cover songs at casinos and cruise ships, eventually she went full time at it, making upwards of $1000 per member per show, plus comps. Neighbor plays accordion in one of them mexican oom-pah bands mariachi? they get $100 each per hour... they literally never practice lol, Meanwhile my crappy punk bands best take was $250 split 3 ways...

[@supersoniq3506]

I've been a 'bedroom' guitar player for over 20 years. I love playing. I used to be in a great big band swing band in high school (trombone). Played in front of thousands occasionally, been on a couple albums. However, I can't play guitar in a band. I can't stand having people watch or hear me play. It's a hobby and people like me need to stay in the bedroom 🙂. I have no idea why I'm like that. Maybe it goes back to my bar hopping days, when we would follow good bands around and I would stand there watching everything the guitar players did. Not judging, just thinking 'these guys are so much better than I am'. 🙂Seriously, I can't even stand having people hear me play at a guitar shop! And I'm really not that bad. I have put a couple vids on facebook and all my friends were impressed. And I'm like 'thank you, but you all have no idea how much I suck!' Wow, that was hard to admit! Ha!

[@JoeKyser]

Spotting being undervalued has to be hard . Any venue is struggling to even exist right now. Another good video. Dam im going to make a youtube video today. Im tired of just watching. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@rstuartcpa]

Elvis’ Cousin would be a great band name.

[@celestelongway7315]

Wow. That was really something. mtw and 99 in L.A.

[@ChyeaBroski]

"I got deep alright"

[@zeeb0w]

Nirvanna is a BAD ASS Nirvana tribute band. felt like we were watching nirvana and kurt, just unreal

[@jaorte10]

I'm a one man Skynyrd tribute band. I play all three guitar parts. I live on the property adjacent to their legendary "hellhouse" band house property down here on Peter's creek swamp, Florida. I've been here since 1985. So the mojo is thick down here under the Spanish moss covered oaks. I keep it alive and loud around here.

[@daviddawson1718]

Fly to the next show

[@jaorte10]

I dont fly. I also do AC DC, ZZ Top and SRV tributes. Mostly for friends and family because its lots of fun and I'm a very busy master electrical contractor down here in Florida.

[@diaryofanaxeman539]

I was going to join an Ozzy Osborne tribute band, 24 years ago,, they loved the way I played the music with exactness and execution . Bad part was that they wanted me to dye my hair blond ..... thing is, I am Mexican - American and Comanche !!!!

[@punkrockwino164]

20 years ago I was booking a cover band that had moderately well attended shows. At the same time, I was playing in an original band that was selling out shows. I made more money as a booking agent. About 12 years ago, I played in a CCR tribute band. I could not get over how much fun it was and how much revenue we generated. My new original band was about to debut last year, then covid came. During this time, we decided that we should also start a Dead Kennedy's tribute band just to generate the cash that we will need for the original band to record and tour (which is REALLY expensive when you live on a Cold Wet Rock in the North Atlantic... please send help).

[@punkrockwino164]

also, my first gig as a soundman was for a dinner theater that did the Buddy Holly Story... the only good part of that job was actually running the show. When we dismantled the set at the end of the run, I managed to score the recording light from the studio scenes... still have it!

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

I'm in a country rock cover band. The singer is a die hard country guy. I'm the guitarist who's die hard blues and rock n roll. Our drummer is a die hard rock/metal. Our bassists come and go and usually smoke weed lol. And we fuckin kill it. Gig every week. Make the monies too

[@ronniefnd]

Wedding bands. Jukeboxes that only take $100 bills.

[@kennethholbrecht6103]

Well coronavirus kinda fuxked up gigs.... so we're all in the shitters. usually selling stuff goes with the gig ( liked them , wanted to support them , bought the album after the gig ( although that album 's left in the car and never listen to , still money). No gig = no money . If you aint big

[@Mmaya94]

I would like to be in any band right now Sally I can't drive to get anywhere

[@bobbyhancock3347]

I’m surprised there isn’t more bickering in the comments; cover vs original has always been a huge point of debate. I know what some of these tribute bands make, and you’re right. They rake it in and are fun to watch. The problem is full bands are hard as heck to keep copacetic!

[@RoadKing-ky2bs]

I love tribute bands. If I could play in one it would be a Alice Cooper tribute band. That would be fun lol.

[@thomasrichmond1916]

I FUCKING LOVE BUDDY HOLLY STORY! I had no clue that was you!

[@rkoblues24]

I once toured with a modeling-acoustic-sonic- electric-hybrid-not quite sure what this is-guitar-youtube-honest review tribute band.

[@joeywho534]

I always thought doing instrumental songs for wedding ceremonies (processions) would be a good way to make a buck and be in an out.

[@canertogan6462]

You guys should be on the next kevin smith movie

[@blueufo9587]

Great video! Question, I’ve emailed your store several times and never heard back from anyone. Trying to decide on a new guitar. You would think that a guitar shop would want to sell a guitar. Just wanted to try this way. Thank you!

[@CasinoGuitars]

Shoot us a call 9107250807!

[@davedavid7061]

thats unusual, I've emailed a couple of times and they replied quickly

[@blueufo9587]

@@davedavid7061 not sure what happen. My wife emailed about getting a guitar for me and she never heard back and then I tried asking a question about the difference between a couple of guitars and never heard anything. I understand if you guys are busy.

[@theoverunderthinker]

"I got close!" 😅😅😅😅

[@xxcelr8rs]

Spiders From Milwaukee, David Bowie Tribute 10 piece. David Elvis Kirby and His Memphis Cadillacs.

[@robertvondarth1730]

There’s a ton of Judas Priest tributes And I sing for one of them

[@javiernicolas7964]

Also if your in a Mexican band, guaranteed you have a gig almost every week. $4k guaranteed and it’s mostly all local.

[@autistichead8137]

53 views and only 2 likes. Cmon gang, hit like for the boys.

[@BillAltman]

Looking forward to this one! Check out the tribute band I lead #floydphilharmonic Spent 10 years directing tributes for the State Theater of NC

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Hosted by Yahoo Serious and Robert Zdar.

[@pierheadjump]

OK Casino... ⚓️ Thank You... I’ll drag my young 66 Y/O ass out & reap the $$$$ HUNDREDS covering James Taylor, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, & don’t forget Bob.😎. Not that I can even play a lick. 🎊

[@gospelballer33]

Honestly it would be quite fun. But my music is all original, because it is part of my ministry as a missionary. I use it to reach people who are just tired of the same 711 worship music.

[@TheGeniuschrist]

You might not be able to tell with that jacket on, but Jonathan would smash Baxter in an arm wrestling contest.

[@CaptHiltz]

Original bands supply the cover and tribute bands with their material.

[@RobThesman]

So, late-stage Rolling Stones is a tribute band that even us geriatric folks can pull off?

[@phillippitts6294]

Buddy Holly? What did you with your hair?

[@ehiracheta]

It's the Murphy Labs treatment

[@eddisonbuenano5282]

Hmm.... didn't know this

[@anthonycicanese840]

No way it’s Rhett and link

[@davedavid7061]

I bet I can sound like Bob Dylan- I just cant pay the licensing

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Call your act Like A Rolling Stone and perform songs that are almost the same as bob d songs; reverse the chord progressions and mumble the words. You should be fine lol

[@davedavid7061]

@@honkytonkinson9787 thats funny, my Bob Dylan usually comes out sounding like Floyd the barber

[@honkytonkinson9787]

@@davedavid7061 lol all we can’t all be gomer pyle

[@jdstan9650]

Could we be a trucker hat away from the Jonathan "Combs" Band?

[@WorldsOkayestGuitarPlayer]

I was like 69! Giggitty 🤣🤣

[@markkravitz4678]

👋 Watch your thoughts, they become words. Watch your words, they become actions. Watch your actions, they become habit. A smart young dude @evenkingsfall (his insta) always stresses you have to THINK BIG to WIN BIG! Always keep that attitude! Onwards and upwards 🧡

[@cowhidemusic8904]

Make everyone in the band driver for Uber?

[@30smsuperstrat]

Be a Hillsong or Bethel tribute band and you can tour churches without the worship leader drama 😁

[@vr6jettar]

Actually....

[@HSet77]

Idlewild South.... Time to rename 'JFK South' ... Maybe not.

[@seanbrooks2583]

Cover/tribute bands are good for bars and clubs because people just want background music to drink and dance to. Nothing wrong with it, and theres more money in it than doing originals unless you become famous.

[@the_BattleGoose]

The issue with Tribute bands, that's not exactly "my" band. Tribute acts are one thing... I want to know how to monetize my band, my music.

[@sqlb3rn]

Imagine a bunch of white dudes in a Jimi Hendrix tribute band with blackface.

[@NoCoverCharge]

I’ve been in bands for 25 years they’ve all been original bands .. still in two original bands .. it’s not about money .. in Atlanta no one goes to see cover karaoke bands ..

[@sqlb3rn]

the problem with tribute bands is you have to dress up like the real band. so if I was in a metallica tribute band, I'd have to dress up like Kirk Hammet XD

[@wolfpac1970]

I'm kind of over the whole "tribute" band thing. They were fun when there were just a few around but now they're a dime a dozen, especially the Grateful Dead tribute bands. Now I would rather see a good old fashioned cover band or a band that does original material.

[@bob733333]

Don't drink baby's blood, thanks.

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

I totally missed the insane drunken vagrant hairstyle fad.

[@shanewalton8888]

Sell off your gear, then you will make money. Form a boy band.

[@boydbc]

Did Derek just speak? I had always assumed Derek was an imaginary friend, or some sort of mythological being that only Casino guitar employees can see and hear.

[@chrisgrabowski2678]

I get the Tribute band concept. It just rubs me wrong because they are capitalizing off of others' original, blood, sweat and tears. It's great that they want to share the music they love, but to do an entire act is just blatant theft in my opinion.

[@kirkwilson6229]

Bummer. Honestly, I can't imagine enjoying being in a tribute band. Partly because I can't imagine paying to see one. Who wants to hear nothing but one band's songs, but not from that band? Apparently a lot of people. Yeah.... I don't care about the money that much. I'll stick to my cover band that plays whatever we like. More power to the tribute players, I just can't do it. It takes away too many of the aspects of the performance I am there for. I like to make something my own at the same time I tip the hat to my influences. I enjoy not having to note for note the solos. I enjoy surprising people with our song choices. Too many of the improvisational and creative angles are removed when you have to imitate one band.