I’m not talking about Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, but many of the “second tier” performers who play the clubs and bars. It is a fact that for years now, many venues expect musicians and bands to play for tips. In the old days, the bar or restaurant would “hire” a band, pay a pre-arranged amount, advertise and accept the responsibility of getting customers in to see the band. Somewhere along the line, the venue owners realized that there was a good supply of quality musicians looking for a place to play and could work this angle in getting the musicians to play, basically for free. And, many of us are guilty of perpetuating the cycle by giving in and going along with the program.
Is it because music is an intangible? I mean, the bar owner still has to pay for the booze to serve the customers. Why shouldn’t he or she pay for the music that serves the customers and helps keep them happy and buying drinks? I guess there are just too many of us that love what we do and are looking for a chance to play. Sometimes I think it would be better to have been born before the advent of recorded music. Then, if someone wanted to hear music, they had to hire the musicians to create the live music. Of course, if the king didn’t like the music, he might chop off your head.. but at least you got PAID. 
