Cancellation of wedding band?

Edna_Bucket_2

Becles wrote:

A signed contract is a legally binding document. The OP needs to be aware that the band could take her to court if she doesn't pay. This will cost her more, as it's likely she'll have to pay their court costs too.

Stop winding people up and whining - it simply will not happen, and they would be laughed out of court if they tried it on. If they persist it as an OP as previously suggested, a few mentions of the Inland Revenue should soon see these jokers make tracks.

BTW, I see from that other boring thread that this person's "entertainment industry" experience seems to be stacking cans of beer in a supermarket promotion so I wouldn't rely on her comments too much!

scotgirl

Thanks to all for the interesting replies!

I am absolutely aware that I signed the contract and feel stupid about it but was looking for some differing opinions - which I got and much appreciate!

Jockettuk - we have been speaking with the band directly, we tried to talk to their promotions company but they have advised us that they no longer represent the band as they are to 'difficult to deal with'! Unfortunately, the contract is direct with the band so the promotions company will not transfer to another smaller band.

Should have just got a CD player and a bunch of CDs!!! :rolleyes:

Becles

Edna_Bucket wrote:

Stop winding people up and whining - it simply will not happen, and they would be laughed out of court if they tried it on.

It isn't a wind up. I know people in the industry who have been to court and won for non-payment of contracted fees. My post was intended to make the OP aware that in the worst case scenario, she could be taken to court.

BTW, I see from that other boring thread that this person's "entertainment industry" experience seems to be stacking cans of beer in a supermarket promotion so I wouldn't rely on her comments too much!

I'm self employed during the day as a merchandiser/auditor, which this month means I'm working on alcohol promotions in supermarkets for the festive season.

I'm also a partner in a second business which provides services in the entertainment industry. I know from experience in this business how contracts work, and legal obligations.

Former_MSE_Forum_Manager

There are a lot of good points being made here, but the tone in several posts in completely unnecessary and aggressive. Points can be made in a constructive manner and it would help this site is people can follow Martin's golden rule to "Be Nice to Other Moneysavers"

You can disagree with a point, but please do it in a civil manner. Help on this matter is greatly appreciated by the MSE Team

jockettuk

like i said before tell them they have a chance to get another gig but if not you will probably have to pay the £500 quid.. but tell them you will hang on the the last possible minute to pay then .. they still have a contract with you and cant therefore accept another gig.. sounds like they might make £500 of you or mabey another gig for £100.. does it say anywere in the contract if you cancel with so many months its a percentage like holiday companys do up untill the last min then you have to pay full amount etc.. tell the band its word of mouth for bands like theres and if they persist in charging you this amount you will have no alernative to bad mouth them around the town and word spreads like wildfire etc..

treat them the same as they treat you.... i would mabey sent them a cheque for £100 stating that if they cash the cheque its full and final for the cancellation... call there bluff..

Bargain_Rzl

I'd go with the view that they're taking the p!ss given how much notice you've given them.

I'm a professional church singer and about a year ago I lost out on a job when the family of a bride decided they wanted to downsize from a vocal quartet to a soloist. This was at two weeks' notice (it wasn't a regular member of the congregation). Until this happened, everything was done on goodwill - but our priest now stipulates that cancellation fees will be charged for messing the choir about. (We're a 5-voice salaried regular choir.)

But there's a big difference between 2 weeks' notice and 7 months. I think they're being unreasonable.

mrsdee

We had a different (and rather sad) sort of experience about our wedding singer. He was excellent - I had seen him perform a few times before. Booked him a year in advance. Paid £250 deposit.

A month before the wedding we had a letter from his sister informing us that he had died very suddenly from a heart attack! It wasnt a ruse - I was also informed by someone else who had booked him for a company function.

We received nothing back as he left no, or little, estate apparently. But as my sister said, look on the bright side, at least it didnt happen AT your wedding! :xmassign:

jobbingmusician

You can tell my (second, part-time but professional) job from my username. But I do think this band are being unreasonable.

Inspired by reading Martin's book, it seems the way out is to look for the loophole!

OK, you have signed a contract, and there has been a lot of discussion on this thread about whether the contract is enforcable given the long lead time.

You state that the contract has a cancellation charge. But you have also implied that you are not actually trying to cancel. You have tried (and failed) to negotiate with the band to provide a downsized service. You haven't said so clearly in this thread (or if you have, I haven't understood it, sorry!), but I assume that you would prefer to pay £1000 for a smaller band than to pay £500 for nothing (on a worst case scenario basis)? If this is so, say so. If this is not true, think about how much you ARE prepared to pay for a smaller band.

It is possible that their contract is cleverly worded so that ANY change is regarded as a cancellation. (If that's true, see below). If the wording isn't like this, stick to your guns - you are not trying to cancel, so a cancellation fee doesn't apply.

If their contract is cleverly worded so that ANY change is regarded as a cancellation, I suggest that you accept these terms, but make it clear to them that ANY change in the contract will be regarded as a break from their side as well. Ask them for the names and addresses of ALL the band members who will be playing, and make it clear that ANY changes to this lineup will be regarded as a break in the contract. Does their contract have a shifting scale for breaking the contract, the closer you get to the day? Because in that case these terms should apply to you too...... One band member goes sick, whole contract is blown........

I don't think all the points I've made above will necessarily work, but I hope this has given you (and other posters) some ideas to take this problem forward - I'm sure we can all work it out between us!

Season's greetings! :rudolf:

nelly_2

Edna_Bucket wrote:

What garbage!

As OP has said - these lot are trying it on - they've been given 7 months notice. Let them take you to Court and prove they couldn't get other work elsewhere in that time. I can't stand whiners.

Try booking the Conway Sisters next July instead - they are sure to be available and will probably be much cheaper

You was doing so well untill you advised booking the Conway mingers