Should band members split tips equally?

[KevinD]

These responses are very interesting.. I was just a sideman with the last two artists I played with, but neither one would ever take any tips, they would make it a point to give them all to the band. I just figured that was how it worked when you got to a certain level.. Sounds like that is not the norm.

In past bands we would just split them I guess. Can't remember....probably b/c the tips were never that great anyway.

 

[theludwigman]

Absolutely, they should. In my experience it's looked down upon not to split equally for live gigs, and it's a sure fire way to cause resentments leading to a breakup or at least someone leaving. Composer credits and any associated royalties are one thing (for recorded original material obviously) but in the live realm, every member is contributing equally and therefore should get an equal share for that performance, including the total gross for that show, any merch & tips...

Now, I have been in a few situations where each member contributed what would have been the total of our tips to the general band fund for any upcoming expenses like travel, gear, etc...that's maybe a smarter, more democratic approach to take, even. Either way, as long as it's equally agreed upon...