[Moonrider57]

I guess I shouldn’t complain to be asked to play these days however…….
The last two offers to play have been at bars selling booze n such but as my buddy put it it’s for bubba or stan or someone’s retirement or bday bash. Long and short it’s unpaid for the band. Free entertainment pro bono ! 
Do bands not get paid anymore or just my friends band doesn’t ?

Our band works on the principle stated by Lois McMaster Bujold:

"Never… ever suggest they don't have to pay you. What they pay for, they'll value. What they get for free, they'll take for granted, and then demand as a right. Hold them up for all the market will bear."

That said, we do one unpaid gig a year. It's a benefit show for a local musician who's having medical difficulties. The musician is selected by us as a band, the show is booked with fellow musicians with a connection to the recipient (chosen by us), and organized by us. All proceeds go to the musician, and the venue even chips in a percentage of bar/food sales.