So now your band is ready to start playing gigs and maybe touring the country on your quest to the heights of fame, these are some useful facts that you should know:

Always Establish How Much You Are Being Paid And/Or How You Will Get The Money. Some examples of the arrangements that you might be offered are: Straightforward fee paid on the night. A small amount, plus half the door take. The whole door take, whatever it may be. A guaranteed payment plus "Pass the hat round" or similar arrangement. In some cases, these arrangements might seem reasonable. In others, they are clearly a "rip-off". The Musicians Union believes that any musician playing for the public should be guaranteed reasonable money.

Also, You Should Make Sure There Are No Hidden Deductions Such As Payments Towards - Hire of P.A. or lights. The cost of publicity. Other 'expenses'. Get a single contract signed (the Musicians Union's Standard No.3 is recommended) OR - Get a letter confirming the engagement (place, time, money, etc) OR - If verbal, try to have a witness when you agree the gig.

Find Out Who Is Responsible For Publicity And Adverstising, Ask The Questions: How will the gig be publicised -posters, handbills, adverts, plugs in local newspapers and on the local radio. If you think the publicity is inadequate or non-existent, make suggestions, and, if necessary, do some of your own. Contact local rock column writer, free "What's On" sheets or newspaper. Local radio. Produce your own posters - Remember that fly posting is illegal, but don't let that put you off, just go in the night or early morning and be quick.

Gigging & Touring Abroad is not uncommon for British bands, even those on small record labels, to attract interest outside the U.K. quite quickly. Should you be offered any gigs or tours abroad, here is some basic advice.

Ensure that all members of the band have current full passports! The tour or engagement should be covered by a written contract (in English) and this contract should be vetted by the Musicians Union's National Office. It is difficult for them to assist you in recovering any unpaid fees, either by legal action or Trade Union representation, if they have not seen the contract in the first place. Fees should never be less than those paid in the U.K. for similar performances.

If you are working with a new Promoter it is wise to ask for some sort of deposit in advance and further payments should be made promptly during the tour at the times specified in the contract. All travelling expenses from the U.K. to the country abroad, in that country and return must be paid by the Promoter. Once again, it is wise to try and get these pre paid.

Accommodation is normally provided by the Promoter and where this consists of bed and breakfast, an additional subsistence payment should be paid to each musician. These payments are commonly referred to as Per Diems and should not be less than £35 per day (May '97). Work permits are required in all non-EU countries. The responsibility for fixing work permits rests with the Promoters of the tour in the country abroad, but you should ensure that permits have been granted before leaving the U.K. Be warned! Many bands have been turned back by U.S. immigration for not having work permits.

If your instruments are covered under the MU Benefits Administration scheme the cover can be extended to apply to tours abroad provided that the contracts have been approved by the Union's National Office. To get your instruments through customs on the way out and on return you will need a carnet (pronounced carnay). Details of how the carnet system works are provided by the London Chamber of Commerce, 33 Queen Street, London EC4R lAP. Telephone 0207-248 4444.

There is always the possibility of illness or accident during the time you are abroad and you should therefore ensure that you are covered for medical treatment. For full details of medical services available in other countries you should contact International Services on 0645 254811 (local rate) or 0191 225 4811. If you are travelling out by van it is sensible to join the AA/RAC/GREENFLAG and take advantage of their free advice on motoring abroad. Finally, if you are taking along your favourite amps, etc, ensure that you have information concerning plugs, power supply and all things electrical for the countries you will be visiting.