Every show I've ever played where three or four bands played 30-45 minute sets were the all-ages type shows. No alcohol, just come to hear the music type stuff.
When you start doing the bar scene, you usually don't play with any other bands. It's usually you and your band doing three hours of material. The only bar shows I've played where several different bands set up and broke down were sortof disasters. It's hard getting your gear past 200 drunk people and to the van. The last time we did that, my drummer dropped his snare because some drunk fratguy bumped into him. You can imagine the tension that ensued.
An open tab and a percentage of the register (or door if there is a cover) is usually what you can expect. I've only played with a guarantee if I'm having to travel for the gig.
