ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2014, Volume 4 | Page 46

The much-acclaimed DICK WAGNER passed away at the
age of 71 this July, leaving behind a nearly 5 decade legacy
of recording, stage shows and solid friendships based on
his honorable character and willingness to foster the
success of artists. Co-writing and playing masterful guitar
on ALICE COOPER’S 1975 classic “Welcome to My
Nightmare”, Wagner also wrote and contributed to
albums by many notable names in the music industry, the
likes of: KISS, HALL AND OATES and BILLY JOEL; along
with touring and opening for JEFF BECK.
Wagner penned the classic song “Only Women Bleed”,
that has been covered 30 times by artists as diverse as
TINA TURNER, GUNS N’ ROSES and TORI AMOS. Dick
Wagner was very active managing and developing artists
up until the last few months of his life. He will be greatly
missed.
***
Meeting club owners for the first time in prospective venues you wish to play is a business
conference and should be treated as such. I have witnessed some deal-killing stunts
perpetrated by bands and solo artists negotiating to play for pay, and auditioning for a spot
on a premium night or weekend. These things should be common sense to the average,
reasonably intelligent person. However, I will bring them up anyway. #1) Never go into a
club to meet the owner and negotiate playing for pay without any money at all whatsoever,
ask the bartender for a glass of water and leave no gratuity. At least order a soda and flip
the bartender a few bucks as a token gesture of good will. This demonstrates you are a team
player and understand the concept of gratis. #2) Be cordial and polite, but do not gush, act