Blowzabella Don't start having a go at Ian, or I will really get stuck in. He is a very nice bloke who has a very good voice. He has just made a comment and I am sure he would like to be in a position where he could be a pro going round doing a job that he enjoys doing and that is singing. As it is, he isn't professional, but that doesn't stop him fancying that. Ian together with Rockhen are one of my resident performers that go out in the name of Helian Keys. They are very nice people and have supported me at Faldingworth Live. They always do a very nice floor spot and may I say, sometimes better than some of the supposed professional performers.
From everything that has been said in this thread, most professionals get the fee that they ask for, which may not be what they desire. However, it takes 2 to tango. If the organiser can't afford it, they don't get booked. if the performer doesn't get what they think is a reasonable fee, they don't take it.
One thing for sure in this day and age, nobody has the right to demand that they should be booked just because they are a professional singer. They earn that right. No organiser books a professional performer, unless they have earned that right. And may I add, nobody tells me as the organiser what price to charge at the door at my club, because they don't get booked, in that situation.
What Ian does in his private life has nowt to do with you.