I don't understand some folks. Singing isn't work, but perfecting one's craft is, practice, arranging, time spent booking, travelling, setting up, breaking down, equipment upkeep, etc. certainly is. I often tell folks that they aren't paying me for performing, I love doing that. It's everything that goes with it that they are paying for. I once had a pub owner, who was trying to convince me to play for less. He wanted our band very badly because he knows we fill houses, folks have a great time, they stay in their seats and buy product, and he always has a good evening. I told him I wouldn't take a cent less, and he accused me of being in it only for the money. I asked him what he was in it for? I told him I would take less if he charged less for the drink. He, of course, declined saying he was the one with overhead. I challenged him to put his overhead and net profit up against mine. He again declined. People just don't realize the investment we have in our music.

As to work visa fees, they just are what they are. If you aren't building them into the equation when you plan a tour, including the appropriate time frames for filing, the problem is yours, not the agency involved. Musicians need to act like pro's and understand the business side of all this. If all you want to do is sing a few songs for your mates, fair enough. But if you are taking the tuppence, you have to put on a professional show, and you have to plan as if you are in business. These fees are a part of that.

All the best,

Mick