Starting now, Robert’s Westside paying 100% of ticket sales to bands 

Donnie Biggins, owner of Robert’s Westside in Forest Park, is doing what major ticketing companies and music venues won’t – give every dollar made from all ticket sales to performing artists. 

Biggins knows he’s forgoing profit and potential income. And with experience as a concert promoter, musician and bandmate himself, he’s aware of the intense politics in the music industry. It is a completely conscious decision. 

But financial concerns were not at the forefront of Biggins’ mind. He was frustrated with a seemingly backwards system in the music business that values artists, whom the industry would not exist without, the least.  

“Having these relationships that I’ve built … seeing people come through and work with me year after year and listening to what their experience was like working with somebody else, or how they were treated, or what their payout was,” Biggins recalled, “And basically, just being, like, ‘f**k that.’ I’m in control of my finances. And this is what I want to do for you. And so I’m going to do that, and I think you deserve it.” 

And so starting Jan. 1 of this year, Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., will pay 100% of ticket proceeds to the musicians. 

The money artists see from their music, brand or live shows can pale in comparison to the total amount of money generated. After numerous fees, percentage cuts and with some venues even taking a bite out of money made from merchandise sales, artists realize only a sliver of the revenue their art brings in. For bands, already decreased earnings continue to get diced between multiple group members.  

Biggins talked about other local venues where owners take a portion of musician tips at free shows to cover production costs. 

“If an owner tried to take a percentage of tips from a waiter or a bartender, those people would quit on the spot. It’s unethical. So why treat a musician that way?” 

Bobby’s Eastside, the next-door neighbor of Robert’s Westside, lets restaurant-goers and show attendees drop money into a tip bucket right in front of the stage where artists perform. The door to the right of Robert’s Westside is Bobby’s, a bar and restaurant with frequent live shows – free of cost.  

DeeOhGee, a rock ‘n’ roll band based in Nashville, have performed at Robert’s Westside before. Though having played across America and a number of times in Europe, they seek out people like Biggins to connect with.  

“I think what Donnie’s doing, what some of the venues in Nashville do too – that’s an act of humanity and generosity that isn’t required,” Matthew Paige, band vocalist and guitarist, said.  

“We play those festivals that are real, not super mega corporate sponsored festivals. We play real venues that are run by real people. We try to keep it as real as we can, you know, and make it make sense.” 

That shared recognition of humanity and appreciation for live music is part of what’s allowed Robert’s Westside to viably ditch ticket profits. All 2026 concertgoers will know when attending the venue, ticket money is going straight from their wallet into the artist’s pocket. 100 percent of it.  

Biggins, a longtime musician himself, isn’t losing sleep over giving artists money he thinks they deserve.  

“There are takers and givers in this world. I’ve been raised to be a giver, and this is proof of action in my own behavior, and how I can back it up and not be hypocritical.”