In music, Pay to Play describes when a band pays a promoter for the opportunity to play at a certain live show, instead of being paid for their performance. Most often a band would do this in an attempt to increase exposure. This is a heavily criticized practice, most famously alleged to occur amongst local metal bands in the 1980's.

On Saturday, Oct. 21, the greatest band in the history of Tacoma (in my humble opinion) — Girl Trouble — was supposed to play the Eagles Hall in Olympia. For fans of the band living in Oly, it was going to be a good day.

 
It’s not going to happen. 

From the band Girl Trouble:

It's hard to believe the area that was responsible for the biggest Do-It-Yourself band/label/club revolution in the US is facing many "pay-to-play" scams. Sadly, it's true. We've recently witnessed several big pay-to-play rackets and gimicky losing Pay-To-Play "Battle of the Bands" contests cropping up in our area, and indeed all over the U.S.

WE ARE ALERTING ALL BANDS: STAY AWAY FROM "PAY-TO-PLAY SCAMS".

If you hand over money before you get on stage, whether it's in pre-sold tickets or direct cash, YOU ARE PAYING TO PLAY. Don't fall for this scam. The only people these companies are "helping" is themselves. Believe us, after 22 years we know what we are talking about! It's hard enough to be in a band, maintain equipment, find suitable practice space, keep a van running and stay together without sharks like this screwing you over. Book your own shows, deal with reputable club bookers directly AND NEVER, EVER pay-to-play.