I sympathize with you Fran, by my heart really goes out to the band leader. For you this is a missed job, for him, this a lost client and a bad name.

I always have a less stressful time when I'm playing in someone else's band, because he's responsible for any hitch!

But of course, he should have confirmed with you the previous day especially since you had to make a 120 mile trip...

Any band leader that does not have a backup plan is not prepared at all. If he relies so much on others, then he NEEDS to be prepared for a slipup. Fran just missed a days work. Stu missed the boat altogether. We all make mistakes ... Stu's was not having a backup plan for an emergency. Fran is is NO way responsible for lost wages or reputation.