Here's something I found on a blog this morning which has some good info re gigs for bands.It's posted by an online "Artist development" company..

http://iblogarea.com/willasblog4061/2008/07/06/the-gig-is-up-getting-those-gigs/

I've posted a comment highlighting what I feel are some of the elements most often missed by bands trying to get started. The comments haven't been approved yet so I've added them below in for my readers. What do you think?