Russ ... you have been very fortunate to develop a base of 'high roller' clientele - sheikhs and other multi/multi millionaires from the 'horsey set', and mega corporations ... something a lot of us have no exposure to, and good for you, for through your talent you have made the most of it ...
But do you not know other talented musicians you could recommend for the gigs you turn down? ... If nothing else, I find it difficult to believe that local colleges and universities don't have talented musicians who can PLAY ...

And Taike, please, your opinion isn't taken any less than anyone else on this forum ... from time to time we ALL say things that are either disregarded or criticized by others - it all depends on what is being said and who is reading it ...

As for DJs. those in the US are no different than those in Europe or anywhere else with their ability to keep people on the dance floor ...

I come from a time when bands were able to play the 'top forty' in their own style and people loved it - it didn't have to sound just like the record - the band we had was well known and people said they "loved to hear our sound" ... what I find disappointing is the fact that today, if it doesn't sound exactly like the record, it is not acceptable, hence the DJs ... I have heard bands who could play the 'top 40' and sound like the original recording, but these are well educated musicians, with 2 or more male and female vocalists and 8 to 10 musicians ...
they make a living playing music,and they demand a lot more money than a DJ ... but they do not play as many gigs as DJs because of the economics ...

Personally, I am very happy I played music with a band at the time I did ... I am just sorry that many musicians, after countless hours of study and practice, will not get to feel that excitement and joy of seeing a jammed dance floor, dancing to the music they are playing, because a DJ is taking their place ...