Don't get butt hurt if your now popular friend does not cut you fat deals anymore. It is the natural progression of the hard worker to eventually build their way up the ladder and increase their worth. You should be supportive and excited for their success. Don't get all bitchy and say "they've changed man". When you think about it, you are probably the one who actually changed for being a dick head friend now, that feels they owe you something. Maybe they do owe you some gratitude for helping them in the beginning, but there are many factors on why they may not be able to play your show for dirt cheap anymore.
They may only be able to play a limited amount of times within a certain region due to contract restraints. Their agent also gets a cut of their fees, so a hook up can cut into other people's pockets besides their own. Sometimes word gets out that they are cutting deals. Next thing you know, they are getting hounded by anyone who simply interacted with them once, asking them for insane deals that are rude and unprofessional. Most DJs have a minimum too, so some other promoters may get all pissy if they find out they paid way more for an artist than you did.
Sometimes giving out deals makes people assume your value is low, or you fell off. It can lower your appeal if people know they can just see you in the forest for free somewhere, anytime they want. So why would they pay $20 to see you in a club? That mentality not only damages the artist, but it makes the promoter, club owner, and anyone else involved lose profits. This is a business after all.
The music industry is a lot different than it was 10 years ago. Most of the money is made in live shows now, not record sales, so you are cutting into their main source of income if you ask for a deal. You may as well, quite literally, reach into their wallet and steal cash directly from them. If they do cut you one last deal, be grateful and don't guilt trip them into hooking you up all the time from now on. Sometimes your budget is too low to afford them anymore. Don't get mad at them if they can't work with your budget anymore. I assure you it is nothing personal.
Maybe it was someone in your crew who blew up, and you are jealous. It is natural to feel a bit of jealousy when someone surpasses you, but you should turn that jealousy into motivation. Your crew is family. Their success should inspire you to work harder to catch up. That is the best way for a crew to work and grow together. Don't be too shy to ask them to help you get to their level either. Most likely they would love to see you at the top with them.
If you are the one who blew up, and are feeling guilty that you can't hook your friends up as much as before, you should realize that a true friend would completely understand. Don't let people use you and take advantage of you. I'm not saying to completely cut everyone off, and only do stadium shows from here on out, but try to be selective.
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