When you hire a party band lots of queries may spring to mind. Here you’ll find answers to what we’ve found are the most frequently-asked questions.
How long will you play for?
We normally perform about 2 and a half hours of live music during the evening, generally finishing by midnight. This is generally 3 x 50 minute hour sets with breaks in between or could be either as 2 longer sets. We can alter this to fit your requirements and can play as much or as little music as you require.
Will you play dinner/lounge music?
We can play quiet background sounds earlier in evening, for example during dinner or receptions drinks. By arrangement we can play earlier in the day, for example at a wedding ceremony in the afternoon then at the reception in the evening.
Do you provide background/dancing music?
We use different devices for playing music before, after and between the sets if required - our DJ sets. We have a wide selection of playlists to suit all kinds of tastes. You are welcome to bring your own device to be played through our sound system.
How many of you are there?
We are normally a four piece band – guitar and vocals, drums and vocals, bass and keyboards. We also often perform as a trio where there are space or budget restrictions. Also you have the option of solo guitar vocalist using backing tracks
Do you accept song requests?
We accept first dance requests for weddings regardless of whether the song you would like is on our play list or not. If it’s not on our play list let us know in advance so we have time to learn it. We can normally accommodate any requests from guests that are from our play list.
How is the play list decided?
From our experience, we know what works well at a party so we have a general idea of what we will play. On the night we will read the floor to gauge the mood of the event and alter the play list accordingly. Have a look at our ‘Can We Choose What You Play?’ page
Can we use your equipment to make speeches?
Yes, our equipment is at your disposal throughout the event for making speeches, announcements etc.
Do you charge extra for sound and lighting equipment?
No – we provide our own high quality professional sound and lighting systems and these are included in any quote for the band.
How long do you need to set up?
We need about an hour or so to set up and sound-check comfortably. If there are any access issues to the venue we need to know in advance. Normally we have a chat with the venue anyway to introduce ourselves. All is explained here
Will you set up before the guests arrive?
For parties and weddings we would generally expect to set up a couple of hours before the performance time. On a typical evening we might set up around 6 pm and perform between 8 pm and 12 pm. Setting up a long time in advance of the performance time is sometimes necessary and this can be arranged with prior notification.
How much space do you need?
We can perform with or without staging, indoors or outdoors. If we are to perform on a stage, the ideal stage area we require to perform comfortably is 18ft by 12ft. Where playing without a stage we need about 15 ft by 10ft. For outdoor performances a marquee is ideal or at least some sort of canopy in case of wet weather.
What sort of electrical supply do you need?
We require at least two electrical sockets in the vicinity of the performance area. The full band with all sound and lighting equipment requires power consumption of approximately 4000W, which can be safely provided by 2 standard mains wall sockets.
What will you wear?
This depends on the type of event we are performing at. Our normal stage wear for parties and weddings is smart black outfits. However we can be more formal (e.g. dress suits) or less formal (e.g. carnival events) as the occasion requires.
Can I view the band before booking?
Unfortunately as the vast majority of our bookings are private functions it is rarely possible to view the band. To reassure you, 95% of people book us without having seen us. The other 5% have usually seen us at previous functions. You can check out what we are like live in some of our videos on our media page
How much deposit do you require?
Bookings are confirmed by receipt of a £150/£200 deposit and a signed contract with full details of the event. Balance payment is usually by bank transfer during the week of the booking
What happens if I cancel?
In the event of cancellation, the following cancellation fees will apply:
More than 12 weeks prior: no cancellation fee
4 – 12 weeks prior: 50% of fee required
less than 4 weeks prior: no refund