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Need a replacement for Wonderful Tonight

#61
While I would agree with what most have said about just sucking it up and playing the songs people want, I would also point out that there are literally thousands of songs that you can play that will work. If there is a song that sucks the life out of you to play, it is not a big deal to just pick another one. However, only being willing to play songs that you like to play is a quick way to be unemployed.
 
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#66
Some good suggestions here...I'll check them out.

For those of you in MODERN ROCK cover bands who build your set list around the 7 minute live version of Wonderful Tonight, do you prefer to put it before or after Brown Eyed Girl and Sweet Caroline? I am assuming the traditional placement of Hang On Sloopy to open the set. I also like to leave room for In the Mood, because nothing gets the centenarians out of their (wheel) chairs like a good 'ol Glenn Miller tune.
 
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#73
Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits is probably the closest in feel.

Off the top of my head, there’s also these guys:

I Keep Forgettin’ - Michael McDonald
Lowdown - Bozz Scaggs
What You Won’t Do for Love - Bobby Caldwell

Those are more yacht rock than slow ballad, but they may cover the same ground. And folks love those songs. Fun to play on bass, too.
 
#74
Bullitt5135 said:
As my new band puts together a new song list, I've drawn a line in the sand and have refused to play Wonderful Tonight. I don't care if it's a guaranteed a**-grabber, I'm tapping out. Any suggestions for a slow dance ballad that fits in a predominantly mid-80's and newer alt/modern rock set list? I'd even venture into new country if it's a sure thing.
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I seemed to have missed the part in this post where everyone is commenting on "if the audience wants it", "or the homey don't play that" It sounds like you are putting a set list together, and I didn't read anything about audience requests. Please do everyone a huge favor and don't play this song. I've never seen any cover band play it. Is this song that popular? I can think of four songs in the world that make me absolutely cringe every time I hear them, this one, two others by Clapton, and "Blackwater" by the Doobie Brothers.

Sorry about the rant, I'm pretty sure you can find many audience approved songs other than this one.
 
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#75
InhumanResource said:
Yep. I'll never understand why players don't get this. The only songs you should cut are the ones that don't respond well with the crowd. It ain't about what we like.
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This ^ is what you need to do if you want to be in a successful WORKING band. There are tons of songs out there in all genres but not all of them will put people on the dance floor. My rule of thumb is any new songs on our setlist get played live at least 3 times to make sure they get people up and dancing. If the songs don't work we toss them and get songs that do. Some musicians only want to play certain songs because they get to show off in one way or another - if people aren't dancing you will have a hard time filling your calendar. Play for the people or stay in your garage.
my two cents..
 
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#77
Groove Doctor said:
What's Up? (What's Goin' On) - 4 Non Blondes.
Great audience participation in the Chorus of this one!
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Surprise to me!! We played this for the first time about a month ago in a bar, and it caught us all by surprise when everyone in the bar is singing along!! I don't even like the song! I was totally ***?
 
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