Need some feedback about setlists...

[Sterrrling]

So I play in a tribute band and I'm the newest addition to the band, joined last July. I've played a couple gigs with the band and basically have an understanding of how the band works.

I do have a something that bugs me about this band, in that the 2 of the members refuse to change the set list per show. So one night after rehearsal I inquired as to why and the guitarist explained that "because we only play once a month the set list never gets old." I thought that was really odd logic...all the other bands I've ever played in created different set lists for different shows. I think it creates a better show for your audience especially people who come out to repeatedly see the band perform.

So I'm curious...am I thinking about this the wrong way and what does your band do??

 

[topo morto]

Does the band you pay tribute to have any other good songs? Who are they, may I ask?

 

[lowJPG]

Tribute band or cover band?

If its a cover band, it seems like they would want to change it up a little to avoid rehearsals from being boring.

If its a tribute band, the set list may be limited to what is available to play.

 

[Sterrrling]

Its a Dokken Tribute band...I'm not a Dokken expert but they do have some material other than the 80's stuff that's audience-worthy. We play the 80's hits but not all of the "singles" and definitely no deeper tracks.

 

[topo morto]

I'd want to learn a new one now and again, but that takes time that the other members might not have...

OTOH maybe you can fish out a new track or two and start working it up, and drag them along?

 

[electracoyote]

Same set list gig to gig Pros and Cons:

Pro: You get that order ingrained and you can really move at a smokin' energetic pace from song to song. Every aspect of the set becomes like a well-oiled machine, including theatrics and choreography.

Con: If you play often enough, it gets stale for the audience.

Once a month? I'd take the same set list and the impressive polished energetic effect it will have on your show.

 

[Sterrrling]

Low JPG - Tribute band and tribute bands can be limited to available materials but Dokken has a fairly large catalog to choose from.

As a band we've talked about a couple a songs but either the guys say "but no one knows that one" or "that's not one of the popular ones" or they themselves haven't heard the song.

Topo morto - I agree it can take time for a band to learn new material, I wonder if they're not hearing other songs and maybe unaware of the potential for better set lists and or larger audiences.

 

[Bert Slide]

The same show will get stale, not only for fans but for you too. The best tribute bands keep their fans coming back by switching it up a little, like doing special performances of whole albums, special stage shows, or breaking out more obscure material, etc.

 

[obimark]

Does Dokken has 3 sets of material? Don't get me wrong I like Dokken, particularly 80s Dokken, but do they really have 3 sets worth of stuff to cover?? Or do you just do 2 sets? Even if you played all 3 of there whole albums from the 80s with every song, it'd barely be 2 sets...

 

[lowJPG]

Low JPG - Tribute band and tribute bands can be limited to available materials but Dokken has a fairly large catalog to choose from.

Agreed. The best way to get around this is to either sit down and do a one on one with another member of the band and see if you can get them to learn another song. I've always found that if two members can get the basics of a song down, the rest of the band will follow.

If you cannot get another member one on one, then try learning one yourself and introduce it to the band. It may not be pretty the first time you try it as a group but chances are, they will want to learn it on their own time.

 

[Sterrrling]

Thanks LowJPG...definitely valuable points and I can put them to good use.

Obimark - Hahaha...I know its hard to say if Dokken has three sets to keep a club happy for a night. Its questionable but I think there's definitely 2 so far...

Currently, we have an 11 song set list - its an easy hour set. I did recently put together 2 set lists containing 10 songs each and presented it to a couple of the guys. The set consisted of the current playlist and some singles and a few of the more driving songs (to keep momentum) and a song or two that people have requested we play.

I'm happy to continue an energetic hour long set but I know we can do more and think that the guys would enjoy playing longer sets and earning more money if we work towards being open to expanding.

 

[BayStateBass]

The same show will get stale, not only for fans but for you too. The best tribute bands keep their fans coming back by switching it up a little, like doing special performances of whole albums, special stage shows, or breaking out more obscure material, etc.

I would agree with this, but where it's a tribute band and you're the new guy it might be best to just go along with the plan and recommend changes over a long period of time.

 

[Sterrrling]

I would agree with this, but where it's a tribute band and you're the new guy it might be best to just go along with the plan and recommend changes over a long period of time.

Dually noted...I plant those seeds of change carefully and don't mention it unless provoked. Humorously after a couple gigs the drummer came up to me one night after practice and said "you've got this, and you're a good fit and done well live...so you're no longer what Jason Newsted was to Metallica."

Aware that I'm still new the new kid I tread lightly and play heavily and ultimately changes will come when the band (as a whole) is aware and ready to accept them, I'm just hoping that's before things go stale and the band's followers have seen one too many of the same songs.

 

[rusanderson]

I think you could still change up the set as a tribute band. I would think diehard fans would know most of the material, so you could throw in a lesser known song and those fans would really appreciate it. Might even better establish you as a true tribute band.

If you want to keep regulars, you have to switch it up somehow, otherwise your following will stop coming out.

Have you discussed simply switching the order around? That might be enough to help.