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Odd song requests for your band
- Thread starter Richland123
- Start date
jive1
Commercial User
My band gets odd requests all the time, and since we're a wedding band we usually do them.
Here's some interesting ones we have done off the top of my head:
Why this Kolaveri Di by Danhush. A Bollywood song we did for a Jewish/Hindu wedding for the groom's entrance.
Father and Daughter by Paul Simon for the father of the bride to sing to his daughter
Maps by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for ceremony music
Sea of Love by Kat Power (from the Juno Soundtrack).
Bright Red Lipstick by Erik Eckstrand - A Swing tune for the bride and groom's first dance
You've Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman for a father/daughter dance
Ruby Soho by Rancid and I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend by the Ramones for a wedding reception.
One Step Beyond by Madness for a wedding reception.
The one request we were unable to do was some song by Zoe Keating since we didn't have a cellist.1
Here's some interesting ones we have done off the top of my head:
Why this Kolaveri Di by Danhush. A Bollywood song we did for a Jewish/Hindu wedding for the groom's entrance.
Father and Daughter by Paul Simon for the father of the bride to sing to his daughter
Maps by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for ceremony music
Sea of Love by Kat Power (from the Juno Soundtrack).
Bright Red Lipstick by Erik Eckstrand - A Swing tune for the bride and groom's first dance
You've Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman for a father/daughter dance
Ruby Soho by Rancid and I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend by the Ramones for a wedding reception.
One Step Beyond by Madness for a wedding reception.
The one request we were unable to do was some song by Zoe Keating since we didn't have a cellist.1
Watched a good, local honky-tonk band play outdoors in the early evening at a family event. An old guy who was drunk or high was dancing and staggering in front of them, playing a harmonica that sounded like it is in C. Same harp no matter what key the song. He's floundering to dance and play, doing poorly at both, screeching the same non-lick about every fifth or sixth measure, not on any particular beat. At the end of every song or two he shouts a variant of "play some blues; I'll join you."
The band ignores him until he starts to climb up the front of the stage. (No security or cops. Lots of couples with strollers.) He can't climb anything, he can barely stand. The BL says "play from down there, we'll give you some blues." They fire up a pretty good version of "Sweet Home Chicago". He wails away, no particular pattern, and staggers around the dance floor. The band goes back to their set list, and at the end of the next song, the character yells out "I said blues you a**h**es. Play me some blues like 'Soul Man'." The crowd, not even a blues crowd, lost it laughing. The band's next number was "Match Box" and the guy yells "that's more like it."
We got a band and a floor show.
The band ignores him until he starts to climb up the front of the stage. (No security or cops. Lots of couples with strollers.) He can't climb anything, he can barely stand. The BL says "play from down there, we'll give you some blues." They fire up a pretty good version of "Sweet Home Chicago". He wails away, no particular pattern, and staggers around the dance floor. The band goes back to their set list, and at the end of the next song, the character yells out "I said blues you a**h**es. Play me some blues like 'Soul Man'." The crowd, not even a blues crowd, lost it laughing. The band's next number was "Match Box" and the guy yells "that's more like it."
We got a band and a floor show.
I think this fits here:
MUSICIANS ARE EXPERT MIND READERS
When requesting a song from the band, just say "play my song", or "it goes something like this" then hum a few bars! We have a chip implanted in our heads with an unlimited database with the favorite tunes of every patron who ever walked into a bar & all songs ever recorded, so feel free to be vague, we love the challenge.
If we do not remember exactly what tune you want, we're only kidding. Bands know every song ever recorded, so keep humming. Hum harder if need be ... it helps jog the memory.
If a band tells you they do not know a song you want to hear, they either forgot that they know the tune or they are just putting you on. Try singing a few words for the band. Any words.
If one member halfway knows part of a chorus, the rest of the band will instantly learn the entire song by osmosis. Knowing this, if the band still claims to not know your song, it helps to just keep requesting the same song every time there is a break.
It also helps to scream your request from across the room several times per set followed by the phrases, "AW COME ON!" and, "YOU SUCK!" Exaggerated hand gestures expressing disapproval from the dance floor are a big help as well, such as the thumbs down or your middle finger. Put-downs are the best way to jog a band's memory. This instantly promotes you to the status of "Personal Friend Of The Band."
Entertainers are notorious fakers & jokers and never really prepare for their shows. They simply walk on stage with no prior thought to what they will do once they arrive. An entertainer's job is so easy, even a monkey could do it, so don't let them off the hook easily. Your request is all that matters.
If a metal band had played at the club a few weeks ago, the next band that follows will automatically know every metal tune the previous band ever played, even if the current band is a blues or country band. It's the law. Feel free to yell AC DC or SLAYER!! to a band that plays strictly originals or jazz for example. Conversely, Deadheads may yell for Grateful Dead tunes at a dance or metal band.
IMPORTANT
When an entertainer leans over to hear you better, grab his or her head in both hands and yell directly into their ear, while holding their head securely so they cannot pull away. This will be taken as an invitation to a friendly & playful game of tug of war between their
head and your hands.
Don't give up! Hang on until the singer or guitar player submits. Drummers are often safe from this fun game since they usually sit in the back, protected by the guitar players.
Keyboard players are protected by their instrument, & only play the game when tricked into coming out from behind their keyboards. Though difficult to get them play, it's not impossible, so keep trying. They're especially vulnerable during the break between songs.
TALKING WITH THE BAND
The best time to discuss anything with the band in any meaningful way is at the middle of a song when all members are singing at the same time (such as a multi harmony part). Our hearing is so advanced that we can pick out your tiny voice from the megawatt wall of sound blasting all around us. Musicians are expert lip readers too. If a musician does not reply to your question or comment during a tune, it's because they didn't get a good look at your mouth in order to read your lips.
Simply continue to scream your request & be sure to over emphasize the words with your lips. This helps immensely. Don't be fooled.
Singers have the innate ability to answer questions & sing at the same time. If the singer doesn't answer your questions immediately, regardless of how stupid the question may seem, it's because they are purposely ignoring you. If this happens, immediately cop an attitude. We love this.
HELPING THE BAND
If you inform the band that you are a singer, the band will appreciate your help with the next few tunes, or however long you can remain standing on stage. Just pretend you're in a Karaoke bar. Simply feel free to walk up on stage & join in. By the way, the drunker you are, the better you sound, & the louder you should sing.
If by chance you fall off the stage, be sure to crawl back up & attempt to sing harmony. Keep in mind that nothing assists the band more than outrageous dancing, third & fourth part harmonies, or a tambourine played out of tempo. Try the cow bell, they love the
challenge. The band always needs the help & will take this as a compliment.
VERY IMPORTANT
Remember to allow enough time to make it from the stage to the bathroom in case of an emergency. On stage accidents are bad form. The band will carry on.
BONUS TIP
As a last resort, wait until the band takes a break and then get on stage and start playing their instruments. They love this. Even if you are ejected from the club, you can rest assured in the fact that you have successfully completed your audition. The band will call you immediately the following day to offer you a position.
See you at the next gig ... The Band
MUSICIANS ARE EXPERT MIND READERS
When requesting a song from the band, just say "play my song", or "it goes something like this" then hum a few bars! We have a chip implanted in our heads with an unlimited database with the favorite tunes of every patron who ever walked into a bar & all songs ever recorded, so feel free to be vague, we love the challenge.
If we do not remember exactly what tune you want, we're only kidding. Bands know every song ever recorded, so keep humming. Hum harder if need be ... it helps jog the memory.
If a band tells you they do not know a song you want to hear, they either forgot that they know the tune or they are just putting you on. Try singing a few words for the band. Any words.
If one member halfway knows part of a chorus, the rest of the band will instantly learn the entire song by osmosis. Knowing this, if the band still claims to not know your song, it helps to just keep requesting the same song every time there is a break.
It also helps to scream your request from across the room several times per set followed by the phrases, "AW COME ON!" and, "YOU SUCK!" Exaggerated hand gestures expressing disapproval from the dance floor are a big help as well, such as the thumbs down or your middle finger. Put-downs are the best way to jog a band's memory. This instantly promotes you to the status of "Personal Friend Of The Band."
Entertainers are notorious fakers & jokers and never really prepare for their shows. They simply walk on stage with no prior thought to what they will do once they arrive. An entertainer's job is so easy, even a monkey could do it, so don't let them off the hook easily. Your request is all that matters.
If a metal band had played at the club a few weeks ago, the next band that follows will automatically know every metal tune the previous band ever played, even if the current band is a blues or country band. It's the law. Feel free to yell AC DC or SLAYER!! to a band that plays strictly originals or jazz for example. Conversely, Deadheads may yell for Grateful Dead tunes at a dance or metal band.
IMPORTANT
When an entertainer leans over to hear you better, grab his or her head in both hands and yell directly into their ear, while holding their head securely so they cannot pull away. This will be taken as an invitation to a friendly & playful game of tug of war between their
head and your hands.
Don't give up! Hang on until the singer or guitar player submits. Drummers are often safe from this fun game since they usually sit in the back, protected by the guitar players.
Keyboard players are protected by their instrument, & only play the game when tricked into coming out from behind their keyboards. Though difficult to get them play, it's not impossible, so keep trying. They're especially vulnerable during the break between songs.
TALKING WITH THE BAND
The best time to discuss anything with the band in any meaningful way is at the middle of a song when all members are singing at the same time (such as a multi harmony part). Our hearing is so advanced that we can pick out your tiny voice from the megawatt wall of sound blasting all around us. Musicians are expert lip readers too. If a musician does not reply to your question or comment during a tune, it's because they didn't get a good look at your mouth in order to read your lips.
Simply continue to scream your request & be sure to over emphasize the words with your lips. This helps immensely. Don't be fooled.
Singers have the innate ability to answer questions & sing at the same time. If the singer doesn't answer your questions immediately, regardless of how stupid the question may seem, it's because they are purposely ignoring you. If this happens, immediately cop an attitude. We love this.
HELPING THE BAND
If you inform the band that you are a singer, the band will appreciate your help with the next few tunes, or however long you can remain standing on stage. Just pretend you're in a Karaoke bar. Simply feel free to walk up on stage & join in. By the way, the drunker you are, the better you sound, & the louder you should sing.
If by chance you fall off the stage, be sure to crawl back up & attempt to sing harmony. Keep in mind that nothing assists the band more than outrageous dancing, third & fourth part harmonies, or a tambourine played out of tempo. Try the cow bell, they love the
challenge. The band always needs the help & will take this as a compliment.
VERY IMPORTANT
Remember to allow enough time to make it from the stage to the bathroom in case of an emergency. On stage accidents are bad form. The band will carry on.
BONUS TIP
As a last resort, wait until the band takes a break and then get on stage and start playing their instruments. They love this. Even if you are ejected from the club, you can rest assured in the fact that you have successfully completed your audition. The band will call you immediately the following day to offer you a position.
See you at the next gig ... The Band
I love it when some drunk yells out "play something you know". No, we only play songs we don't know. It keeps us on our toes and makes the rest of the audience happy.
Played in an Elvis Presley tribute band for several years.
We got requests to play Status Quo, ABBA, "that song from Grease, you know, humdadah humm..."
Or, even more fun: "Can you play Suspicious Minds?" >> when we already played that song that night...
We got requests to play Status Quo, ABBA, "that song from Grease, you know, humdadah humm..."
Or, even more fun: "Can you play Suspicious Minds?" >> when we already played that song that night...
I got off a cruise ship last month, and the house band was all requests. 6 nights a week, you call it out, they play it. It was awesome
They closed one set with the only time I've heard a quartet do Bohemian Rhapsody justice.
They closed one set with the only time I've heard a quartet do Bohemian Rhapsody justice.
About a year ago, I was in a trio that covered a mix of classic and modern hard rock. Near the end of the night, a very intoxicated woman got up on stage and demanded to hear Me and Bobby McGee. I've been asked to do that song dozens of times in the past and have concluded that around here, audiences think that any band with a woman in it knows the song.
The guitarist said "Sorry, we don't do that," but that didn't shut her up. She kept insisting that there was no way I could not know the song. Just as a joke, I started to sing the first few lines of Mercedes Benz complete with the Texas accent (I lived there for 8 years and can still do a passable job of mimicking it). That was a mistake, for the woman screamed for me to keep going. By this time, the guitarist and drummer had left to get a drink, so I finished. I think I made her day.
The guitarist said "Sorry, we don't do that," but that didn't shut her up. She kept insisting that there was no way I could not know the song. Just as a joke, I started to sing the first few lines of Mercedes Benz complete with the Texas accent (I lived there for 8 years and can still do a passable job of mimicking it). That was a mistake, for the woman screamed for me to keep going. By this time, the guitarist and drummer had left to get a drink, so I finished. I think I made her day.
I'm in a southern rock/ hard rock band and we play original songs and cover songs. Anyway it was at my school and we were practicing in this room with drums and amps and what not at the back of the school where they let us play. So this dude was roaming the halls with his friends who all talked about being rappers and asked us to play a little Wayne song. I think it was lollipop or something and we just laughed at him. He went on to cuss at us, at which we laughed some more.
Back in the 80's I was playing in an oldies rock band. Someone requested "Green Acres." Our singer could fake just about anything, so we did it. We also found it was a good one to continue to use as an end of the night song to shut up the "we just got here, play some Skynyrd" people at closing time. You'd hear people singing it as they were leaving for the night and I always hoped they woke up with their next day's hangover with that playing on repeat in their heads!
Was playing with my dad in a Covers trio, doing various 60's 70's stuff back when I was 17. I remember one gig getting asked to play some Prodigy.
All I could think to reply was how? How are you supposed to play prodigy as a 3 piece? It just demonstrated a Fundamental misunderstanding of how different music is made.
All I could think to reply was how? How are you supposed to play prodigy as a 3 piece? It just demonstrated a Fundamental misunderstanding of how different music is made.
A few weeks ago a little dude, probably 4 years old, was dancing his butt off at one of our outdoor gigs. He finally got up the courage to come up and request a song - and he asked for The Scooby Doo theme song. Oh man, do I wish we could have played it for him!!!
I was playing a VFW once when a man with a large neck approached the stage and said: "Obviously you guys don't know what VFW stands for. We're all vets here and the kind of songs we like are (proceeds to sing while waving his clenched fist in time) When Johnny comes marching home again hurrah, hurrah . . . or . . . Off we go, into the wild blue yonder . . . or . . . Over hill, over dale, we must hit the dusty trail as those Caissons go rolling along. That's the kind of music we like!"
I had a very hard time not laughing in his face. I wanted to sing
You're in the Army now,
You're not behind a plow,
You son of a b**** you'll never get rich,
You're in the Army now.
My bandmates didn't think it was a good idea. They also vetoed I'm Popeye The Sailor Man.
I had a very hard time not laughing in his face. I wanted to sing
You're in the Army now,
You're not behind a plow,
You son of a b**** you'll never get rich,
You're in the Army now.
My bandmates didn't think it was a good idea. They also vetoed I'm Popeye The Sailor Man.
A few months back, had the exact same senario. at our hotel lounge gig, 40 something women puts some cash in the tip jar and requests all about the bass. we weren't familiar with the tune but on the break gave it a listen. Simple tune so we bust out the lead sheet on the iPad and kill it. Turns out she's the hotel owners wife and dropped $300 in the tip jar.
At a bar gig one evening well before the drunks began to brawl a young lady came up to me and asked the band to "play something we know".. I gave her a dollar and pointed to the jukebox..
