set list question

[friskinator]

The band i just left played a lot of 60s and 70s tunes. The BL wanted to add some new music to the set list for the younger people, so we added New Years Day. Always got a laugh when we rehearsed that tune.

Assuming you mean the U2 song, that came out in 1983. If the "younger" people your BL added it for are in their 50s, then you're good!

The truth is, no matter what your set list consists of, being a cover band is difficult these days. It's so hard to find the perfect combo of songs people will like based on the market and demographics.

 

[EddiePlaysBass]

What is it about for you?

Having fun, and playing to the best of my abilities. I am now also learning to play the uke, and I mean do more than basic 3-chord strumming. I will probably never play out, or play in front of someone. Doing it purely for my own betterment and enjoyment. That's what it's all about for me.

 

[richntiff]

in my estimation - based on two different bands that play ( between the two) oldies (60’s) to current pop, some 80’s rock, some 90’s rock, classic country, new country, etc.... seriously a wide gamut that I’m lucky to be part of.

1) pre 1980? Forget about it - unless it’s a super fun tune. Joy to the World - that song kills in all age ranges. Born to be Wild? Uhhhhh NO! Secret Agent Man? Do you know how many will go bonkers for that weirdo song??? A LOT. I unfortunately don’t get to play any Motown stuff - but I’d bet that entire catalog is going to KILL.

2) whoever mentioned booty shaking music? Yes! This is where you need to be. It’s truly less decade/genre dependent than we’d all like to think ( but please - still refer to 1) lol). You want people dancing. That is your Job. Everyone dances to a groovy beat. It’s human nature.

3) I don’t care what your chosen era etc is. Have ( or FIND) a female vocalist, and play Shania Twain if at all possible. You are guaranteed fantastic female audience participation, guys buying beer, happy club owners, and the bonus of some fun bouncy music with cool backing vocals. It’s a sure thing. I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s a silver bullet, the Golden arrow, the path to total enlightenment. Throw in some Carrie Underwood and you are ‘omg the besht band everrrrrr.... ‘

Your job as a cover style musician - is to make people dance, get thirsty, and generally have a great time. Full stop.. That being said - one of my soundcheck noodle tunes WILL be something from Tool or Clutch.

 

[rockdoc11]

1) pre 1980? Forget about it - unless it’s a super fun tune. . . . I unfortunately don’t get to play any Motown stuff - but I’d bet that entire catalog is going to KILL.

One of the best things about my 50 years a bassist has happened just these last couple of years. I was in a hobby band that played Diana Krall/Norah Jones "adult" type stuff. We occasionally did gigs that were received so-so.

For one such gig, just for the goofiness of it, we learned a disco song (Donna Summer's Hot Stuff. It killed!). So we learned more disco era stuff, and those went over great.

So we're now billing ourselves as "classic soul and rock, funk, and disco", and are gigging as much as we want.

Plus that disco stuff is SO much fun as a bassist!

 

[richntiff]

One of the best things about my 50 years a bassist has happened just these last couple of years. I was in a hobby band that played Diana Krall/Norah Jones "adult" type stuff. We occasionally did gigs that were received so-so.

For one such gig, just for the goofiness of it, we learned a disco song (Donna Summer's Hot Stuff. It killed!). So we learned more disco era stuff, and those went over great.

So we're now billing ourselves as "classic soul and rock, funk, and disco", and are gigging as much as we want.

Plus that disco stuff is SO much fun as a bassist!

that sounds FUN!

 

[Groove Doctor]

whoever mentioned booty shaking music? Yes! This is where you need to be. It’s truly less decade/genre dependent than we’d all like to think... You want people dancing. That is your Job. Everyone dances to a groovy beat. It’s human nature.

Your job as a cover style musician - is to make people dance, get thirsty, and generally have a great time. Full stop..

BIG +1.

 

[Michedelic]

Born to be Wild? Uhhhhh NO!

Haven’t played for any biker crowds?
BTW, why is “Secret Agent Man” a weirdo song? A huge hit in its time, a TV show theme song(in the James Bond mold), sing-along hook, killer guitar riff intro, what’s not to love?

 

[richntiff]

Haven’t played for any biker crowds?
BTW, why is “Secret Agent Man” a weirdo song? A huge hit in its time, a TV show theme song(in the James Bond mold), sing-along hook, killer guitar riff intro, what’s not to love?

Personal experience. 9/10 BTBW dies a painful death. We play for a lot of biker crowd types. It’s just done. I don’t mind playing any song that gets people moving. This is not one of them on my area.

Secret Agent Man - yeah, for anyone under 50 it’s a gimmick tune. I’m 47 and for all intents and purposes it’s wayyy before my time. It leads to people stalking the dance floor wielding finger guns. But - I don’t care - it’s fun to play and people enjoy it. I don’t care why!

That being said, we’ve started conga lines with Roadhouse Blues. Find music people actually like instead of what you think they will like, and run with it....