Live Music

Tribute bands are more popular than ever, especially those who pay tribute to acts who are no longer with us. One act however has always been at the top of the tribute act list – Elvis Presley.

Some good and some bad Elvis impersonators keep the dream alive and it’s happening across the board. There are now professional tribute bands for acts such as U2, Take That and more and the truth is they are pretty good! Lots or corporate business are booking tribute bands for their events and these acts are demanding huge fees, sometimes several thousand pounds.

Audiences can’t always get to or afford to go and see their favourite band so tribute bands are a great alternative. Plus for some music fans it is simply not possible to see their favourite act any more as they have sadly passed on so for them it is great to relive the experience all over again – all be it a tribute.

Many music agents have caught on the idea of tribute acts and some have a whole list of acts on their list. Tribute bands are proving to be big business! A contributing factor to their success is that many music lovers are not catered for by what the record labels are offering in 2011.  Today’s music does not appeal to everyone so many are looking elsewhere. Many grew up with bands from previous decades and feel the modern music has let them down.

There is a whole debate about what good music is and what isn’t but what is important in the music industry is that there is something for everyone. There is a whole social element to tribute bands too such as dressing up for an 80’s themed party and dancing along to an 80’s tribute band. Other popular tributes include Pink Floyd and Queen. In fact the Queen tribute band ‘Killer Queen’ even have a dedicated stage show to accurately recreate the experience of being at a Queen concert.

It seems music fans are willing to pay for such show with these bands often selling hundreds if not thousands of tickets. Of course it is also much more affordable than the price you would pay for a ticket to see the real artist and often you can hardly tell the difference.

So – why not take a look at your local gig listings and find out where you nearest tribute act are performing. You might just be surprised at how good they actually are!

So it’s your big day coming up and inevitably you need to find great wedding entertainment. There are thousands of live bands out there but how do you go about finding a quality wedding band? Unless you happen to know a really great band on your doorstep then you will have to look elsewhere. On the most important day of your life you don’t want to take any chances with the entertainment. In cases such as this your first port of call should be an entertainment agency.

You can find one simply by searching the internet. It’s important thought to have a look through the range of cover bands they supply. There are lots of very reputable music agents out there but as in any industry you have to be careful. You will get a feeling for how trustworthy the agent is so trust your instincts.

It’s important to speak to the agent and tell them your exact requirements. They will have a range of wedding singers and function bands that can perform in a variety of genres so have a think first about what style you want. Soul and funk bands are very popular for weddings. The agent will direct you to bands on their website where you can usually listen to demo recordings or watch videos. This is a hugely important step and you probably won’t get the opportunity to watch the band live. Listen carefully to how well the band play together and the quality of the recording. A band that has spent some time on their promotional material are often serious professionals. Bear in mind that the recording may sound very different to the band live so try and watch a video too.

If you can speak to past clients about the quality of the band then that is a good start. At least then you will have a bit more confidence in their abilities a wedding musician. You may also be able to find reviews of bands online. There are several good sites out there simply by searching the internet. Some entertainment agencies allow users to rate bands on their site which can be a good indication as well as user reviews. If possible always ask to speak to past clients and get an impartial opinion. The standard of bands through entertainment agents do tend to be high but a bit of extra research doesn’t do any harm.

By working with an entertainment agent you are sure to get professional advice and guidance and it will take the stress out of planning your entertainment needs. After all it’s your wedding days and you need it to be as stress free as possible! There are many really great bands out there to get your party going. For more information on professional wedding entertainment or to hire a band, then get in touch with Music Live who can offer impartial advice.

It’s true - the 80’s are back! The decade of pop hits is making its way back onto the live music scene. Some of the huge acts are reforming for another assault on the chart and some are even touring again. Duran Duran are about to embark on a national tour and they’re not the only ones.

Function bands and tribute bands are also getting in on the act. There are a great many 80’s cover bands out there performing up and down the country on a smaller scale to audiences that simply love the 80’s. Visit any entertainment agents website and there are sure to be several 80’s tribute bands.

Let’s face it a lot of 80’s music had that feel good factor and that’s what we all love. Even in 2011 when Wham comes on most of the room is up on the floor doing their thing. That kind of nostalgia has a place in our hearts and so it should. While perhaps not some of the most challenging music ever written the catchy melodies and cheesy lyrics just work. They shouldn’t but they do.

Therefore many gigging bands have caught on to the new found interest in 80’s music and polished up a set of the biggest hits. Doing the rounds in pubs and clubs throughout the UKthey earn a good living. A lot of corporate parties book 80’s bands for their events too. Now in their 30’s the 80’s kids have grown up and are successful business people.

There are also a range of 80’s radio stations popping up on the internet with ever growing audiences. Commercial local radio still includes the hits of the 80’s in their playlists as they know what draws in audiences. Record labels are releasing 80’s albums for the second time or compilation 80’s albums.

You probably know of someone who has thrown a party with an 80’s theme. The eighties are everywhere! As well as the music at 80’s theme parties most of the fun is dressing up in mullet wigs and other 80’s gear.

As the huge stars of the 80’s are touring again perhaps you should grab a ticket and relive your youth. If you are from the younger generation the go along to see what you’re missing – you will probably find you know most of the songs! That’s what’s great about the 80’s. It crosses over from one generation to another. Whether you like it or not the 80’s are back!