Complete Guide to Hiring a Tribute Band: Event Planning, Costs and Advice

How to Hire a Tribute Band

Tribute bands are one of our most popular entertainment bookings – and no surprise, when they bring so much fun and energy to your event, along with songs that everyone will know and love.

You can search for a Tribute Band near you and contact them direct, with no booking fees, through our site.

You can hire a Tribute Band for a wide variety of events – to make a Birthday really special for a big music fan, to bring your theme to life at your wedding or for perfect prom entertainment.

How to Hire the Right Tribute Band for Your Event | Types of Tribute Band for Hire | Booking a Tribute Band for Your Wedding | How Much Does a Tribute Band Cost to Hire? | How long Will a Tribute Band Perform For? | Set-up Requirements

How to hire the right Tribute Band for your event

When you’re hiring a tribute band and you’re looking for quality, it’s a good idea to check them out before booking. Some bands replicate the sound of the original band more precisely than others. If you’re looking for a highly authentic performance, you might want to compare a few different bands. Have a listen to their demo recordings and take a look at their video clips. This will give you a good sense of what you’re getting on the night.

Tribute bands are a fun and inspired choice of entertainment for weddings, corporate functions, gala dinners, Christmas parties, receptions, trade shows, exhibitions, product launches, VIP events, birthdays, anniversaries, theatre shows, community fun days, street fairs, festivals, shopping centres, work parties, conferences and more. Their music tends to have wide appeal, with instantly recognisable songs and costumes. They also take audiences on a trip down memory lane and are a great choice for vintage-themed occasions.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular tribute bands available for hire.

60s Tribute Bands

Vintage has never been so popular and the upbeat, free-spirited music of the sixties is sure to draw a crowd at trade shows, product launches, shop openings, galleries, cafes and bars. You can expect beehive hairdos, mop-tops and hit after hit,  encompassing a rich cocktail of styles, from pop, rock and folk to Merseybeat, psychedelic and R’n’B.

For fans of The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks, The Doors, The Small Faces, The Mamas and the Papas, James Brown, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys and Jimi Hendrix, celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries will come alive with the magic and flamboyance of the decade. The music appeals to guests of all ages so everyone will be happy.

Imagine how your 1960s-themed party will explode with far out tunes like ‘I’m a Believer’, ‘Hey Jude’, ‘Respect’, ‘Good Vibrations’ and ‘I Got You Babe’. Your venue will be buzzing with the sounds of the sixties. So grab your beads, bell-bottoms, mini-skirts, tie-dye and paisley and feel the flower power with our 60s Tribute Bands.

Doo Wop Dolls Queensland

The Doo Wop Dolls | 60s Tribute Band | Queensland

70s Tribute Bands

The seventies was the decade of excess. Lavish rock, glittering glam, disco and punk all formed a magical melting pot, complete with outrageous costumes and more glitter and hairspray than you could throw a platform boot at. For a extra-large helping of fun and nostalgia, you can’t beat booking a 1970s tribute band.

You and your guests will be bopping away to the ultra cool glam rock of T.Rex and David Bowie and strutting your funky stuff to the dazzling disco of Blondie and Donna Summer. Music in the 1970s involved a lot of dressing up, so you can expect your band to look the part. Band members will be dressed in pantsuits, ponchos, capes, colourful make-up, kinky afros, halterneck tops and studded denim and spandex.

You can expect to hear music from all of the biggest bands of the decade, including Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Sex Pistols, The Ramones, Bob Marley, The Bee Gees, Aerosmith, ABBA and Pink Floyd.

This is a decade that holds a special place in people’s hearts. A 70s tribute band will sway potential customers at a trade show, shop opening or product launch, with uplifting and instantly recognisable songs and a striking visual impact.

A 70s tribute band is a great choice for a Halloween event, Rocky Horror-themed party or Glam/Punk-themed get-together and if you’re putting on Christmas entertainment, the seventies delivered a ton of festive hits including ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ by Slade, ‘I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday’ by Wizzard and ‘Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time’ by Paul McCartney.

Birthdays, anniversaries, holiday camp entertainment, discos and social clubs – if you’re looking for fun, glamour, great tunes and a chance to dance your socks off, you can’t go wrong with a live band cranking out ‘20th Century Boy’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, Stuck in the Middle With You’, ‘Live and Let Die’, ’Staying Alive’, ‘Rivers of Babylon’, and ’Save Your Kisses for Me’. Your friends and family will have a blast dressing up in flares, denim, mohawks, glitter, platform shoes and studs with our 70s Tribute Bands.

Vision of Mercury Queen Tribute Band

Vision of Mercury | Queen Tribute Band | Nottingham

80s Tribute Band

What a decade. The 1980s spawned an impressive array of stars, beloved by fans to this day. For those of us who grew up in the ‘80s, watching Top of the Pops every week and buying our first singles on vinyl, the music of Bon Jovi, Madonna, Prince and Duran Duran will never die. The list of 1980s icons is huge. Spandau Ballet, Wham!, Culture Club, David Bowie, Eurythmics, Phil Collins, Run DMC, Whitney Houston, UB40, Madness and Michael Jackson are just some of the big names of the era.

Bang in the middle of the decade was Live Aid, an historic benefit concert held at Wembley Stadium, organised by Bob Geldof and with synchronised events across the globe. It was one the largest-scale television broadcasts of all time with an estimated audience of 1.9 billion, across 150 nations. Nearly all of the biggest artists of the day performed, including Queen, who put on a career-defining show, the likes of which no one had ever seen.

These stars were extraordinary and the music was a melting pot of synth pop, rock, funk, soul, hip-hop and reggae. Fun, infectious pop with powerful vocals, colourful outfits and big hair will bring the ultimate party mood to any occasion, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, anniversary, work party, corporate event or product launch.

If you’re organising an ‘80s night, you’ll need music to match, and a live band will recreate the sounds of the decade, turning your venue into a bouncing disco heaven. Guests of all ages will be dancing non-stop to catchy tunes such as Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’ and Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ and will love dressing up in leg-warmers and bangles.

An 80’s tribute band is also perfect for a movie-themed night, with songs from ‘Fame’ and ‘Footloose’, ‘What a Feeling’ from Flashdance, and ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’ from Mannequin. These hits sound just as good today as they did back then!

For the rockers out there, the ‘80s has some belters to offer, from Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ and ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ by Guns N’ Roses to AC/DC’s ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ and ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor. Put on your denim jackets and don’t forget your headbands. You and your guests will be rocking your socks off with these classic rock anthems.

For a night of pure ‘80s fun, hire an 80s Tribute Bands. Find set lists on their profiles, along with video clips and testimonials, so that you can find your perfect band.

Fantastic 80s Tribute Band

Fantastic 80s | 80s Tribute Band | South East UK

ABBA Tribute Bands

Abba are known the world over and reigned supreme in the disco era of the late 1970s and early 1980s, selling hundreds of millions of records worldwide and topping the charts pretty much everywhere. Yet today they are more popular than ever, partly thanks to the smash hit Mamma Mia movies. Always a favourite at karaoke and sing-a-long cinema experiences, we just can’t seem to get enough of these Swedish sensations.

The tunes are catchy beyond belief and appeal to children and adults, so for a fun-filled birthday party, anniversary, ‘70s disco, wedding reception or corporate event, what could be better? Family, friends and co-workers will not be able to resist dancing and singing along to Abba’s greatest hits such as ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘Waterloo’.

Abba Tribute Bands provide the full four-piece line up, featuring Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha. You can expect awesome vocals, great musicians and the trademark satin jumpsuits and platform boots. Many Abba tributes also offer a disco package so that people can carry on dancing after the band has finished playing.

For a slice of glitter-infused nostalgia, guaranteed to bring the audience together, why not book a night of Abba Karaoke styled celebrations for your hen do or stag do? If you hire an Abba Tribute Band they will add sparkle to just about any occasion, and make your event shine.

Waterloo Live

Waterloo Live | Abba Tribute Band | Midlands

Beatles Tribute Bands

The Beatles really need no introduction. Suffice to say they formed in Liverpool in 1960 and in the space of a decade, became the most influential and best-selling band in history. The Fab Four, as they were fondly known, experimented with a variety of musical styles, including pop ballads, rock ’n’ roll, Indian music, psychedelia and hard rock.

Bring a bit of Beatlemania to your corporate event, trade show or product launch and your customers and clients will not fail to be impressed. If you’re hosting a birthday or anniversary party, drinks reception, gala dinner or community event, your guests will be in for an upbeat, fun-filled show full of energy and nostalgia. For anyone who was around in the sixties, the songs of the Beatles hold endless precious memories.

When you hire one of our Beatles Tribute Bands, you’ll get four top drawer musicians capable of emulating John, Paul, George and Ringo in both sound and appearance. From the mop-top haircuts of the early days through to those distinctive Sgt. Pepper outfits, all of the band’s different phases will be covered. Only the finest musicians will even attempt to pay tribute to the Beatles and no detail is overlooked. You can expect a high-quality, authentic performance and the audience will soon forget that they’re watching a tribute band at all.

It would take pages and pages to list all of the Beatles’ hits here but classic tracks such as ‘Hey Jude’, ’Twist and Shout’, ‘Yellow Submarine’, ’Saw Her Standing There’, ‘Hard Days Night’, ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’, ‘Love Me Do’, ‘From Me To You’, ‘Day-Tripper’ and ‘We Can Work It Out’ are sure to feature. When you hire a Beatles Tribute Band, make sure you let the band know which songs are your favourites so that they can include them.

Vox Beatles Tribute Band

Vox | The Beatles Tribute Band | Brighton

Blues Brothers Tribute Bands

The Blues Brothers was an American blues and soul revivalist band, founded in 1978 by comedy actors Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, who went on to star in the Blues Brothers movie in 1980. It was a musical comedy film, featuring performances from major rhythm and blues, soul and blues stars of the time, including James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and John Lee Hooker, as well as non-musical roles from acting stars such as Carrie Fisher, Henry Gibson, Charles Napier and John Candy. It has since become a cult classic.

Set in Chicago, with the lead actors dressed in black suits, trilby hats and shades, the Blues Brothers characters are always popular at fancy dress and movie-themed parties. Hire a charismatic Blues Brothers Tribute Show and you’re bound to draw a crowd at a trade exhibition or product launch.

At a birthday party, black-tie event, dinner and dance evening or wedding reception, the entire audience will want to shake a tail feather to ‘Think’ by queen of soul Aretha Franklin, ‘Minnie the Moocher’ by jazz superstar Cab Calloway and of course, the timeless ‘Everybody Needs Somebody to Love’ by Solomon Burke. Hire a Blues Brothers Tribute Band if you are a lover of blues and soul music, comedy films, or both!

Bon Jovi Tribute Bands

Combine the rich, rasping vocals and incredible range (not to mention rugged good looks) of Jon Bon Jovi and the mega-talent of Richie Sambora on guitar and you’ve got one of the most successful rock bands of all time.

Hire a Bon Jovi Tribute Band for your work get-together, end of year party, Christmas or leaving do and you can bet that by the end of the night, your bosses, co-workers and clients will be arm in arm, jumping about and singing their hearts out to rock anthems ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’, ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’, ‘Bed of Roses’ and ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’. What a wonderful ice-breaker!

If you want entertainment that packs a punch for a trade show, product launch or shopping centre, the wide appeal of Bon Jovi’s catchy rock tunes and big guitar riffs will create a buzz and generate plenty of interest surrounding your product.

Audiences at corporate functions, work parties and family celebrations will love these uplifting rock classics. You could even set up an extra mic on stage and invite guests to sing along with these rock gods of the ‘80s!

Heavy rock, acoustic rock and rock ballads, Bon Jovi has it all. So, if you’re looking for live music for your 1980s-themed party or rock night, get decked out in your leather trousers, denim jackets, scarves and big ‘80s rock hair and go out in a blaze of glory with our Bon Jovi Tribute Bands.

Bruce Springsteen Tribute Bands

Bruce Springsteen, affectionately called ‘The Boss’, is an American rock singer-songwriter and pop icon, known for his poetic lyrics and Jersey Shore roots. His songs often deal with the struggles of working class American life. One of the best-selling artists of all time, he’s famous for upbeat rock anthems such as ‘Born to Run’, ‘Glory Days’ and ‘Born in the U.S.A’ as well as more sombre and reflective tracks including ‘Dancing in the Dark’, ‘Streets of Philadelphia’ and ‘I’m on Fire’.

So, if you have a hungry heart for some nostalgic all-American tunes, then hire a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. You’ll get all the big hits and a powerful stage show with wide appeal. This is perfect entertainment for festivals, rock-themed events, American-style celebrations, award ceremonies, weddings and anniversaries.

In his trademark T-shirt, jeans, headband and guitar, a professional Bruce Springsteen tribute artist will bring you that distinctive voice and energetic stage presence, and the band will deliver that heady combination of classic rock ‘n ‘roll and pop synth sounds. Audiences will be singing along, reminiscing and rocking out to the raw talent of our Bruce Springsteen Tribute Bands.

Eagles Tribute Bands

The Eagles formed in Los Angeles in 1971 and their effortless blend of country rock, blues rock, folk rock, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, bluegrass, soul and funk has been described by Rolling Stone Magazine as California Rock, with free-spirited, free-ranging country-tinged vocal harmonies and hard rock guitars and lyrics.

Main band members through the years have included Don Henley on drums and vocals, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon on guitar and vocals, Joe Walsh on keyboards and guitar and Randy Meisner on bass guitar and vocals. The band’s cool, California vibe and exceptional songwriting talents have cemented their place in history as one of the most popular bands of all time.

If you’re looking for laid back, groovy rock, with themes that often evoke the wild west and the desert, an Eagles Tribute Band will bring a happy, hippy feel to your celebrations. So take it easy and relax with hits such as ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ and ‘Best of my Love’. Raise a glass to the chilled-out ‘Tequila Sunrise’ and go starry-eyed with romantic ballads including ‘Desperado’ and ‘Take it to the Limit’. Get groovin’ to the catchy ‘Heartache Tonight’ and the funky ‘One of These Nights’, not forgetting the mysterious ‘Hotel California’. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave!

If you book an Eagles Tribute Band, you’ll get all the exotic atmosphere of California delivered through authentic performances of these gorgeous songs, played by top notch musicians. So, impress your guests with some of the finest country rock music ever written at your party, gala dinner, corporate occasion, VIP event or theatre show and get that peaceful easy feeling with our talented Eagles Tribute Bands.

Frankie Valli 4 Seasons Tributes

Frankie Valli was the frontman of American band The Four Seasons from 1960. He was famous for his powerful head voice, most striking in the hit ‘Sherry’ where he really hits the high notes with his trademark piercing falsetto. The other three singers in the band were Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi and the band performed some of the greatest hits of all time, in the styles of rock ‘n’ roll, easy listening, ballads, pop and blue-eyed soul.

Just hearing these songs evokes the innocence and romance of the 1960s. From  ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like a Man’ and ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ to ‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine (Anymore)’, ‘December, 1963 (Oh What A Night!)’, and ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow? Frankie also sang the theme song to the movie Grease, written by the Bee Gees.

The popularity of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons has surged since 2005, when the musical Jersey Boys opened on Broadway. The show is biographical, telling the band’s story from the point of view of each member, and featuring performances of many of their hit recordings. The show has been widely acclaimed, winning six Tony Awards and spawning touring companies around the world, including a version at Paris Las Vegas. It was even adapted into a movie by Clint Eastwood in 2014!

With a Frankie Valli Tribute Band, you’ll get a top notch vocalist capable of replicating Frankie’s distinctive voice and a band dressed in authentic smart suits and bowties. For long time fans of the Four Seasons, events with a 1960s theme, theatre shows, black-tie events and corporate functions, hiring a Frankie Valli Tribute Band is an excellent choice that will have particular appeal to older audiences.

Jersey Boys Liverpool

The Jersey Boys | Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons Tribute | Liverpool

The Rolling Stones Tribute Bands

Quite simply the greatest rock and roll band of all time. Formed in London in 1962, the Rolling Stones formed part of the British Invasion, the cultural phenomenon that saw them, the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five and the Kinks, among others, storm the charts in the U.S with their own brand of rock ‘n’ roll, blues and pop.

The Rolling Stones started off playing blues and rock ‘n’ roll but in the five decades that followed (yes, they’re still performing today, although not releasing albums anymore) their music has evolved to include country, disco and soul, although it’s all played with the no nonsense, rocking rhythm guitar of the legendary Keith Richards.

Mick Jagger is one of the most charismatic frontmen of all time and he creates a powerful, interactive show. Audiences are on their feet before he’s even sung a word and the songs are so famous that everybody sings along. If you’re looking for upbeat live music that’s packed with energy, infectious tunes, awesome guitar riffs, quality rock ‘n’ roll and a whole lot of fun, this is the tribute band to go for. Delegates at a trade show or convention, VIPs at an awards ceremony and guests at a company get-together will all be glad they came!

A Stones tribute band would not be complete without a convincing Mick. You can expect all of his trademark mannerisms, rock ‘n’ roll posturing and famous moves, some of which he learned from none other than the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll herself, Tina Turner. Yes, with a Rolling Stones tribute band, you sure are in for a treat.

Keith will be up front sporting his signature headbands, colourful jackets, scarves and earrings. The whole band will be made up of superbly talented musicians and even Ronnie, Charlie and Bill will be dressed in authentic outfits of each era.

Nobody knows how to party quite like Mick and Keith, and the impersonators will be no different. Whether you want their hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s or ‘80s, or a mix of all of them, a Rolling Stones Tribute Band can deliver.

This is ideal entertainment for a 1960s or 1970s-themed party, birthday party, wedding reception, corporate gig or street fair. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by such famous hits as ‘Brown Sugar’, ‘It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll’, ‘Miss You’, ‘Paint it Black’, ‘Sympathy for the Devil’, ‘Gimme Shelter’, ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, ‘Get off my Cloud’, ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together’ and of course, the obligatory ‘Satisfaction’.

You can use our personal messaging service to ask the band about any special song requests you have, so that they play all your favourites. Even B-Sides and rarities are possible. Our rocking Rolling Stones Tribute Bands will be happy to adapt their set list, to bring you the perfect selection from the band’s vast canon of songs, ensuring that your event is every bit as magical as you dreamed it would be.

James Bond Tribute Shows

If it’s glamour you want, nobody does it better than a James Bond Tribute Show. Expect sequin dresses, tuxedos, belting vocals, luscious big band sounds and all the sultry sophistication you would expect from 007 himself.

With a James Bond Tribute Show, your audience will be treated to the biggest and best Bond numbers, from the iconic theme tune to the many hits sung by such stars as Adele, Dame Shirley Bassey, Tom JonesMatt Munro, Tina Turner, Gladys Knight, Sheena Easton, Carly Simon and Lulu. Top vocalists will perform ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, ‘For Your Eyes Only’, ‘Licence to Kill’ and ‘Skyfall’ with all the vocal range, poise and dramatic delivery of the originals.

Our dashing lookalikes offer mix and mingle entertainment, allowing your guests a rare opportunity to sip cocktails with a James Bond lookalike such as the iconic Sean Connery, rub shoulders with Roger Moore and dish the dirt with Daniel Craig. Alongside them will be impersonators of the famous Bond girls, exuding all the glamour and sex appeal of Ursula Andress, Barbara Bach, Carole Bouquet, Jane Seymour, Daniela Bianchi, Britt Ekland and Halle Berry, to name just a few. And let’s not forget those delectable villains played so brilliantly in the films, by stars such as Christopher Walken, Grace Jones, Louis Jordan, Christopher Lee, Donald Pleasance and Richard Kiel, who was truly terrifying as Jaws, with that mouthful of metal.

For the music, sit back and savour the sumptuous sounds of a professional big band, made up of top musicians who regularly perform in orchestras and shows around the world. From the very first note, everyone will recognise the music.

This is pure showbiz, perfect for Casino, Bond or movie-themed nights, VIP occasions, large-scale corporate functions, gala dinners and red carpet events. Shows can be tailored to your specific requirements, with sets organised to best suit your event. Alluring dancers, worthy of accompanying the famous secret agent, can be included for cabaret-style entertainment, along with atmospheric lighting and special effects.

Many bands also offer a laid back, lounge-style cocktail set with a smaller line up of 2 to 5 band members, for some gentle swing and easy listening as guests arrive for drinks. This is a wonderful way to add warmth and ambiance to the occasion. Most bands also offer live party sets to follow the main Bond show, with your choice of music to get people dancing, or alternatively, disco and DJ services.

Hire a James Bond tribute show for the perfect nostalgia trip. The movie franchise has been going strong for fifty years and it appeals to audiences young and old. Everyone has their favourite Bond, whether it’s the dashing Sean Connery in ‘Dr. No’ and ‘Goldfinger’, the tongue-in-cheek Roger Moore in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ and ‘Moonraker’, or present-day hunk Daniel Craig in ‘Spectre’ and ‘Casino Royale’. Generation after generation have enjoyed these lavish spy movies.

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to hiring an 18-piece orchestra, there are smaller-scale packages on offer, from 5-piece bands upwards. So raise your martinis, shaken not stirred, to our gloriously glamorous James Bond Tribute Shows.

Still not found what you’re looking for? Check out our Other Tribute Bands.

The James Bond Tribute Band London

The James Bond Tribute Band | London

Hiring a Tribute Band for your Wedding

Choosing the right soundtrack for your wedding day can be a challenge, but don’t fret, we have plenty of suggestions to explore more wedding entertainment ideas here where you’ll find plenty of inspiration to set your imagination wander freely.

Here are some handy tips for getting that all important live music just right, from the pre-ceremony right through to the evening reception.

Firstly, you want to choose genres of music that compliment the theme and style of your celebrations and that fit each part of the day. You also want music that appeals to friends and family across the generations, so that everyone feels included. No doubt you will also want to hear those special songs that are precious to you. Live tribute musicians can perform your choice of music and enhance all the glorious emotions of the day, filling it with fairytale moments and all the romance you could wish for.

Pre-Ceremony

Nothing is more welcoming than warm background music playing as guests arrive, greet each other and find their seats. It’s a great way to diffuse the atmosphere and help people relax. Take a look at the wide choice of musicians for hire so you can opt for some mellow guitar or piano music at this point, to ease guests gently into the first part of the day.

Ceremony

Just imagine the groom’s face as you walk down the aisle to a live tribute singer performing ‘At Last’ by Etta James or ‘God Only Knows’ by The Beach Boys. Or perhaps you like your music a bit more on the rugged side, in which case how about an acoustic cover of Bon Jovi’s ‘Bed of Roses’, or the ultimate in romantic ballads, ‘Your Song’ by an Elton John tribute. If you don’t want to hire a full band for the ceremony, you can opt for a smaller line-up with just guitar or piano and vocals. Many tribute bands offer an acoustic duo package, either instead of or as well as a full band line up for later on in the day.

Recessional

At the end of the ceremony and signing of the registers, you’ll want to match the happy mood with some upbeat tunes. After all, you’re celebrating! How about a Beatles tribute band playing ‘Till There Was You’, ‘And I Love Her’ and the beautiful ‘Here Comes the Sun’. Such classic and uplifting music will set a wonderfully warm atmosphere as you finish signing the register and walk out with your family and friends behind you. A 60s tribute band is perfect for a wedding with a classic or vintage theme and all generations will just love hearing these soulful songs, that evoke a more innocent time.

Wedding Breakfast

With the more sombre formalities completed, your wedding breakfast is a chance to relax, chat with guests and enjoy some canapés and champagne, ahead of the speeches. You’ll want to keep the music volume on the low side, so that guests can still make conversation. Again, whatever kind of tribute music you prefer, an acoustic piano or vocal duo performing in the background is ideal.

Evening Reception

This is where a tribute band really comes into its own. From the first dance to the last, a tribute band can hit just the right note. For your first dance as a married couple, a ‘60s band could play ‘Be My Baby’ by the Ronettes, a ‘70s band could play ‘Tiny Dancer’ by Elton John and an 80s tribute band could perform Aerosmith’s ‘I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing’.

Of course, it’s your wedding, so if you want to break from tradition, there’s no reason why you can’t have your first dance to something more upbeat, such as ‘My Girl’ by the Temptations, ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees, or ‘Celebration’ by Kool & the Gang. You can even make it a group dance with your friends! Your special day doesn’t only have to be about romantic moments. It’s also about laughing, reminiscing, singing along and having the time of your life with your best friends.

Looking for some peace and love at your reception? A 1960s Tribute Band can come in many forms, from a 2-piece to a 10-piece band. They will cover pop, rock, soul and Motown, paying tribute to the biggest music stars of the decade, including The Who, The Beach Boys, The Animals, The Monkees, The Supremes, Jefferson Airplane and Freddie and the Dreamers. This music will get everybody doing the Twist!

For a heady dose of glam, go for a 1970s Tribute Band. Decked in big wigs, flares, platform boots, glitter and make-up, the band will bring the fun to your wedding evening with well-loved songs such as ‘Hot Love’, ‘Waterloo’, ‘Ziggy Stardust’, and ‘Night Fever’, all of which are great to dance to.

An Abba tribute act could really light up the evening reception at a wedding. Imagine the looks of glee on the faces of your guests as the curtain rolls up and the band kick off the night with ‘Dancing Queen’. The great thing about Abba, is that we all know and love their lyrics.

When it comes to dance floor fillers, a tribute band will keep your guests bopping all night. Get the crowd in the mood to party with a Bon Jovi tribute band, playing hits such as ‘Runaway’, ‘Bad Medicine; ‘In and out of Love’ and the mighty ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’.

Hire a Beatles Tribute Band and you will get that fantastic Merseybeat sound that Lennon and McCartney were famous for creating. You can expect the best of the Beatles played live, including happy, catchy numbers such as ‘Eight days a Week’ and ‘Love me Do’, that will appeal to guests of all ages.

For something with a bit more attitude, hire a Blues Brothers Tribute Band for your wedding reception and you won’t be disappointed! As the newlyweds are greeting guests, the band will bring your venue alive with ‘Expressway to your Heart’ and ‘Gimme Some Lovin’’. As well as covering the Blues Brothers soundtrack, they can throw in popular blues and soul hits such ‘Mashed Potato Time’ and ‘I Heard it Through the Grapevine’.

The Rolling Stones have always been fantastic at getting a party started, so why not treat your guests to electrifying tracks including ‘Brown Sugar’, ‘Let’s Spend the Night Together’, ‘Start Me Up’ and the famous ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’.

Tribute Bands are all about fun, delivering high-energy performances with authentic costumes and all the impact of the original artist. They can tailor sets to include any special favourites, making great memories of your big day, with friends and family dancing arm in arm, singing along and leaving at the end of the night with a spring in their step and and grinning from ear to ear.

Totally Blondie

Totally Blondie | Blondie Tribute Band | London

How much does it cost to hire a Tribute Band?

This will depend on the number of band members, how experienced they are and how far they have to travel to your venue. Prices will also differ according to the package or options selected. Bigger or bespoke shows, with additional band members or dancers will cost more. Adding on services such as a DJ or disco, or extra PA or lighting equipment may also increase the price.

Tribute Bands tend to charge more at key times of year such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve and for early arrivals, where they are required to set up before 5pm. Top tribute bands will also charge VAT, although many regular tribute bands don’t. Prices vary widely but here is a rough guide to the typical ranges, exclusive of VAT:

Solo Tribute Act: £300 – £600 in the UK ($300 – $600+ in the U.S. and 340 € – 680+ € in Europe)

Duo or Trio Tribute Band: £400 – £600+ in the UK ($400 – $600+ in the U.S. and 450 € – 680+ € in Europe)

Four / Five Piece Tribute Band: £1000 – £2000+ in the UK ($1000-$2000 in the U.S. and 1130 € – 2250+ € in Europe)

High Profile Tribute Band: £2000 to £10,000+ in the UK ($2000 to $10,000 in the U.S. and 2,250€ – 11,270+ € in Europe)

One thing to consider when deciding on your budget, is that it’s worth paying for a reliable band who will provide high quality entertainment. It might be tempting to find the cheapest band you can find, and it might work out fine, but just make sure they are going to turn up on time and deliver a great evening’s entertainment. See our Essential Tips below for information on booking terms and conditions.

Before they even attend your event, band members will have spent many hours in the rehearsal studio and on individual practice. They also have equipment, clothing and marketing costs, travel and set up time. Bands need to factor these things in, on top of their actual performance time.

Since the prices do vary widely, we highly recommend getting in touch with your chosen performers for a completely free, no-obligation quote.

How long will a Tribute Band play for?

Two x 45-minute or two x 60-minute sets is typical, although bands will do their best to tailor this to your requirements. If your event is due to last all day, you can speak to the band and agree on a schedule together. Extra or longer performances will cost more so keep an eye on your budget. If a band is headlining, they might play one set of 60-90 minutes.

Many live bands can offer acoustic sets as well as a full band lineup, or will have the facility to play recorded music through the PA using a laptop. Either way, your guests can enjoy some background music during dinner or in between sets and this will be cheaper than hiring multiple acts.

Venue Considerations

When choosing your venue, it’s a good idea to consider the type of event you’re planning and how much space you’ll need.

Will the band need a stage and if so, what size? Will you need extra room for a DJ or host? Is there room for equipment such as speakers? Is the room big enough for all of your guests? Is there a dance floor? Is there parking and easy access, allowing the band to unload and set up in good time?

Other Considerations

Stage Size

It’s sensible to allow approximately 1.5 square metres per band member (more if their act involves lots of dancing) and 2 square metres for the drummer. Bands will generally be more comfortable and put on a better show when they have plenty of room in which to perform. We recommend using the following guidelines to ensure that your stage is the right size for your band (measurements given are Width x Depth):

Solo Tribute Act: 3m x 2m

Duo or Trio Tribute Band: 3m x 3m

4-5 Piece Tribute Band: 5m x 3m

5-6 Piece Tribute Band: 5m x 4m

7-8 Piece Tribute Band: 6m x 4m

8-10 Piece Band: 7m x 6m

10-12 Piece Band: 8m x 6m

The above space guidelines do not include room for PA systems, speakers and lighting stands, so extra space will need to be allowed for these. Specific stage requirements may be laid out in your contract. If in doubt, check with the band when you book that the venue you have in mind is suitable.

When should I book my Tribute Band?

Popular tribute bands can get booked up months, or even years, in advance. Friday and Saturday nights are often busy for bands and Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve get booked up well ahead of time. So, get your booking in nice and early!

What equipment will my Tribute Band have?

Most bands will need 60-90 minutes for set up and sound check, and will require three or four 13-amp power sockets near to the stage area. At the end of the night, they usually take around 45 minutes to pack down and load out.

Most tribute bands provide their own instruments, PA system, amplifiers, basic stage lighting and a laptop or iPod to play background music in between sets. The PA will usually be suitable for up to 150 people. For larger events, you or the venue may need to provide this, along with lighting. If staging and lighting equipment is not already in place at the venue, and you’re wondering if the band can provide it, it’s best to check this well in advance.

Top tribute bands may have a list of hospitality and technical requirements, known as a rider, which you will have to provide at your own expense.

How can I find and book a Tribute Band for an event near me?

Using Entertainers Worldwide, you can search and browse hundreds of Bands, Musicians and much more! Search now to find a Tribute band or act for your event or Request Multiple Quotes from a selection of Tribute bands – complete this form – this is a free service.

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