What is a function band?
A function band (or cover band / wedding band / party band as they’re also known) is a live band that specialises in performing popular rock and pop music for function events such as weddings, corporate events and private parties. They usually consist of a drummer, bass player, guitarist and lead singer, with larger bands also including a keyboard player, brass section and backing singers.
All Alive Network bands are a self-contained entertainment package, providing all of the equipment required when you book a band, without clients having to hire additional sound and lighting equipment. They often travel over a large geographical area, and their performances are designed specifically for the demands of private events.
What kind of music do they play?
A band's setlist will contain a variety of rock and popular music from the 1950s right through to current chart acts, performing dancefloor-filling hits. A typical repertoire might feature artists such as:
- The Beatles
- The Rolling Stones
- The Kinks
- Elvis
- Van Morrison
- Stevie Wonder
- Bruno Mars
- The Killers
- Daft Punk
- Taylor Swift
- Take That
- Maroon 5
- Ed Sheeran
- James Bay
- Oasis
- Blur
- Coldplay
- Kings of Leon
- Arctic Monkeys
- Beyoncé
- Justin Bieber
- Katy Perry
You can read more about the songs they play in our article "Function Band Set List Ideas".
Popular types of bands to hire
Guitar bands
Usually formed of 3–5 members with an indie/pop/rock guitar based sound, covering artists like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles through to The Killers and Arctic Monkeys.
Pop/Funk/Soul bands
Containing anything from 5–12 members, often with female lead vocals and more prominent use of keyboards or a brass section, playing classic pop and Motown through to contemporary pop/RnB artists like Taylor Swift, Pharrell, Rihanna, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé.
Where in the UK can I hire a band?
Our bands are regularly booked for a range of events and locations across the UK and internationally – for weddings, corporate events, private parties, venues, festivals, and more. The most popular locations include:
Most popular counties:
Most popular cities:
How can I find local bands for hire near me?
The search form at the top of the page includes all counties of the UK. Simply run a search selecting your event type, the location and the date and we will show you a list of artists who are available along with their price and distance from your event location. The list is sorted by popularity, but you can reorder based on distance if you're specifically looking for a local band for hire.
Is a rock & pop band suitable for my event?
Rock and pop bands like the guys and girls in the list above specialise in lively and energetic performances so you and your guests can party! They are usually the headline evening entertainment, perfect for events including:
For weddings, a live band can perform the first dance, as well as provide background music between sets, delivering an all-in-one wedding entertainment solution. Many bands also offer jazz or acoustic sets for your drinks reception, and solo guitar / piano for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. These options can help to keep costs down, in comparison with hiring separate performers for your wedding day.
For corporate events, bands can provide walk-on music for awards ceremonies.
Volume considerations at your event
If you’ve ever been to a live gig, you’ll know there’s nothing quite like the exciting, big sound of a live band! Alive Network's bands can offer an electrifying live performance with a sound and volume to match. A volume level in the region of 95dB – 110dB is standard.
If your venue has a sound limiter or volume restrictions, many bands offer an electronic drum kit option which can significantly reduce the overall volume of the band. You can find our sound limiter friendly bands here.
If you prefer your entertainment to serve as background music, where guests can still easily hold a conversation in the same room, then you might like to consider a Jazz / Swing band, solo singer / guitarist or Rat Pack singer. All of these artists are able to perform popular music but in a more laid-back style.
For more information about volume, see below.
Space considerations at your event
A typical 4-piece band will need an area of around 4 metres wide by 3 metres deep. For approximate requirements, see ‘How much space will a live band need?’, below.
How much does it cost to hire a live band?
Prices vary depending on the number of members in the band and their travel distance to your event.
The average price of a 4-piece function band is around £1,800.
Larger bands who specialise in corporate events vary in price between £3,000 – £35,000 depending on their size and experience.
This table shows a breakdown of the range of costs for different types of function bands:
- Duos - £600 - £3,800
- 3-piece bands - £780 - £3,800
- 4 piece bands - £800 - £4250
- 5-piece bands - £1050 - £5500
- 6 piece bands - £1350 - £6500
- 7 piece bands and bigger - £2000 - £27,000
Who are Alive Network's top 10 best live bands for hire right now?
Below are the bands that we feel are currently flying the flag as the leading rock and pop bands in the UK right now, based on a combination of popularity, performance quality and innovation:
For a list of Alive's most booked bands right now, see our list of the 'Top 10 Function Bands UK Wide'
How long will they perform for?
Most bands offer two 60-minute performances as standard, though many can perform for longer if required. You can spread out a two-hour performance by splitting it into three 40-minute sets.
For most weddings and private parties, the band would arrive at 6pm, get set up and sound checked by 7.30pm to 8pm, then start the first performance around 9pm, with the second performance starting around 10.30pm, through to a standard midnight curfew. Many bands will offer longer performances at an additional cost, including finishing times of 1am and 2am.
Bands will provide background music from an MP3 player or laptop between their performances.
How loud are the band going to be?
The average volume level of most fully-amplified 4-piece guitar-based rock and pop bands, is between 95dB – 110 dB (decibels), with occasional volume peaks of around 120dB. This is a big, roof-raising sound with lots of energy, making them the perfect headliners to your party!
If your venue has noise restrictions or a sound limiter, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a band. Just speak to our Entertainment Coordinators before you book to find the right artists for you. Many of our bands have the option of an electric drum kit, which can significantly help to reduce overall volume. Check out our sound limiter friendly collection here.
How much space will we need if we book a band?
Most bands can work within a space of 4 metres wide by 3 metres deep, but this increases as you add more members. The guide below shows how much space bands of different sizes require:
- 3-piece band = 3 x 3 metres
- 4-piece band = 4 x 3 metres
- 5 and 6-piece band = 5 x 3 metres
- 7-piece band and bigger = 5-6 x 4 metres or more
How long will it take for the band to set up?
To unload, set up and sound check takes on average 60 – 90 minutes, depending on how close the band can park relative to the space they’re performing in. Some busy London hotels insist bands load in via a suppliers entrance, using an elevator shared with caterers and staff. This can greatly extend set up times.
After the performance, it takes around 45 – 60 minutes to pack down and load out.
What equipment will they need?
To really rock at your event, most live bands need:
- a suitably-sized, safe, dry performance area. If performing outside, they will require cover – either from the rain or from the scorching sun!
- parking, preferably with easy access to the venue
- refreshments such as soft drinks and sometimes food, depending on how long you have booked them for.
All Alive Network bands will provide their own PA system, microphones, stage lighting, backline amplifiers and instruments.
How safe is my booking and what security will I get?
Our industry leading contracts ensure your booking is covered against any eventuality, so that no matter what, you can enjoy your event without worrying about whether your entertainment will turn up. If your band is ill or unable to perform, our team will be on hand 24/7 to source a suitable replacement, even out of office hours and at short notice.
Booking with Alive Network, the UK's most trusted music booking platform - you will get:
- Fast, friendly five-star customer service
- Emergency cover 24/7, 365 days a year
- Hand-picked musicians for the ultimate in quality and reliability
- Safe, secure booking contracts for your peace of mind
- Easy enquiry and booking process
- Hundreds of bands to choose from
- Trusted brand with over 184,000 previous clients & high-profile industry partnerships
- Instant online prices & availability
Established in 1999, Alive Network has grown to become the UK's largest live entertainment agency and one of the leading online entertainment booking services in the world. We specialise in wedding entertainment, party entertainment and corporate entertainment, trusted by companies like Apple, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, Coca-Cola & Nike, and we have helped over 184,000 customers to hire the perfect live entertainment for their events.
We are formally partnered with BIMM, the largest and leading provider of contemporary music education in the UK and Europe, ensuring that we are able to bring you the very best new talent exclusively at Alive Network.
Find more about Alive Network Entertainment Agency here
I'm in a band - how do you join your agency?
For information on joining Alive Network please visit our 'How to join' pages here.
What you will need in order to apply?
- High quality promotional videos / audio tracks and photos
- Reliable, good quality equipment & your own transport
- A setlist of music suited to private events
- Smart formal stage clothes, suited to private events
- A PA system & stage lighting suited to audiences of up to 200 people
- Reliable, professional band mates
- References from previous customers
Frequently asked questions
