Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the band usually play for?
We are happy to accommodate various itineraries as required. Usual nights consist of 2 x 45 minute sets or a single 90 minute set. We can also accommodate for longer events, consisting of 2 x 60 minute sets, for example.
What should we take into consideration regarding our venue ?
Many hotels, function rooms and social clubs are used to reserving an area for such presentations to take place – size, access, and power supply are the first issues we like to identify; our stage plot gives more guidance on our general needs.
We’ll need somewhere to use as a dressing room, preferably nearby. This may all sound complex at the outset, but thinking ahead leaves room to enjoy later!!
Is your equipment PAT tested and do you have Public Liability Insurance?
We have Public Liability Insurance. The band have all of their electrical equipment tested annually.
What if the Venue has a sound limiter?
Check with your venue if such equipment is installed and if entertainers have had issues before. There’s usually a traffic light bar-graph visual indicator to display the ambient volume; if it’s flickering into the amber during the background chatter of a roomful of people talking (and it’s surprising how loud that can be!), then alarm bells should be ringing if amplified recorded or live music is intended for your occasion.
Outdoor and covered areas such as marquees may also have local authority stipulated noise limits to address (and curtail) potential nuisance complaints – please advise us if this is the case or if there is a curfew. Also be aware, even if we do have sufficient headroom to play, a method of bypassed supply for certain items of sensitive equipment will be required (and this isn’t just so that we can play louder), it’s just that both ‘old school’ valve amplifiers and modern digital technology do not react well to unexpected power interruptions. CPU based equipment may need to re-boot, and have programs or pre-sets reloaded before being able to continue. Rest assured, though, we can be considerate entertainers.
How long does the band need to set up?
We generally require a minimum of 1 hour 30 minutes to load in and set up. A sound check is preferred, although we understand that this can be impractical at times. We always aim to keep any disruptions to an absolute minimum. It takes a similar amount of time to pack away and load out.
What about setup space at the Venue?
It's worth asking yourself: Is there room enough for the players and their instruments, speakers, lighting, tech guys, etc? Will the area be shared with other entertainers such as a DJ and their equipment?
Like most bands, we can give you an idea of the minimum amount of space we’ll need, but we are adaptable in this respect!
Weatherproofing is also a very important in outdoor or temporary situations as water and electricity don't play well together.
Aside from the safety aspect, no musician will enjoy the prospect of moisture getting on or into an expensive piece of kit.
Does the band require food and drink?
Yes please if possible. We are often at the venue for 6+ hours. Although not compulsory, we would appreciate it, particularly as some venues in rural locations can be miles away from food.
What does the band require in terms of setting up on the day?
Setting up our show takes time, and easy access to the playing area is preferable. Often guests don't welcome the disruption of a number of people moving equipment through the room when they have arrived at a venue. Ideally, it is best to set up the bulk (if not all) of our equipment before the room is ready for use. Access outside of the room can also be of importance, as we have some hefty pieces of stuff to transport and so vehicular loading will be necessary before (and after) the event.
In most cases once loaded in and set up, a short sound check is also preferable – it allows finer tuning of the sound balance for the room, while ensuring all of the equipment is working as expected, and that the overall ‘sound’ is suitable for the occasion. This is another good reason why setting up is better to have happened prior to guest arrival/any part of the function taking place.
Do I need a DJ for my event?
80's Revellers are happy to work alongside a DJ. Alternatively, we can play background music or floor fillers between sets as required.
Do you have any other planning tips for including a band as part of my event?
Here's some other potential points to think about!
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If there’s a buffet, try not to overlap the timing of it with the planned performance of the band as they become a mutual impediment to each other.
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Having the main bar in the same room as the entertainment is preferable (but understandably not always possible); our experience is that once you have separate proceedings taking place during an event they divide your attendees and rarely reconvene.
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You’ve probably prepared a timetable for your function, think of it more as guidance and be flexible in its execution; we find these events rarely run exactly as anticipated.
Where can I see you play?
For regular updates on our public performances, check out our Facebook page here. We may also be able to gain you access to private events by request.
What is a stage plot for a standard 80's Revellers show?
