The eighties was an age of colorful trends, a vibrant music scene and some of the most iconic songs and albums of all-time. Today, many popular stars from the eighties have re-emerged into the mainstream, with their songs as beloved as ever. In this spirit, cover bands who cover songs from the eighties have become incredibly popular, with concerts and clubs all over catering to this classic sound. If you're looking to start an eighties cover band, here are nine things to keep in mind about 80s cover band:
Things to know:
1. Know the Music: Eighties-based music is an incredibly wide range, as there were so many iconic songs and albums during the decade. It’s important to have a well-rounded knowledge of the entire chain of music from this era, so you can play the proper songs at your shows. Make sure you’re not just focusing on the most popular songs, as some of the best gems from the era are more obscure.
2. Get the Right Instruments: In order to properly emulate the sound of the eighties, it’s important to get the right instruments. Guitars, basses, keyboards and even drum machines from the era are great sources for getting that authentic sound. You’ll also need proper amplifiers and effects pedals to achieve the full sound.
3. Find the Right Musicians: If you’re going to be a successful eighties-themed cover band, then you need to find the right musicians to play your songs. Look for people who are passionate about the music of the era and have a good handle on the instrumentation of the time, as well as people who can really sell the performance.
4. Get the Right Look: The eighties was an era of outrageous looks, and that’s something you should consider when creating your live show. Find costumes and props that reflect the music and the look of the era, to really make an impact on your audiences.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice: As with any 80s band, the key to success is practice. Make sure you’re doing your homework and rehearsing your songs enough before going into any live performance. A lot of the classic eighties tunes are very difficult to play, and you want to be as prepared as you can be.
6. Be Open to Suggestions: As you play more and more shows, you’ll notice that certain songs and styles of music get a bigger reaction from the crowd. Don’t be afraid to add in different songs and styles to your sets once in a while to keep them fresh and engaging.
7. Know Your Crowd: Every gig is going to have a different crowd, and it’s important that you know what they’re looking for. If you’re playing to an older crowd, they’ll likely want to hear the classic songs, while younger crowds may be looking for a more contemporary take on the music.
8. Find Unique Ways to Perform: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sets. Look for ways to make the songs sound interesting while staying true to the eighties sound. This could involve re-arranging parts of a song, or even making short medleys of some of the classic hits.
9. Be Open to Change: As with any cover band, you’ll probably be playing for many years. Changes to the music scene are bound to happen, so make sure you’re open to adding in new songs and styles of music to keep your sets fresh and exciting.
With these nine tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to starting a successful 80s tribute band. Sure, it may seem like a lot of work at first, but with the right people and a lot of practice, you’ll be bringing the best of the eighties back to life in no time!
