FAQs
Our venue is quite small! How much space will the band take up?
One of the advantages of hiring First Base band is that we are able to set up in spaces considered too small for larger events bands. Anything from 15ft x 8ft upwards will suit us, and we don’t need a stage (though if your venue provides one we’ll happily set up on it).
Can you suggest timings for the evening?
We can, though this is dependent on what time you are sitting for your wedding breakfast, what time your evening guests are arriving, what time your evening food is being served, etc. Here’s what we advise: don’t stress out too much about timings. Even if your day is running an hour or more late, there’s usually plenty of time for us to play two hours of live band music, plus DJ music. Relax; enjoy yourselves.
Can I pick songs the band will play?
We value the input of anyone we play to, so absolutely! Given that our repertoire runs to over 250 songs, it’s probably best to think about around ten songs you’d like to hear, plus any DJ songs (and not forgetting songs you’d prefer not to hear) to give us a flavour of your tastes, and we’ll do our best to include them on the night.
How far will you travel?
Though we are based in the West Midlands, we’re happy to perform throughout England and Wales and also internationally via special request.
Will you learn our favourite song?
You bet! We regularly learn special requests at no extra charge. This can be a popular song or a song specific to your evening. As professional entertainers we pride ourselves on being able to learn a wide variety of songs, including requests you may not expect a live band to perform! Once you have hired us, just ask!
What will the band sound like?
The music samples you can hear are a true reflection of our sound. We’re 100% live - don’t use cheesy backing tracks or autotuning. With more than one vocalist in the band we’re able to create a very full sound. We also utilise modern guitar pedal technology to achieve an amazingly varied texture of music.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Not a problem. We provide a playlist DJ service as standard. All of our DJ music is beatmatched and crossfaded, just like a professional DJ, and uses our sound and lighting system for full effect. With around 20,000 songs to choose from, almost any request can be played.
Can we make song requests in advance?
Yes indeed. If you’d like us to learn some songs, make sure to give us at least six weeks notice – we’re a busy band!
May we use your sound system for the wedding breakfast and speeches?
You’re welcome to use our sound system and microphone for speeches and announcements throughout the night. For an additional charge we will arrive early, set up our sound system and provide a microphone especially for your speeches. For wedding receptions, we can even provide background music for your meal.
Do I have to provide any equipment for you?
As long as we have access to a performance area and a power point, we’re all good. Our top-of-the-range equipment is suitable for events of up to 1000 guests and is perfect for anything from small venues and marquees through to conference rooms and town halls. We provide all backline (instruments, amplifiers, drum kit), microphones and monitors for the band, and a sound system featuring top and sub speakers for maximum clarity. All of the equipment is compact so that your guests will have plenty or room to dance.
Do you provide lighting for the room?
Our lighting system is designed to light not just the performance area but the whole room, and our club-style effects lighting also encourages guests onto the dance floor.
How long do you play for?
Our full live show extends to 2 hours in segments spread throughout the night, though we’re happy to be as flexible as possible. We are happy to play for longer for an additional fee.
What time do you start and finish?
Our standard fee includes an earliest arrival time of 5pm and a midnight. In between those times, we’re all yours.
How long do you take to set up?
Though set up and soundcheck can take around 90 minutes, we can provide DJ music approximately 10 minutes after access to the performance room.
What if the band split up before my event?
Split up? What do you mean? First Base have performed over 500 bookings in seven years. We never cancel. If one of the guys is ill, we will be able to rotate in another professional musician who has performed with the band previously to ensure that the booking goes ahead at the same standard of entertainment.
Does the band have a dress code?
Smart, or at least we like to think so! Shirt, waistcoat and trousers. No jeans or T-shirts.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
All of our equipment is tested and we hold PLI up to £10 million.
Why should I hire First Base?
Very few bands measure up to the superb live entertainment First Base can offer. Up to 2 hours of live band music, additional DJ music, requests performed by the band, trustworthiness, the experience of professional musicians able to personalise performances to suit clients’ requirements and determined to create a wow factor!
Do First Base have any specific additional requirements?
Payment is always nice…but seriously, as long as we have food and soft drinks provided at no cost to the band, we’re happy. Easily pleased, you see.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We’re able to play in all types of venues! We have played in front rooms of houses, gazebos, conservatories, small marquees, large marquees, village halls, community centres, standard wedding venues, on a boat, huge conference venues, in an aquarium (above water), in a castle dungeon, in a cave, on a beach, in an aircraft hangar, and a secure institution. We’re not kidding. It was... intense.
How loud will the band be?
Presumably, if you’re looking to hire a live band, you’ll be aware that live bands perform at a volume that reduces the further away you move from the stage. We’re keenly aware of the need to perform at a volume appropriate for the venue and guests and all of our of clients we play to say that the sound levels were well controlled and not too loud. We’re happy to turn down (or up) to suit the requirements of yourself and the venue, but to avoid any issues we request that either a responsible member of your party or the venue duty manager is present during our soundcheck to give us the “thumbs up”. Has your venue said “no live bands”? This can be for a variety of reasons, but often it’s because of complaints from neighbours. In these situations we can perform with an electric drum kit, which means that we can perform at almost any required volume limit.
What is the bands’ power requirement?
If you’re hosting your function in a venue which regularly caters to events, standard domestic power points will be absolutely fine for us to use. If your function is taking place in a marquee, a standard domestic power point taken from a feed in the main building is also fine – though the venue will need to provide this and it should be insulated from the damp and not present a trip hazard to your guests. Using a generator? Please consult your marquee hire company for the correct model to power the caterers, band, etc.
Do First Base offer any additional services?
Song requests and DJ music at no additional fee. Early arrival, late finish, daytime use of sound system and microphones for an additional fee.
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