How to Choose the Right Bands for Your Event

Whether you’re running a festival, booking for a wedding, or organising a corporate event, choosing the right band can make or break the day.

After ten years performing across the UK with Fake Out Live and our tributes — Fakermaker (Oasis), Antic Monkeys (Arctic Monkeys), Fontaines D.C., Teddy Swims, Northern Soul Roadshow, Sam Fender and Lola Young — we’ve learned a lot about what makes an event run smoothly.

Our lineup includes tributes to legendary acts as well as up-and-coming artists like Fontaines D.C. and Lola Young, giving event organisers the choice between timeless crowd-pleasers and exciting new music that connects with younger audiences.

🎯 1. Match the Band to the Audience and the Event

The first step is understanding your crowd. Some bands, like Oasis or Arctic Monkeys tributes, appeal to a huge range of people because the songs are well known across generations. Acts like Kasabian or Fontaines D.C. are a little more niche and often suit late-night or festival slots.

For family-friendly festivals where parents bring their kids, it helps to choose bands whose music spans generations — for example, Oasis or Stone Roses tributes often work perfectly because parents have passed that music down to their children.

And when an iconic band announces a comeback tour, interest in tribute acts for that artist always spikes — something worth factoring into your event planning.

A lively crowd gathers at Social Eats, eagerly enjoying a tribute performance emulating the Arctic Monkeys under vibrant stage lights.

🎸 2. Experience and Professionalism Matter

There’s no substitute for experience. Our team has spent a decade refining every detail — from equipment and sound to image and stage presence. We’ve invested in the right guitars, modified them to look authentic, and even sourced clothing from specialist sites to match each artist’s style.

Attention to detail matters because audiences notice when things feel right. We also use modern amp-modelling pedals to travel light, control volume, and keep setup times short — essential when changeovers are tight, as well as carrying amps should they be required.

Behind the scenes, professionalism is key. We only work with musicians who are friendly, honest, and easy to deal with. New performers train alongside our experienced members, joining them on gigs to learn the ropes before performing with our other Fake Out Live bands. This ensures every lineup we send out — whatever the act — meets the same high standards.

All our equipment is PAT tested, and we carry public liability insurance, giving organisers complete peace of mind.

Epiphone Supernova guitar with a Union Jack design paired with an Orange Amplifier, capturing the iconic setup used by Noel Gallagher.

🎧 3. Technical Setup: Clear and Simple

A successful event depends on preparation. Each Fake Out Live band provides downloadable stage plans and technical riders on our website so organisers know exactly what we need in advance.

We can also provide our own PA system if required. Our setup is designed to be compact, efficient and reliable, allowing us to get on stage quickly and perform with minimal disruption.

When organisers understand a band’s requirements ahead of time, it makes everything run more smoothly and ensures the focus stays on what matters most — delivering a great show for the audience.

We’re always happy to advise or answer questions for organisers who may be booking live acts for the first time.

Tom energetically leads the Arctic Monkeys tribute performance, engaging a lively festival crowd under the open sky.

💡 4. How to Choose the Right Band for Your Event — Value Over Cost

There are plenty of tribute acts out there — especially Oasis ones — but not all are created equal. What separates a great band from an average one isn’t just price; it’s authenticity and attention to detail.

We regularly see performers wearing random clothes that don’t fit the era, or musicians adding their own twists to songs that fans expect to hear exactly as recorded. For us, the goal is to recreate the genuine sound and feel of the original artist.

Every tone, fill and mannerism counts. When those elements are right, the audience might not consciously notice — but they feel it, and that’s what turns a performance into a memorable experience.

🤝 5. Communication and Reliability

As Noel Gallagher once said, “Be on time and be in tune.”Turning up when you say you will, introducing yourself to organisers, and treating everyone with respect goes a long way.

A reliable band keeps the day running smoothly, avoids unnecessary stress, and ensures everyone enjoys the event. Conduct is just as important as performance — if a band causes issues or behaves unprofessionally, they’re unlikely to be booked again.

Even when sound is handled by a third party, it’s vital for bands to bring well-maintained gear and know exactly how to use it. Preparation and professionalism off stage always show on stage.

🗓️ 6. Practical Advice for Organisers

If you’re new to booking live music, here are a few simple but vital tips:

• Plan your schedule carefully. Early in the day, family-friendly or pop-style acts work well. As the evening goes on, switch to the livelier, singalong rock bands once the crowd is warmed up.

• Provide a basic rider. Bottled water, crisps, sweets or a hot meal can make a big difference — especially for musicians who’ve travelled long distances.

• Stick to the running order. Don’t let early acts overrun, or your headline band may have to cut songs due to curfews.

These small touches make your event more professional and enjoyable for everyone involved.

🎤 In Summary

Choosing the right bands for your event isn’t just about who sounds good — it’s about who fits your audience, communicates clearly, and delivers reliably.

The best bands make your life easier, keep your schedule on track, and ensure your audience leaves talking about how great the night was.

To learn more or download technical riders and stage plans, visit the band pages at Fake Out Live