famous bands for hire

[ukwill]

Has anyone ever hired a famous band/singer for an event?

If you have I'd be interested to hear how you got in touch and the rough costs involved.

ta

[ukwill]

Blue Cat said:

To book a band, you just need to find out who their agent is and just call or email. A quick google can normally provide this for you.

How much do they cost, well thats a bit like saying how much does a car cost - from a few hundred pounds for a semi famous singer to many thousands for a top band. It can also depend on what type of event you want them for

Who were you thinking of?

I was thinking of an 80s singer/band. Not too sure which one, but it's for our wedding and would be great if we could arrange something. I wouldn't actually mind just a singer doing a few songs, although obviously it would have to be worth their while. (I am looking into booking a "normal" band, with this in mind).

If it were 2-4k it would be great, but I'm not paying stupid money for someone to sing a few songs and say ta-taa. After all, it's a wedding not a gig.

edit: Was thinking along the lines of Tony Hadley doing a few of the old Spandau songs a bit later in the evening - Gold / True / Through the Barricades / I'll fly for you etc. (No I don't listen to The Best of Spandau Ballet on a regular basis )

Edited by ukwill on Sunday 1st March 23:20

[ukwill]

chevy-stu said:

Most ex-name 80's acts are gonna be £3-4K +, anything current will be double or treble that. Proper international act is gonna be £20k+

Remember, the production costs can be huge..

If you want Tony Hadley, you'd do better to hire a decent (pro) covers/function band and get him in seperately to sing a few hits on top...
(I know most of his band, and have played with them as they do the covers circuit when not on tour or at some of the 80's revival fests)

Yep, that's exactly what I'm going to do. Have got a 10-piece booked, just want to get "someone" to sing a couple of songs... Ideally TH would be good.

[ukwill]

update...

Seems that hiring TH is a non-starter. I phoned his manager and we had a little chat. He seemed to be inferring costs around £15k for TH to do the evening (said upto £25k with his band...!).

As I only wanted him for an hour to do a few songs, I made an offer of 4k for the hour - which I thought was a pretty decent sum, considering TH isn't exactly a star of the moment (and that's not with any disrespect - I very much enjoy/enjoyed his music).

So I guess I will continue to look around. If anyone knows of a decent 80s singer for hire that would fancy 4k for a tiny bit of work, please let me know!!

[ukwill]

chevy-stu said:

I'll ask around and see who's doing the circuit at the moment..

cheers chap