What does it cost to hire the band?
We have a few different costs for different types of events based on where the event is held, how much of our PA is required, and if the PA is required throughout the day for speeches and background music. The band are situated in South East Surrey so once we have received your initial enquiry, we will give you a quote. This quote will include any extra costs such fuel and may mention if accommodation is required when there is more than a two hour journey home.
What is the line up?
There are five musicians in the band, lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, rhythm guitar with lead male vocals and lead female vocals. We also come with a sound engineer and DJ, Oli Ryan, who will sometimes also have another crew member with him if the event requires it. Oli arranges all our setting up and sound on the day, as well an amazing DJ set while the band aren’t playing.
How long does the band play?
The band will play two 1 hour sets, although depending on timing this can end up being lengthened. Equally, the sets can be shortened for larger corporate events when working alongside a DJ. Recommended start times for each set are approximately 9pm and 10.30pm. Again, this depends on running times of the day.
What does the band play – can I choose what the band play from the repertoire list on the website?
We have carefully selected our repertoire and sets over many years of playing at various functions. We pride ourselves in keeping the dance floor filled with popular songs from a range of decades. Obviously if for some reason there is something you specifically want to hear, or do not want to hear, then we will do our best to accommodate you, but we do ask that you do not pick and choose from the list we have provided on the site as it is very rare that our chosen set doesn’t have ‘the party effect’ required!
What does the band require in terms of access to the venue and set up time?
The band’s sound engineer usually arrives two hours before guests arrive for reception drinks. This can be later if guests are seated in a different area from where the band will perform. For weddings and corporate events, the band strongly advise playing in the same room as the bar as this is where you will usually find your guests.
Will the band make much noise whilst setting up and sound checking?
The band don’t generally need to make any noise whilst setting up however a little noise will need to be made to get a quick line check in before performing.
We have a lower quote from another band. Why Back in the Day?
Although there are other fantastic bands out there who will quote a lesser price, they will not always have the experience or package offered by Back In The Day. BITD are a professional outfit who have over a decade of experience and pay extreme attention to detail as well as providing a quality service which includes the following:
- Early arrival
- Quality PA and sound engineer
- Modern lighting including lasers, roboscanners and a star cloth
- Full DJ set (not an iPod!) when the evening begins, between sets and a great end to the night once the band have finished performing
- We change the set as we deem necessary and are happy to adapt to any time changes if the day has overrun, or on rare occasions, is running ahead of schedule
- We have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment
Percita and Martin are always happy to discuss any requirements and are readily available via phone or email pretty much any time of day, any day of the week.
Will you cancel playing at my wedding if someone in the band is ill at the last minute?
We pride ourselves on never cancelling a performance. There have been a few occasions where the line-up has slightly changed due to a member of the band having other musical commitments. We have a great list of ‘deputy’ performers (deps) for each band member should we need them.
We will never cancel due to illness. If for some bizarre reason, the whole band were unable to perform at a moments notice, we would organise an alternative band for you, but please rest assured this is a very unlikely event and would only be necessary in a dire emergency. It’s never happened (yet!).
Our venue has a sound limiter, how does this affect the band?
We are used to working with sound limiters and will require a sound check at venues that have one so that Oli, our sound engineer, can adjust front of house levels to combat the sound limiter, however in our experience we feel any venue with a limit of less than 90dB would not be suitable for a live band.
What do we need to provide for the band?
1. A 3m x 5m stage area which needs to be level. This doesn’t need to be a raised stage, although it helps to be seen better. Please ensure the stage area is as level as possible so that we can keep ourselves and our equipment safe.
2. At least two 13 amp sockets.
3. The band will require food and drinks. For evening events, is normal that they have access to the evening buffet. If our sound engineer has arrived prior to the band, we do ask that he and his crew member be given a substantial meal. For earlier arrivals or if staying overnight, we understand that it is not always possible to be given food alongside the wedding breakfast/event meal, so we do ask that an additional £15 per person be added on to a tab so we can choose something from the bar menu, or if the venue does not have a separate eating area, the band will go to eat at a local pub/restaurant.
4. A room to change, eat and generally ‘hang out in’ is ideal for the band, if there is one available.
Can we watch the band before we commit to booking?
There are a few public events throughout the year where you can come and see the band in action. Details of these can be found on the home page of the bands website. Please try and let us know if you are coming along and Percita and Martin will make sure they are available at some point in the evening to answer any queries you may have.
Is the band insured?
You can download our latest Public Liability Insurance certificate here.