Function band

The Lads

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(5.0)Read all 38 reviews
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About The Lads

Over 600+ successful events played. Past Clients: Amazon UK, World Snooker, World PDC Darts, NHS Awards and played hundreds of weddings.
Function band
Manchester
Public liability insurance of £10 million
Verified profile

We've been lucky enough to play multiple arena gigs - supporting Blue, Heather Small, S Club and more. Other events - played with Nicko Mcbrain (Iron Maiden) and Tony Mccarroll (Oasis drummer) We've also played hundreds of weddings, including Snooker World Champions Stuart Bingham (2015) and Shaun Murphy (2005) Hi! We're The Lads. We’re a 4 piece professional party band & DJ service based in Cheshire with multiple 5 - star reviews. We’ve been lucky enough to play at some of the biggest venues in the UK, including the London Dorchester hotel, the King Power Stadium (Leicester) and 4 times at the M&S Bank Arena. On top of everything you'd expect, we also offer: A festival level - lighting rig and a state of the art digital PA system that can easily cater for up to 1500 people. Still here? Good! Well, seeing as you're already reading, here are a few reviews for you: Well done boys. A magnificent performance on the greatest day of my life. Everyone said how brilliant you were and you definitely have a few fans down south now! STUART BINGHAM ( 2015 WORLD SNOOKER CHAMPION ) They played at my wedding in May and they were absolutely incredible! Very professional and easy to deal with leading up to the day. They accommodated absolutely everything I wanted for the setlist and they sounded awesome!! Dance floor was full to the very end and guests kept coming up to me all the way through saying how good they were. I would highly recommend! SARAH BEAR They played at our wedding and they were AMAZING!! Their communication beforehand was excellent. They accommodated my setlist requests with no problems. They arrived on time and set up with no hassle. I was a little nervous of hiring a band over the Internet (I’d never seen them live before!) but I need not have worried – the dance floor was packed – they are fantastic musicians with a repertoire to suit all tastes. We were singing and dancing along and had the best time! MICHELLE DIXON We raised a lot of money tonight guys and everyone enjoyed it. Cheers lads, well played! ( charity fundraiser ) TONY MCCARROLL ( EX - OASIS DRUMMER ) No matter how small or large your event, we'll be able to help you get your party started. Thanks for reading, get in touch!

The Lads
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5 out of 5
38 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

The Lads' Reviews

From Encore customers:

GB
Garry B
3 months ago
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5 out of 5

A fantastic group of guys who played to a very high standard highly recommended

Reply from The Lads
3 months ago

We had a great night and met some genuinely cool people. What a good gig!

CD
Christine D
4 months ago
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5 out of 5

Absolutely fantastic band, playlist was perfect and all who attended said how much they loved them. Highly recommend for any function and already thinking of when we can book them again! Thanks ‘The Lads’ for a fantastic night xx

Reply from The Lads
4 months ago

Ah thank you so much Christine, we loved it! It was a really good event, thanks for having us!

AP
Amanda P
5 months ago
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5 out of 5

The Lads were everything we hoped for from a band. They were really professional and listened to what we wanted . On the night they set up early and played hit after hit to a full dance floor. I throughly recommend these great musicians to anyone needing a band for and event. Thanks Lads for making our 60 th Birthday party so special!

Reply from The Lads
5 months ago

Hi Amanda! Thank you so much! We really enjoyed ourselves, it was a fun night! :) x

EG
Eve G
6 months ago
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5 out of 5

An amazing band! They completely understood what we were looking for, made helpful suggestions and even learnt our first dance which wasn't a well known song. Great set list with well known rock songs, everyone was dancing all night and they were so much fun. So many guests commented on how good the band was. Would recommend them 100%, couldn't have asked for better. Really pleased we booked them

Reply from The Lads
6 months ago

Thank you so much Eve! We really enjoyed ourselves. it was a great night! Thanks for having us x

Read all 12 reviews

From other customers:

PG
Paula G
1 year ago, for a Wedding in United Kingdom
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5 out of 5

I had seen the Band at my nieces wedding and had no hesitation in booking them for my own wedding on the 9th Sept, they have a great selection of music to choose from, and they had everyone up dancing and having a great time was had by all, I would highly recommend them, thanks John and Co

MG
Megan G
1 year ago, for a Wedding in United Kingdom
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5 out of 5

We love the John Cooper Band! They played an incredible set at our wedding 6 years ago and had everyone up dancing the entire night and last weekend they came back for my sons christening do. This time it was in the day and they adapted accordingly even letting the children interact on their string guitars and playing to the audience. Still everyone was up dancing they are just so fantastic. We’ll be using again in the future no doubt 🙂 that’s if all of our family and friends don’t book them first xx

Read all 26 reviews
Encore badges
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
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Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
1st Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over a year
Member of the Encore community forum

The Lads' Song list

50's / 60's songs
Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson
Hound Dog - Elvis
Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
I'm A Believer – The Monkees
Wonderful World / Cupid - Sam Cooke
Jumping Jack Flash - The Rolling Stones
Honky Tonk Woman - The Rolling Stones
Satisaction - The Rolling Stones
I Saw Her Standing There – The Beatles
Hard Day’s Night - The Beatles
She Loves You – The Beatles
Can't Buy Me Love - The Beatles
Help - The Beatles
Blackbird - The Beatles
All You Need Is Love - The Beatles
Hey Jude – Beatles
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
Higher And Higher - Jackie Wilson
Sitting On The Dock O’ The Bay - Otis Redding
My Girl - Temptations
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Sunny Afternoon – The Kinks
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Hi Ho Silver Lining - Jeff Beck
Born To Be Wild - Steppenwolf
Keep On Running - Spencer Davis Group
Bad Moon Rising – Creedence Clearwater Revival
70's songs
Rockin' All Over The World - Status Quo
To Love Somebody - Bee Gees (Keith Urban version)
Proud Mary - CCR (Tina Turner version)
Wild Horses – Rolling Stones
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers
Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
Drift Away – Dobie Gray (Uncle Kracker version)
Country Roads – John Denver
Three Little Birds - Bob Marley
Alice - Smokie
Jolene - Dolly Parton
Don't Stop – Fleetwood Mac
Stuck In The Middle - Stealers Wheel
Long Train Running - Doobie Brothers
Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
Superstition – Stevie Wonder
Alright Now – Free
Maggie May - Rod Stewart
Jean Genie - David Bowie
Ever Fallen In Love - The Buzzcocks
Teenage Kicks - The Undertones
Sweet Home Alabama - Creedebce Clearwater Revival
80's songs
I'm Still Standing - Elton John
Your Song - Elton John
A Little Respect - Erasure
Take On Me – AHA
Free Falling - Tom Petty
She Bangs The Drums - Stone Roses
Sally Cinammon -Stone Roses
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
The One And Only - Chesney Hawkes
Never gonna Give You Up - Rick Astley
Don't You Want Me Baby - Human league
You Give Love A Bad Name - Bon Jovi
Walking On Sunshine - Katrina And The Waves
Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen
Town Called Malice - The Jam
That’s Entertainment – The Jam
Purple Rain - Prince
Summer Of ‘69 - Bryan Adams
There Is A Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths
Fight For Your Right To Party – The Beastie Boys
500 Miles - Proclaimers
Red Red Wine - UB40
Fast Car - Tracy Chapman
Jean Genie - David Bowie
Happy Hour - The Housemartins
Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
Don't Stop Me Now - Queen
We Will Rock You - Queen
Don't Stop Believing - Journey
I Love Rock N Roll - Joan Jett
Turn Back Time - Cher
Simply The Best - Tina Turner
90's songs
Parklife - Blur
Don't Look Back In Anger - Oasis
Wonderwall - Oasis
Live Forever - Oasis
Cigarettes And Alcohol – Oasis
Half The World Away - Oasis
She's Electric – Oasis
Roll With It – Oasis
Sit Down - James
Laid – James
Time Of Your Life (Good Riddance) – Green Day
Basket Case - Green Day
Day We Caught The Train – Ocean Colour Scene
The Riverboat Song – Ocean Colour Scene
Lucky Man – The Verve
Sonnet – The Verve
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Everlong - Foo Fighters
Breakfast At Tiffany’s – Deep Blue Something
Babylon - David Gray
Hard To Handle - Black Crowes
Get What You Give - New Radicals
Brimful Of Ash – Cornershop
Why Does It Always Rain On Me – Travis
You And Me – Wannadies
Sally Cinnamon – Stone Roses
She Bangs The Drums - Stone Roses
Truly, Madly, Deeply – Savage Garden
Relight My Fire - Take That
2000's+ songs
Mr. Brightside – The Killers
Human - The Killers
Last Nite – Strokes
Greatest Day – Take That
Rule The World – Take That
All The Small Things - Blink 182
Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus
Drops Of Jupiter - Train
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Wherever You Will Go - The Calling
Valerie – Amy Winehouse (The Zutons)
I Bet That You Look Good - Arctic Monkeys
I Predict A Riot - Kaiser Chiefs
Ruby – Kaiser Chiefs
Best Of You – Foo Fighters
Have A Nice Day - Stereophonics
Dakota - Stereophonics
Chelsea Dagger – The Fratellis
Umbrella – Rihanna
Dreaming Of You – The Coral
Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
All I Have – Snow Patrol
Sex On Fire - Kings Of Leon
Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon
Molly's Chambers - Kings Of Leon
Paradise - George Ezra
Budapest - George Ezra
Wake Me Up / Hey Brother – Avicii
Get Lucky - Daft Punk
Shut Up And Dance - Walk The Moon
Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Tenerife Sea - Ed Sheeran
Rule The World - Take That
She Will Be Loved - Maroon 5
Sugar - Maroon 5

The Lads' Prices

Last updated: 2024

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Up to 1 hour£875
Up to 2 hours£950
Up to 3 hours£1100
Packages
Wedding ceremony2 musicians
This includes music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.
£100
Drinks reception2 musicians
A duo acoustic performance of up to 1 hour during your drinks reception, to provide a great background vibe for your event.
£125
First dance recording 4 musicians
We will set up to be able to professionally record your first dance, so you have a momento of that special moment.
£125

Add-ons

First Dance Recording
+£100
Extra lighting for your wedding
+£100
Ful live recording
+£150
Video of the event
+£275
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Good question. We make a real point of engaging with the crowd while we're playing. It's AMAZING how many musicians there are out there, who forget why they've been hired in the first place! Also, we have fun with each other on stage! We're all friends, and that really goes down well with a crowd.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Lots! We've played pubs and clubs, we've played small festivals, barns, hotels, conference centres, even arenas. You know that "been there and done it" T-shirt? Ours have holes in and we should probably throw them out. :)

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

All the usual suspects - Beatles, Oasis, all the 90's bands that we grew up watching (showing my age here) We have quite an eclectic taste I would say, but the one thing I know that we all have in common is songs. It doesn't matter who the artist is - if it's a good song, it's a good song. (It's all about the song basically)

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

There have been quute a few! We've been very lucky. The ones that stand out are: Playing the World Snooker Awards In London Playing with Nicko Mcbrain (Of Iron Maiden) at the Leicester King Power Stadium Supporting Blue at Liverpool M&S Bank Arena Supporting Heather Small (Liverpool M&S Bank Arena) Supporting S Club (same place - they must like us!)

Will the singer be the same as who I see in the videos?

Yes. We're very lucky because we have 2 great singers in the band, who regularly perform for us. (although, we may look like we've lost a bit of weight when you see us in real life - the camera adds 10 pounds you know!)

Do you have different line-up options?

We always have the same core members of the band. However, just in case a band member is ever ill (hasn't happened yet, but you need to be prepared) we have, over the years, built up a roster of 5 drummers, 3 bass players and 2 extra keyboard players.

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

This is the question that people ask us the most often! Since 2008, we've played over 600 events, and we can tell you, it's not a case of "what if" things run over, it's it's a case of "when". We've learned over the years to expect the unexpected, and be as flexible as possible.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Of course! This is something we provide for free with every booking. We'll actively encourage you to put together a great playlist, and that will keep the party going for as long as we've agreed.

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually need between 1 to 1.5 hours to set up, soundcheck, and set the stage with our lighting rigs. As soon as our PA is set up we can also provide a free playlist service, which always helps to create a good atmosphere.

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Yes you can. Ti help you with this, we can provide you with an example setlist that we have performed hundreds of times. It contains songs that we KNOW ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. We'll work with you to make sure your event is a success.

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA & lighting) included in your quote?

Yes it is. We like to keep things as simple as possible, so the price we quote you will include everything as standard. Our only "extra" would be a recording of your first dance (wedding booking) which we need extra audio equipment for.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Of course! This is how we've been able to build up a repertoire of over 200 songs! First dances for example, are a big moment in the wedding, and having a special song played LIVE can create a memory that will last forever.
Musicianship
Genres:
Covers, Classic rock, Top 40, Pop, Acoustic, Britpop, Rock, 1990s era music, 1980s era music, 1970s era music, 1960s era music
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Event types:
Corporate event, Wedding, Private event, New Year's Eve, Birthday party, Christmas party, Charity event, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Concert
See all event types