Indie band

The Pretty Ugly

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(5.0)Read all 28 reviews
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About The Pretty Ugly

Your No.1 Pop/Rock, 80's obsessed young band in Yorkshire, playing across the country, voted best young band of Yorkshire 2016.
Indie band
Dewsbury
Public liability insurance of £1 million

The Pretty Ugly – Yorkshire’s Premier 80s/Indie Pop Rock Trio The Pretty Ugly are a dynamic three-piece band based in Yorkshire, known for their powerful blend of 80s-inspired pop and indie rock. Formed during their early teenage years, the band has cultivated a distinctive sound through years of writing original music and performing covers with precision and passion. Frontman James leads with compelling vocals and rhythm/acoustic guitar. Joe, the drummer and technical lead, anchors the band’s energy and production. Dan, a versatile multi-instrumentalist, plays both keys and lead guitar—often simultaneously—and occasionally surprises audiences by introducing unexpected instruments into live performances, showcasing his exceptional musical range. In 2016, The Pretty Ugly gained regional acclaim by winning the Amp Awards battle of the bands, earning the title of Yorkshire’s Best Young Band after a series of competitive knockout rounds. While originally focused on original compositions, the band has successfully transitioned into the cover scene, performing beloved 80s classics alongside popular pop and indie tracks. Their ability to deliver high-fidelity renditions has made them a sought-after act for events across the UK. The Pretty Ugly take pride in creating memorable experiences for audiences, combining musical excellence with engaging live performances. Their commitment to quality, enthusiasm for travel, and love of connecting with new audiences make every show a standout occasion

The Pretty Ugly
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5 out of 5
28 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 Pretty Ugly's Reviews

From Encore customers:

GH
Grace H
11 days ago
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5 out of 5

Absolutely incredible from start to finish. Had everyone dancing at our corporate Christmas party from the very first song. We'd not had a band before so wasn't sure what to expect, but booking these guys far exceeded my expectations. Already looking forward to booking them again for next year - thank you so much guys, you were an absolute pleasure and everyone loved you!

SW
Sameena W
2 months ago
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5 out of 5

What a band. What a night. The Pretty Ugly were absolutely fantastic!! I can't recommend them enough. They learned our first dance song and it was everything we wanted and more. They got the whole crowd dancing, everyone loved them. They were so patient with some over zealous bridesmaids and I cant thank you guys enough for making our wedding so fun! Wish we could do it all again. Thank you thank you thank you!

TI
Tom I
3 months ago
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5 out of 5

Absolute f*cking fantastic. These lads made our wedding day extra special. People on the dancefloor from the start of their set, really friendly, really accommodating. Cannot recommend them enough.

JL
Jamie L
5 months ago
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5 out of 5

Absolutely brilliant sorry for delay in replying been on honeymoon I would recommend these lads for any wedding or birthday celebration thanks again kads

Read all 20 reviews

From other customers:

GS
Graeme S
2 years ago, for a Christmas party in Hazlewood Castle
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5 out of 5

The Pretty Ugly band played at our Christmas party recently and were amazing. With some covers and some of their own music, our staff loved listening, singing and dancing to their music. Definitely booking them again for next years Christmas do. Thanks TPU!

EA
Evie A
3 years ago, for a Bar / Club / Venue event in Doncaster DN2 4LT
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5 out of 5

Lovely group of lads, entertained a crowd well and kept them engaged. Enthusiastic. Would definitely have them again.

Read all 8 reviews
Encore badges
2nd most booked musician of 2023!
25 gigs
Pro: 25 bookings through Encore
Saved the day!
Booked for an Encore gig with less than 24 hours’ notice
3rd Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 3 years
Member of the Encore community forum

The Pretty Ugly's Song list

60s
- SUSPICIOUS MINDS : Elvis
- I'M A BELIEVER : The Monkees
- SWEET CAROLINE : Neil Diamond
- BROWN EYED GIRL : Van Morrison
- CALIFORNIA DREAMING : The Mama's and Papa's (Acoustic)
- HERE COMES THE SUN : The Beatles (Acoustic)
- HEY JUDE : The Beatles
- CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE : Elvis (Acoustic)
- SOUND OF SILENCE : Simon and Garfunkel (Acoustic)
- SUNNY AFTERNOON : The Kinks
-
70s
- MAMA MIA : Abba
- GIMME GIMME GIMME (Man After Midnight) : ABBA
- GO YOUR OWN WAY : Fleetwood Mac
- LOVELY DAY : Bill Withers
- CROCODILE ROCK : Elton John
- I'M STILL STANDING : Elton John
- DON'T STOP ME NOW : Queen
- HOOKED ON A FEELING : Blue Swede & Bjorn Skifs
- A HORSE WITH NO NAME : America (Acoustic)
- MR BLUE SKY : Electric Light Orchestra
- JOLENE : Dolly Parton
- YMCA : The Village People
-
80s
- A LITTLE RESPECT : Erasure
- ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST : Queen
- LIVIN' ON A PRAYER : Bon Jovi
- HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH : Belinda Carlisle
- DON'T STOP BELIEVIN' : Journey
- FAST CAR : Tracy Chapman (acoustic)
- I WON'T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME : Nik Kershaw
- NEVER GUNNA GIVE YOU UP : Rick Astley
- TAKE ON ME : A-ha
- 500 MILES : The Proclaimers
- GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN : Cyndi Lauper
- SUPER TROUPER : Abba
- EVERYWHERE : Fleetwood Mac
- I JUST DIED IN YOUR ARMS : Cutting Crew
- HUNGRY EYES : Eric Carmen
- HOW WILL I KNOW : Whitney Houston
- MATERIAL GIRL : Madonna
- YOU SPIN ME RIGHT ROUND : Dead Or Alive
- EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE : The Police
- DON'T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME : Simple Minds
- EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD : Tears For Fears
- THERE SHE GOES : The La's
- DON'T YOU WANT ME BABY : The Human League
- LIKE A PRAYER : Madonna
- TOGETHER IN ELECTRIC DREAMS : Philip Oakley/Giorgio Moroder
- BELIEVE : Cher
- GOLD : Spandau Ballet
- SWEET DREAMS : Eurythmics
- FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE : The Cure
- UPTOWN GIRL : Billy Joel
- JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH : Depeche Mode
- KARMA CHAMELEON : Culture Club
- VIDEO KILLED THE RADIO STAR : The Buggles
- TELL IT TO MY HEART : Taylor Dayne
- IT’S MY LIFE : Talk Talk
- DON’T GO : Yazoo
- ESCAPE (THE PIÑA COLADA SONG) : Rupert Holmes
- ALWAYS ON MY MIND : Pet Shop Boys
- YOU MAKE MY DREAMS : Daryl Hall & John Oates
- WHEN DOVES CRY : Prince
- WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE : Billy Joel
- TOWN CALLED MALICE : the Jam
-
90s
- LIVE FOREVER : Oasis
- WONDERWALL : Oasis
- DON'T LOOK BACK IN ANGER : Oasis
- SIT DOWN : James
- LAID : James
- TWO PRINCES : Spin Doctors
- SAVE TONIGHT : Eagle Eye Cherry
- IRIS : Goo Goo Dolls
- THIS CHARMING MAN : The Smiths
- ALL STAR : Smash Mouth
- BLUE (Da Ba Dee) : Eiffel 65
- AMAZED : Lonestar
- BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY : The Verve
-
00s
- AMERICA : Razorlight
- I PREDICT A RIOT : Kaiser Chiefs
- DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT : Toploader
- NAIVE : The Kooks
- SEX ON FIRE : Kings Of Leon
- STACEY'S MOM : Fountains Of Wayne
- TEENAGE DIRTBAG : Wheatus
- LAST NITE : The Strokes
- REPTILLIA : The Strokes
- MR BRIGHTSIDE : The Killers
- SOMEBODY TOLD ME : The Killers
- READ MY MIND : The Killers
- WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG : The Killers
- MARDY BUM : Arctic Monkeys
- BABY I'M YOURS : Arctic Monkeys
- CHASING CARS : Snow Patrol
- SHES SO LOVELY : Scouting For Girls
- LOVE STORY : Taylor Swift
- PARTY IN THE USA : Miley Cyrus
- CRASHED THE WEDDING : Busted
- CANDY : Paulo Nutini
- ISLAND IN THE SUN : Wheatus
- ALL THE SMALL THINGS : Blink-182
- YOU AND ME : The Wannadies
-
10s
- HEY BROTHER : Avicci
- MOUNTAIN AT MY GATES : Foals
- THE MAN : The Killers
- SHUT UP AND DANCE : Walk The Moon
- THAT'S WHAT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL : One Direction
- IF YOU WANNA : The Vaccines
- I ALWAYS KNEW : The Vaccines
- SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW : Gotye
- BELTER : Gerry Cinnamon
-
20s
- SEVENTEEN GOING UNDER : Sam Fender
- AS IT WAS : Harry Styles
- LATE NIGHT TALKING : Harry Styles
- IT'S NOT LIVING IF IT'S NOT WITH YOU : The 1975
- YOUR GIRLFRIEND : Blossoms
- BRAZIL : Declan McKenna
- HOT TO GO : Chapell Roan
-
Christmas Songs!
- LAST CHRISTMAS : Wham
- DO THEY KNOW IT'S CHRISTMAS? - Band Aid
- WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS TIME : Paul McCartney
- FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK : The Pogues
-
Originals (The Pretty Ugly)
- ELVIS
- LEMON AND LIME
- I CAN BE YOUR NUMBER 1
- THE PUZZLE
- THAT'S SUCH A GIRL THING TO SAY
- DINNER APPOINTMENT
- INDIA
- CHEAT 123
- AGAIN
- ALL THE TIME
- HEAVEN'S NOT A PLACE IT'S A STATE OF MIND
- FRIEND
- FUTURE SONG
- ACT MY AGE
- JEEZ!
- DELIBERATE IRRITATION
- TRANQUILITY
- WHAT YOU DO
- CATCH ME A BIT OF LIFE
- I DON'T REALLY MIND
- SET ME FREE
- WHAT DO YOU SMELL LIKE?
- STILL 19
- A SIGHT FOR MY SORE EYES
- NEVERMIND ANYWAYS
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The Pretty Ugly's Prices

Last updated: 2025

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

Standard Prices
DurationPrice
Up to 1 hour£900
Up to 2 hours£1250
Up to 3 hours£1875
Packages
Wedding ceremony2 musicians
This includes light piano music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave.
£250
Playlist DJ3 musicians
Available also for PA sound system hire to play a desired playlist as an add-on to the band music itself. Charge per hour.
£250
Drinks reception3 musicians
Two performances of up to 60 mins each during your drinks reception
£1500

Add-ons

Skype Consultation and 3 New Songs Learned
Free
Acoustic-break set
+£500
DJ set
+£750
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

From our point of view, our versatility and performing in such a way that creates crowd interaction. We believe our music is one that can get any crowd to bop as long as they drop.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Hazelwood Castle Huddersfield Chapel o2 Academy Sheffield The Cavern Liverpool The Dome Doncaster The Parish Huddersfield Cast Theatre Doncaster

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

The Strokes, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Queen, Michael Jackson

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

Headlining the Dome, Doncaster at a special awards competition for young musicians.

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

Yes, we almost always play shows with the same musicians. In the event of a band member falling ill last-minute we will have a technology system in place to replace that member of the band while the rest still play live. Our musicians are always striving for perfection so the quality can always be expected to be the highest level.

Do you have different line-up options?

Our line-up consists of : Vocalsx2, Guitarx2, Keys, Bass and Drums. Our acoustic line-up can alter depending on personal preferences.

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

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.

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

Absolutely. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service via our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional £200

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 1 to 1.5 hours before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

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

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event.

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

Our PA and lighting system is included in your quote. We usually require a minimum of 8m by 5m space to perform.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. Just let us know with at least a months notice before the day of the event.
Musicianship
Genres:
Pop, Synth rock, Rock, Alternative rock, Indie, Pop rock, Acoustic, Top 40, Britpop, Originals, 1980s era music
See all genres
Event types:
Wedding, Private event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Hotel / Restaurant event, Charity event, Concert, Recording session, Corporate event, Cruise, New Year's Eve, Christmas party, Birthday party
See all event types