The Fanatics - FAQs

How much space do you need?

We typically need a performance area of 5x3 metres, but we are able to work with a minimum area of 4x2 metres if space is more limited. We’ve performed in all types of venue, from clubs to castles, manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees, ball rooms and intimate stages so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us.

How is it best to time things?

We’re experienced in building the party momentum and we’re happy to help arrange the timings for the band performances when you are planning your event. Please note that the below timings are only a suggestion, and we can cater for your event/venues needs fully, even within a tight schedule. We can play lighter background music/DJ sets for when guests arrive.

Below are the best timings (through experience) for Weddings performances, 7.30pm-12am with 2x 60 minutes sets.

7.30pm-8pm – Light background music
8pm-8.45pm – DJ set
8.45pm-9pm – Cut cake, photos, first dance
9pm – 10pm – First band set
10pm – 11pm – DJ set
11am-12am – 2nd band set

Importantly, you should plan sets around any food. For example, do not have the band start at 8pm if the buffet is then ready to come out at this time as your guests will want to eat in peace.

We suggest 2 x 60 minutes sets over 3 x 40 minutes where possible, as this is better fr the party ‘flow’.

Can I pick the bands playlist?

We have ten years’ experience of creating set lists, so you can be rest assured that we can cater for all your guests and create the perfect party.

We are more than happy for you to pick any songs you definitely DO or DON’T want from our repertoire. However, we prefer if we are left to decide the order in which they are played so we can use our expertise to build momentum on the dancefloor.

Where will you travel to?

We are based in Staffordshire but travel UK wide and even internationally.

Can I see you play live?

Due to the nature of our work, we don't play many public gigs as all of the events we perform at tend to be private parties. However, we do perform around four showcases per year at a venue local to us, which is free entry. These events are held in a public house (music bar) and really give you an idea of what we are about. Feel free to email us at thefanatics@alivenetwork.com for dates.

Will you learn our special song?

We are happy to learn your special song. As a five piece band with female and male vocals we can cater for most songs, and are happy to create a bespoke arrangement for anything that doesn’t match our instrumentation exactly – a song with orchestral backing, for example. At the time of booking us, please let your agent know if there’s a particular song you’d like us to learn so we have enough time to learn it well.

How do I book you?

You can book us through the enquiry form on this website www.TheFanaticsBand.co.uk or through our agency www.AliveNetwork.com. Simply email or call our booking agents on 0845 108 5500 or email thefanatics@alivenetwork.com

Are you able to DJ in between sets?

We carry a laptop with over 5000 songs to all our gigs that we use specifically for DJ'ing, making sure that we keep the dance floor swinging in between our live sets. We are happy to take requests for DJ songs.

Music playlists between sets comes as standard with every booking, and if you want a more bespoke DJ service, we offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will man the laptop all night to take requests and make basic announcements.

Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?

Any requests for the DJ service should be made in advance. We do purchase music for clients within reason due to the costs this can incur. Clients will often provide us with an iPod/MP3 player, or laptop with a playlist on to incorporate the music into our usual DJ sets. If you give us an idea of artists and genres you prefer, we will cater for your tastes effectively. If you would like particular songs played at specific times during the evening, please provide the music via one of the above methods along with a schedule of your evening.

Can we use your sound system for speeches?

You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches. However, we don’t use radio mics in our live setup so, should you need them, and you will have to hire them in advance.

Do you have lights?

We are equipped with a state of the art LED lighting system that provides both the stage and dance floor with visual effects.

How long do you play for?

We usually play two one hour sets. This can also be divided into three 40 minute sets if you prefer. We have enough repertoire to cater for 3 hours of live music, with enough variety to keep your party going! We also offer an acoustic upgrade option which consists of 60 minutes of carefully selected acoustic music. This is especially popular with those wanting to create a special ambience as guests arrive, during your ceremony, drinks reception, or wedding breakfast. We can provide this service as an acoustic duo (preferred by most clients) or 5 piece (live lounge style) group.

What time do you start and finish?

We usually start our first set at around 8.30, and play our second set in the final hour of the evening, but again we are totally flexible with this. Arrival and finish times are 6pm and midnight as standard with late finish fees applicable outside of these timings. 

How long do you take to set up?

Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all the equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked in an hour.

Can I provisionally book you?

Unfortunately, we don’t take provisional bookings as our demand is such that we would be turning clients away on popular dates. However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.

Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?

We love it when people get up to sing a song with us, but we do like to make sure that those singing or playing with us have some experience of being on stage. We’re happy to arrange this with you in advance.

What will the band wear?

We usually dress formally for most parties (trousers, shirt and tie) unless informal attire is requested. In the past, we’ve also been asked to join in with an events theme, which we’re more than happy to do if you wish. Please check out our photo gallery for an idea of our typical wedding attire.

Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?

We always carry up to date PAT certification and have Public Liability Insurance cover up to £5M.

How much does it cost to book the band?

Prices vary slightly based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and any upgrade options, but our standard price starts at £1319 including VAT. We don't charge for the time it takes for us to travel to the gig.

Can we see some previous client testimonials?

Yes. We have hundreds of testimonials from previous satisfied clients on our website. Check out our previous client testimonials here

Do The Fanatics have any specific requirements?

We just request a room in which to change, something to eat and drinks for the duration of our time at the venue.

What type/size venues are you able to play at?

We have played in every type of venue, from festivals and football stadiums, from huge marquees and ballrooms to intimate clubs and private residencies.

How loud will the band be?

We always make sure that our volume levels are such that people at your event can still converse, but really feel as though they are at a gig when they're on the dance floor. Being a guitar based rock and pop function band, the nature of the music we play means that we can only turn down so far! If your chosen venue has a DB limiter, please discuss this with your agent at the time of your enquiry & READ THIS BLOG https://www.alivenetwork.com/blogs/customer-advice.asp?ID=233 - There’s every chance that we (or one of our fellow agency bands) have performed at the venue before, but if not, it’s worth discussing to make sure that the performance you will receive from us will not be compromised. However, if your venues decibel limit is restrictively low, we are more than happy to provide an acoustic version of our performance which, while obviously being quieter, will still provide you with music that’s great to dance to.

What is the band power requirement?

We usually request 2 x double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down but we prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interference.

As a rule, we draw approximately 16 amps with everything on and have only ever experienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.

Do The Fanatics offer any additional services?

The Fanatics offer a number of additional services at very competitive rates: From ceremony music, acoustic sets, additional/extended DJ service, Microphone hire and live song requests. If you would like more information regarding the above options please contact us via email to discuss.

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