Retrospect Most Frequently Asked Questions

Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email retrospect@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.

 

How much space do you need?

We typically need a performance area of 5 x 3 metres, but we are able to work with a minimum area of 4 x 2 metres if space is more limited. We’ve performed in all types of venue, from manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees, ball rooms and intimate clubs so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us.

 

How is it best to time things?

Please consider the following points when arranging the timings for the band performances. We will always be happy to play lighter background music/DJ sets for when guests arrive. 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.

Below are the best timings (through our own experience) for wedding performances, 7.30pm-12am with 2 x 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
11pm-12am – 2nd band set

Please plan sets around the evening food. Do not have the band start at 8pm if the buffet is then ready to come out at this time also as your guests will want to eat in peace. We suggest 2 x 60 minutes sets over 3 x 40 minutes where possible.

 

Can I pick the bands playlist?

We are more than happy for you to pick which songs from our repertoire are played, but we do prefer if we are left to decide the order in which they are played.

It is usually best if you let us know any songs you definitely DO or DON’T want rather than a ordered play list. We need to have the freedom to cater for all your guests and may need deviate to involve all of your guests.

 

Where will you travel to?

We are a party band from Shropshire but we do 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 A select number of shows, 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.

To find out when these shows are it would be best to get in touch with your agent.

 

Will you learn our SPECIAL song?

We are happy to consider learning your special song. It largely depends on whether the particular song fits our playing style and sound. It would be difficult for us to pull off certain songs with orchestral backing, for example, due to our instrumentation, but we will sure give it a go. At the time of booking us, please let your agent know if there’s a particular song you’d like us to consider learning so we have enough time to learn it well.

Below is a sample list of first dances we have learned and played live at weddings in the past 12 months:

Nothing Else Matters - Metallica
DND - Semisonic
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Better Together - Jack Johnson
Im Yours - Jason Mraz
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Thinking Out Load - Ed Sheeran

 

How do I book you?

You can book us through the enquiry form on this website www.retrospectband.co.uk or through our agency www.alivenetwork.com. You can also email or call our booking agents on 0845 108 5500 or email us at retrospect@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. The DJ package upgrade option is offered for free if you confirm your booking with us within 7 days of receiving your official quote. 

 

Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?

Any requests for the DJ service will only be possible if we already own the music you require. We do not purchase music for clients 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 set unless you arrange it in advance.

 

What equipment do you use?

Wedding band Shropshire, Rerospect's live sound system is a collection of some of the most desirable audio equipment available on the market , including a Presonus 16 channel digital mixing console, a 2500 watt active HK speaker system and Mackie Stage Monitors

Their combined collection of instruments, amplifiers and microphones, both vintage and modern includes Fender and Gibson electric guitars, Martin and Taylor acoustic guitars, Fender bass Guitars, Fender and Hartke amps, Perl drums and hardware with Zildjian A & K custom cymbals, and an array of Shure and Sennheiser microphones.

 

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 the ultimate visual effects. We also own two 1500 watt strobes and smoke machine, which can be included into our performance upon request.

 

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 2 x 30 minutes of carefully selected acoustic music, perfect for during your meal or drinks reception.

 

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 5pm and midnight as standard with early arrival and 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.

 

What if the band split up before my event?

Like many professional party bands, our work is our livelihood and so we take our commitments very seriously.

In the very unlikely event that the band had split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band, both by us and our agents.

 

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. However, past experience has taught us that welcoming impromptu guests onto the stage on the night itself, can often end in disaster so we’d rather steer clear of that situation!

 

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 (on this page) 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.

 

Why should I book Retrospect?

The Ultimate Live Band Experience!

Retrospect have carefully constructed there sets to cater for every type of performance with the ability the gauge the audiences needs and venue requirements throughout the whole performance. From the 50s to todays chart toppers, Retrospect have something for everyone with hugely recognisable hits by bands such as; The Beatles, The Killers and Kings of Leon and there own versions of songs by artists such as Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, and Stevie Wonder.

You are guaranteed to be blown away by Retrospects amazing musicianship, stage presence and professional, slick appearance.

Retrospect extensive set list means they can offer quantity, as well was superb quality, with over 3 hours of outstanding band repertoire and over 1 and half hours of acoustic duo music. Here is a brief list of some of the places, venues and companys that present members of Retrospect have played at or for.

- Kendal Calling
- Festival no 6
- Liverpool Sound City
- Womad Festival
- P&O Amsterdam party boat
- RAF Valley
- RAF Shawbury
- Chester Racecourse
- Chester Grosvenor Hotel
- Peckforton Castle
- Iscoyed Park
- Rookery Hall
- Rpley Castle
- Combermere Abbey
- Tata Steel
- Tui Travel
- West Mercia Police
- Ikano Bank
- Cheshire Business Awards
- PGL
- Crewe Alexandra FC

 

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 £900 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 lots of great testimonials from previous satisfied clients on our website. Check out this page. 

 

Do Retrospect have any specific requirements?

We 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 - 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 quiter, will still provide you with music that’s great to dance to.

 

What is the band power requirement?

We usually request 2 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 interfer-ence. 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.