Rock Bands in Edinburgh

Rock bands in Edinburgh

What to expect from rock bands in Edinburgh

Rock bands in Edinburgh cover everything from classic rock and indie to modern chart-rock, often with flexible setlists tailored to the venue and audience. Most line-ups range from a three-piece to a full five- or six-piece with dedicated vocals, guitars, bass, drums, and optional keys or sax.

Sound and vibe: Expect energetic, danceable live music with clear vocals and a volume level that can be adjusted for hotels, marquee receptions, and city-centre venues with strict noise limits.

Set format: Typical bookings include two or three sets of 40–60 minutes, with background music between sets if requested.

Suitable occasions and venue types

Rock bands are commonly booked for weddings, corporate parties, product launches, student balls, festival stages, charity events, and milestone birthdays.

Audience fit: Bands that specialise in well-known singalong covers tend to work best for mixed-age groups, while original or niche-genre bands suit ticketed shows, themed nights, and music-forward brand events.

Venue considerations: Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town locations may have limited load-in access, stairs, and parking restrictions, so advance planning matters.

Practical information for planners

Typical price range: £300–£800 for smaller local acts (often pub-style setups), £800–£1,800 for experienced event bands, and £2,000–£4,000+ for premium line-ups, extended performances, or large-scale production.

What’s usually included: Instruments (backline) and basic setup time; some bands include a compact PA, while others quote sound separately.

• Equipment: PA and monitors matched to room size, microphones, DI boxes, and optional lighting.
• Tech needs: Stable power supply, a clear stage area, and a simple stage plot shared in advance.
• Timing: Allow 60–120 minutes for load-in and soundcheck, plus teardown time.
• Access: Confirm parking, lift access, curfews, and any decibel limits with the venue.

Booking considerations: Expect a contract, a deposit (often 20–50%), and balance due before or on the event date. Ask about public liability insurance, PAT-tested equipment, break schedules, travel fees, and whether a dedicated sound engineer is required for larger rooms.

FAQ

How far in advance should I book?

For peak dates (summer weekends and December), 3–6 months is common. For midweek events, 4–8 weeks may be enough.

Do bands provide their own PA and lighting?

Many can supply a PA suitable for small to medium venues. Lighting is often optional or outsourced for larger productions.

Can the setlist be customised?

Yes, within reason. Provide must-play and do-not-play lists early, and ask how many special requests are included.

What space and power do rock bands need?

A minimum of 3m x 2m for a trio, more for larger line-ups, plus multiple grounded power outlets near the stage area.

What happens if the schedule changes on the day?

Most bands can adapt, but overtime, late starts, or extended sets may incur additional fees, especially if venue curfews apply.