|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
The earlier “My Way or the highway to death” post spurs this post. I am thinking all musicians must have a tune or two that for some reason they just don't like to play. And when that audience member approaches the stage and makes his/her request inside we just go, Oh no not again!
I thought it might be interesting to see how we are, or not alike in this respect. Before I list top three Dreaded Request below I must admit Notes stated it very well when he says (I'm paraphrasing here) that no matter what the tune, he finds himself getting into it pretty quickly. The only thing I’d add to that is my level of getting into the song is based upon the level of the audience doing the same.
My top three Dreaded Request are:
#1. Matilda – This is an old 3-chord swamp pop tune from local 50’ band Cookie & The Cup Cakes with a lyric that seems like it was written by a 3 year old. But if you play in Louisiana you had better have this one in your book partner.
#2. The Chicken Dance – No explanation needed.
#3. The YMCA - It just works on my last nerve.
What are your Dreaded Request and why are they dreaded?
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,835
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,835 |
1. Red River Valley - when we had a young garage rock band we played a few parties at a friends house, and his mom always asked for that. We're a rock band for crying out loud!
2. Anything Disco!
3. "To all the girls i loved before" I mean really who does the julio part?!?!?
PS moon river - see no. 1
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,061 |
I have a friend that refuses to play "FreeBird" and several others of the Southern Rock of that time
Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Oh man, talk about opening a BIG can of Worms.
It used to be that there was an entire book of tunes I wouldn't play. Now, with a new daughter to feed and a worldwide economic crisis, I'm just looking for ways to add more entertainment value to ALL my gigs. It seems every month I'm hearing about another lounge group or trio that has been cut to make room for an overpaid DJ to "mix" the music. Let me shake the cobwebs out of my brain and come up with some solid candidates>
1. Feelings
2. Misty
3. New York, New York
4. My Way
5. As time goes by
6. These boots are made for walkin'
7. Downtown
8. Freebird
9. When the Saints
10. Amore
I guess I could keep going, but you get the idea,
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I play in nursing homes. You finish Danny Boy, start the next song and someone wakes up and yells, "Danny Boy Danny Boy".
In one place a woman came up behind me and yelled Ave Maria in my ear at least 3 or 4 times every time I played. She was even angry. Then she's taken away by the arm and singing it at the top of her voice. I had her 'locked up' whenever I played.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,939
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,939 |
This is my top three Dreaded Request:
1-The Chicken Dance – I just hate this song!
2-Hokie Pokey - See #1
3-Melancholy Baby – ‘cause when my brother came to our gigs that’s all he would request – ALL NIGHT LONG – He liked to pester me – He Still does!
But they paid their money and we did play them, over and over and over ETC!
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
I am not sure if this was mentioned in the previous discussion you are referring to, but if you are a guitarist and were playing the instrument during the 70's there was not a place you can go with the guitar where you would not be badgered to play, Stairway to Heaven" and "Free Bird." Two of the most overplayed, annoying tunes ever recorded. I would rather play Amore or Misty 100,000 times before getting near those two songs!  Oh, I almost forgot. There is always truth in humor. When the movie Wayne's World came out they nailed it in one scene when they were in a guitar store and some clown was scrreetching his way through the first two chords of Stairway when Wayne grabbed him and pointed to the sign on the wall that showed "Stairway to Heaven" with a red ring and slash through it. Too funny... all too true!!
Last edited by RickeG; 02/10/10 01:05 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,345 |
How about..."I/we don't do that song."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I remember hearing an elderly lady commenting after hearing the song PROUD MARY by Creedence: "I don't know what that song is, but I hear it at EVERY wedding I go to..."
That continued to be true for the next 20 years.
Last edited by Pat Marr; 02/11/10 04:27 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I always scratched my head at christmas parties, or wedding receptions and the DJ is some kid, no one is dancing. You go up and say ok, find Old Time Rock and Roll, then Jail House Rock, and after that play Play that Funky Music...
Guy comes over and says, wow now everyone is Dancing. Yea, we are all into the Black Eyed Peas....and some hippy hop thing..or rap. Aghh
I bought my Grandson a CD (He's 9 months) and it's got "Play that funky music Chipmunks" and he bops something awful cute to that. Looking at me going Pa pa Pa Pa and bouncing as hard as he can go while hanging onto the piano....hilarious.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 234
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 234 |
My Choices would be - Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree Bridge over troubled water Knock 3 Times Favourites - Wipe Out anything by Chuck Berry and Hank Williams 
Andrew Lloyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,449 |
In the 60s & 70s it was Running Bear.
Every @#$%^ night.
Twice.
Cheers,
Keith
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Quote:
In the 60s & 70s it was Running Bear.
Every @#$%^ night.
Twice.
OMG I forgot that one, and it brought to mind another I truly dreaded . . . Wolverton Mountain!
Thank the good Lord those have gone away . . . for now anyway.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 267
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 267 |
Those lists are great! I've just been trying to come up with a play list for our next retirement village gig and now I know if I include all those, it's gonna go down great.
I'll even add Achy Breaky Heart to it!
tony
Lenovo lappie, 4Gb RAM, 500Gb HD
Ubuntu 12.04
Running BIAB under WINE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Quote:
Those lists are great! I've just been trying to come up with a play list for our next retirement village gig and now I know if I include all those, it's gonna go down great.
I'll even add Achy Breaky Heart to it!
Tony,
My top five request at the Retirement Communities (I play nearly 50 of them) are:
#1. Blueberry Hill
#2. Que Sera Sera
#3. The Tennessee Waltz
#4. It Had To Be You
#5. It's A Wonderful World
Of course I play South Louisiana and Mississippi so 99% of the time The Saints is the closing tune.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
For about 2-3 years, my "Dreaded Request" was any songs other than my own. I refused to do requests. Even tho I could. Even if I liked the song. I played all originals. Needless to say, I was simply playing because I wanted to. Not because I needed to. I still kept getting "booked". If I ever start playing professionally again, I'll reconsider that stance. LOL. Bob 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427 |
In the UK for many, many years cover bands dreaded being asked to play "Hi Ho Silver Lining" by Jeff Beck. Audiences loved it (and still do...) because of the anthemic chorus they can all 'join in' with.
Jeff had a big hit with it in the 60s and in an interview he once said that the song had "Hung around my neck for years like a pink plastic toilet seat." !
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
In the UK for many, many years cover bands dreaded being asked to play "Hi Ho Silver Lining" by Jeff Beck. Audiences loved it (and still do...) because of the anthemic chorus they can all 'join in' with.
Jeff had a big hit with it in the 60s and in an interview he once said that the song had "Hung around my neck for years like a pink plastic toilet seat." !
John
Sometimes after hearing a song, you can't get it out of your head.
Sometimes it is the visual that can't be purged from the consciousness.
I hope this visual of a pink plastic toilet seat around the neck is not one of them.
(note to self: "think of something else! ANYTHING else...!")
;-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589 |
Couple of things.I live in Wales and the Icon then (he has since died) was a guy called David Alexander who always sang songs about miners and their mining villages eg "If I could see the Rhondda once again".I hated that song and all is other stuff but I was always getting pestered for it by audiences.In the end I said if Dave really wanted to see the Rhondda once again why doesnt he sell his £250.000 villa in Spain and move back didnt go down that well I can tell you.I hated the song "Ten Guitars" and once saw a notice on the dressing room wall of a club I played at that to sing that song could end up in being "paid off "early and receiving half of the booking fee I NEVER GOT PAID OFF!Frankie
AMD Athlon 7550 dual core
processor 2.51 ghz
1 87 gb ram
windows 7 Ultimate
yamaha rev 500 effects
tacam DP-24 DAW
Samson Resolv NF monitors
Yamaha PSR-620 Keyboard
Fender semi accoustic guitar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,079 |
Yeh David Alexander <grrr> and Delilah by Thomas the Jones and Mustang Sally, Years back I played in a south and west Wales cabaret band and we HAD to do " the difference between the English and the Welsh well LLoyd was on keyboards and vox, BUT as a "present" for being good, I was eventually allowed to do "Free Bird" YAY..once only tho' 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,479
Posts805,522
Members40,129
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean