The Loose Cannons Band

Frequently asked questions

Requirements

Just how much space does a band that big need?
Do you need a stage?
What are your power requirements?
I will be using a generator to provide power for my event. What are your power requirements?
My event is an outdoor one. What do you need?
Do you need a band room?
Do I need to feed the band?

Bookings

How do I find out if you're available for our date?
How far should we book ahead?
Can you hold our date for us?
How much does it cost for the band to perform at my event?
Can we see you perform before we book?
I would like to book the band - what happens next?
How do I pay you?

Equipment

Do I need to provide equipment for the band?
I have all the PA equipment you need. What are your technical requirements and stage setup?

Other music

Can you play my cd's / mp3s through your equipment between your sets?
Can you provide a disco too?

General

When do you set up?
Will the band be too loud?
How long does the band perform? How long are the sets?
How many breaks do you take? How long are they?
How far will you travel?
Can we use your bands instruments to perform a song ourselves?

Legal

Do you have public liability insurance?
Is your equipment PAT tested?
 
Just how much space does a band that big need?

A band this size would need 5 x 8 metres (approx 16 x 28 feet) to be comfortable, but we've squeezed into 3 x 6 metres (approx 10 x 20 feet) before

Do you need a stage?

A stage is better for us if it's possible. It ensures all our gear is out of your way, and of course, you'll be able to see us better. We would need 5 x 8 metres (approx 16 x 28 feet) to be comfortable, but we've squeezed into 3 x 6 metres (approx 10 x 20 feet) before.

What are your power requirements?

Everything we use plugs in to normal mains sockets - but not all into the same one. Ideally we need at least 3 separate sockets to run extension leads from. We have around 50 plugs to plug in altogether.

I will be using a generator to provide power for my event. What are your power requirements?

We bring our own power distribution which goes up to 63amp 3 phase. We ask for 2 x 32amp sockets or 1 x 32amp and 2 x 16amp sockets. Our combined wattage for PA, monitors, back-line amps, mixing desk, and lighting is around 4KW. The generator needs to be able to supply more than this - plus whatever your needs are for lighting and catering. The generator must have a conditioner to provide a regulated supply. It needs to be silenced - or positioned well away from the performance area!

My event is an outdoor one. What do you need?

We need guaranteed weatherproof protection for our equipment, and a regulated power supply. A stage is better for us if it's possible. It ensures that the ground is level for the equipment, keeps our gear off the floor in the event of rain, and of course, you'll be able to see us better. We also have to bring a more powerful PA system which will increase the overall price.

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Do you need a band room?

Yes please! Ideally we need two rooms, one for the lads and one for the ladies. If that's not possible we can muck in together. Remember though, there are 16 of us altogether, a cupboard size room isn't big enough!

Do I need to feed the band?

It is not absolutely necessary to feed the band unless your event is in the middle of nowhere. However we do appreciate being included in your buffet headcount (or arrange sandwiches) as it's often a long day for everyone, especially the road crew.

How do I find out if you're available for our date?

Check out our bookings page first. If your date is not listed the chances are that we are not booked, but we may be negotiating with, or holding that date for a client. Use the contact form and we'll be able to let you know if your date is free.

How far should we book ahead?

We're pretty busy these days so make your enquiry early. We often get multiple enquiries about the same date but strictly book on a first come first served basis so get your confirmation in quickly.

Can you hold our date for us?

We can give prospective clients first refusal for a short period of time to enable them to see the band and make a decision. We'll let you know if there is a request pending on any given date and the date that the booking becomes open again.

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How much does it cost for the band to perform at my event?

All our bookings are individually priced depending on the circumstances. Contact us and we can usually email you a detailed price quote within 24 hours.

Can we see you perform before we book?

If we are playing a public booking come along! If there are no public events in the near future and you want to make a decision then you are welcome to drop into a rehearsal. Get in touch.

I would like to book the band - what happens next?

Let us know that you would like to confirm your booking and we will reserve your date. We can then confirm your requirements. If we have not played at your venue before we will check it out prior to your date. This ensures we have no nasty surprises on the day and keeps your event smooth!

How do I pay you?

We require either a cheque or bank transfer for the agreed full amount in advance, with time for the payment to clear before your event, or you can pay us in cash on the day, prior to the performance.

Do I need to provide equipment for the band?

No, we bring all our own sound and lighting equipment.

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I have all the PA equipment you need. What are your technical requirements and stage setup?

Get in touch, we'll email them to you.

Can you play my cd's / mp3s through your equipment between your sets?

We can put music of your choice through the PA if you bring your cds or mp3 player, we can play our own mp3s or you can book a DJ to play music while we are not playing.

Can you provide a disco too?

Sorry, we can no longer supply a disco. We can put music through the PA though, but only until we take down the equipment after we have played. The PA is generally turned off 10 - 15 minutes after we finish.

When do you set up?

Setup takes around 3 hours. We are flexible around our setup times and can fit in with your plans within reason. However, if our road team have to arrive before 12 noon to fit in with your plans you will incur an extra hourly charge. If absolutely necessary we can arrive, set up and be onstage within 90 minutes, but you'd have to put up with a lot of people rushing around and noise disturbance while the sound system is configured and tested. We much prefer a more sedate approach!

Will the band be too loud?

A band that drives guests away with excessive volume can ruin an event, so we are careful to get it right. We believe that our music should never overwhelm your guests, and strive to attain a volume that is just right for dancing on the dance floor, but also good for facilitating easy conversation away from the dance floor. However were are a 12 piece band, and have a certain acoustic volume that we cannot reduce! If you are concerned that we may be too loud for you please come along to a rehearsal and satisfy yourself that the levels will be OK for your event.

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How long does the band perform? How long are the sets?

We can currently perform up to two hours. We can be flexible regarding set lengths. A booking might be - Set 1: 60 minutes starting gently and getting livelier. Set 2: 60 minutes of full on party music. We can play for longer if you require, however a surcharge will apply.

How many breaks do you take? How long are they?

We like to take a break after each set. How long we take depends on your requirements. We'll arrange this with you when you confirm your booking.

How far will you travel?

In theory the band will travel anywhere if the price is right. Generally speaking we stay in Devon.

Can we use your bands instruments to perform a song ourselves?

Sorry, no. We can make arrangements (always in advance) to make space for your own gear though.

Do you have public liability insurance?

Yes, we are insured for up to £10 million.

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Is your equipment PAT tested?

Yes, all our gear is tested annually.

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What people say ...
A massive thank you for a night of fantastic entertainment! I danced my socks off! We hope you had as much fun as we all did.

Hope to see you you again soon.
Contact
  • John
  • 07970 421660
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© 2024 The Loose Cannons Band, Devon, England, UK.