Whether you’re a full fledged cover band, or just starting out as a new band there are a group of songs essential to your set list. Cover songs should be songs people will know, recognize and love—and please do the original bands proud by putting all your effort into it. Even if it’s not your song, make it your own and your audience will love you for it.
Cover songs are made mostly out of top classic rock songs, everything from The Beatles to The Ramones. Stick with songs people recognize or they’ll think you’re doing original material. Cater your set list to the event you’re doing and everything should go off without a hitch.
My list...
1. Brown Eyed Girl — Van Morrison
This one will have everyone singing along. It’s a simple song with memorable lyrics that almost anyone can sing. Get the whole band in on the “sha-la-la’s” and you’ll have a happy, involved audience.
2. I Walk the Line — Johnny Cash
Arguably known as everybody’s favorite country song, I Walk the Line works for rockers and country folk alike. If your lead singer has that deep, rich voice you’ll score even more points!
3. Satisfaction — The Rolling Stones
This classic tune will have everybody rocking. With an easy to pick up guitar lick, and great rock and roll lyrics anyone with swagger can pull off you’ll have everyone in the crowd pumping fists.
4. Mustang Sally — Mack Rice/Wilson Pickett
This memorable rhythm and blues number features sing-a-long lyrics that get everyone groovy. Everyone knows it and so should you.
5. Rock and Roll All Night — KISS
Turn it up a notch, and explore your inner Simmons. This song is simple on all instruments and it’s an old rocker’s crowd pleaser.
6. Wild Thing — The Wild Ones/The Troggs
It’s hard to count how many great artists have covered this classic. Rock it like Hendrix or throw in a synth and spice it up. It's only three chords, so you have no excuse not to do something!
7. Sweet Home Alabama — Lynyrd Skynyrd
Who doesn’t like Sweet Home Alabama? You’ll have the audience playing air guitar to that memorable—and easy to learn—lick, and your southern friends will be in adoration.
8. I Want You to Want Me — Cheap Trick
It may be a little cheesy, but this song makes crowds happy. It’s a great song to cover for weddings, birthdays or to rock out in clubs. Get into the solos and you’ll be making Cheap Trick proud. Plus, you can have fun with the intro, "This is the first song off our new album..."
9. These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ — Nancy Sinatra
It may inspire line dancing, but “These Boots” is a great, sexy song that will have all the women going wild. This is a great song to show off your bass player, and make use of a tambourine.
10. Come Together — The Beatles
Getting this Beatles classic under your belt will be very rewarding. Everyone knows it, everyone loves it and it’s a fun song for an edgier vocalist.
If you’re playing at a special event, it’s always recommended to know what your host is in to. These ten songs will please any crowd and have them asking for more. Remember that you’re playing tribute to the greats and even though it’s not your song, you have to play it like it is.
Add your favorite cover songs below...
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Proud Mary
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Edwin McCain - I'll Be
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Pride and Joy
Stone Temple Pilots - Plush
B.J. Thomas - Hooked on a Feeling
Posted by: Steve Dustcircle, CMR Ohio | July 05, 2011 at 01:25 PM
A cover band - or someone doing more than 5 percent of their set w covers - should not be considered an "indie".
Imagine an indie film fest where all the movies were remakes.
Posted by: pkpk | July 10, 2011 at 08:43 AM
A better term would be "cover tunes that NO ONE SHOULD EVER COVER AGAIN", ESPECIALLY Brown Eyed Girl and Sweet Home Alabama. If I walk into a bar and hear a band playing either one I'll walk right back out..How many times can you flog a song into the ground? In fact, this thread should be entitled "cover tunes that have been flogged to death to the point of lunacy". Just goes to prove yet again the "masses are asses" if they still want to hear this crap!
Posted by: Bob Cushing | July 24, 2011 at 08:58 PM
Brown Eyed Girl — Van Morrison, this helps me remember a friend of mine named Heather Morrison who is so sweet and kind, too! She also loves music, as much as I do. :-)
Posted by: James | September 02, 2011 at 03:15 AM
I'm definitly with Bob, move on. These songs are now dead and for old people. Like 40 years old. Try some new stuff, be different- Hella good- No Doubt, All My Life -Foo Fighters, Bad Girlfriend-Theroy of a Deadman to name a few. My band plays covers and we pack where ever we play. Those are a few of the songs we play-
Mustang Sally :( no way!
Posted by: Mike | December 02, 2011 at 05:51 PM
I didnt mean 40 year old people. Thats still young to me. But that the songs are over 40 years old. So many good songs have been done since then!
Posted by: Mike | December 02, 2011 at 05:53 PM
Mike, I'm with you. Should have elaborated in the original post...
If you're playing a club and people are coming to see YOU, not just "live music," the rules are different. If you're playing bars and especially "wedding" or "party" events, I still say these are good songs to know. Not that you have to play them every time, but you never know...
It's kind of like a wedding DJ having "Macarena" and "Who Let The Dogs Out." :)
Posted by: David Hooper | December 02, 2011 at 06:26 PM