The Colts - FAQs

How much space do you need?

Our modern, professional equipment allows us to work within most spaces. Typically we need a space of 5x3 meters, but in some cases we can perform in smaller areas. Between the band, we have performed in most situations and settings – so will always make the best use of any space we have – however unusual!

How is it best to time things?

No two events are the same, and The Colts will not dictate the timings of your event. Typically, The Colts find 2 x 60 minute sets work best, starting at 9pm and 10:30pm. We can play background music before and after we play – and from when guests arrive if necessary. The Colts would always recommend arranging band sets around the food – as this is the most common error we experience in timing of events. The Colts are flexible and cooperative so are more than happy to discuss and accommodate individual needs.

Can I pick the bands playlist?

Years of experience has gone into crafting The Colts first class set – and this is continuously reviewed to respond to changing and developing tastes. The Colts’ repertoire is varied and they are happy to perform songs from this as long as this is discussed prior to the event. If there are specific songs you really do, or don’t want please let the band know in advance and we will accommodate this where possible.

Where will you travel to?

The majority of The Colts are based in London, and all are based in the South of England – but we are happy to travel across the UK and internationally to perform.

Can I see you play live?

The vast majority of their gigs The Colts perform at are weddings and corporate events and therefore, not open to the public. The band have an extensive social media presence (see links below) where you can see any last minute public gigs, as well as photos and updates.

Will you learn our special song?

The Colts will consider learning your special song – when booking, please advise Alive Network if there is a specific song you have in mind – but please bear in mind that the band's ability to learn specific songs will be dictated by how it fits into their sound, and if it is likely to be included in the bands set.

Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?

Yes, the video is a real glimpse of what The Colts sound like, just live recordings from a in studio session. The Colts are professional musicians who love what they do and take pride in putting on top quality performances. What you see is what you get! The bands agency (www.alivenetwork.com) also have a full live video of a showcase we did at a local venue which you can watch – they have nothing to hide!

How do I book you?

The best way to book The Colts is through the contact page on this website, or through our agency. You can also email or call Adam our booking agent on 0845 094 3817 or email us at thecolts@alivenetwork.com

Are you able to DJ in between sets?

The Colts bring a tablet with a huge variety of songs to every gig, we will play music before our set and during the interval to keep the night moving in the right direction, it is all part of what we do.

The Colts offer an upgraded DJ set following the performance where 1 of the band will always be available to take requests and make announcements. The upgraded DJ set is available for free if you confirm your booking within 7 days of getting your quote.

Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?

The Colts accommodate requests as far as is possible. If they already own the specific requests these will be included but they are unable to purchase new songs for every event. It is possible to play your own songs/playlists on a Mp3 player/ipod/tablet/laptop if you would prefer.

Can we use your sound system for speeches?

Depending on the timings of your day, The Colts can let their PA be used for speeches. The band do not use radio microphones so this should be factored in when arranging speeches.

What equipment do you use?

The Colts PA system and live sound system is a combination of some of the best equipment currently available. They use a Presonus Digital mixing desk, with sound going through EV speakers and Behringer subs to ensure that the audience get the best sound quality whatever and wherever the event.

Being professional musicians, The Colts take real pride in their instruments, and each member has spent years building the perfect combination to complement there playing styles. This setup includes Reverand Guitars, Fender Amps, Boss & Digitech Effects, Nord and Korg Keyboards, Pork Pie Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks, Musicman & Fender Basses, Gallien Krueger and EBS Bass Amps and Boss Bass effects.

Do you have lights?

The Colts have a simple and effective LED lighting setup – meaning they can setup in small spaces but still look great!

How long do you play for?

The Colts usually play two one hour sets, however, this can also be divided into three 40 minute sets if you prefer. They have enough repertoire for more, and this can be negotiated if desired. Being such versatile musicians they also offer various upgrades including Acoustic sets, Solo Piano sets and Jazz Trio sets that can be added to further enhance your event.

What time do you start and finish?

The standard finish time for bookings is midnight, this means The Colts will finish all music inclusive of DJ sets and background music by that time. Curfews for the performance of music can often be dictated by the venue so it is always worth checking when speaking with a venue as they may specify an earlier finish time. If you require a later finish this is not a problem, the band work with all their clients to accommodate such requirements and will be able to quote based upon this information.

How long do you take to set up?

The Colts are extremely efficient when setting up to perform. On average, they recommend allowing 90 minutes for the band to set up ready to perform, dress the stage and sound check. This time allows the band to ensure everything is prepared to The Colts high standards without rushing.

Can I provisionally book you?

Due to the high demand of The Colts it is not possible to make a provisional booking, however you can create an enquiry through our website that will generate a quote, and that way you will be given first refusal on the date if another enquiry comes in for the same day.

What if the band split up before my event?

This is highly unlikely as all members of the band are performing professionals who rely on the contracted work as their primary source of income. The Colts have worked extremely hard to get to its present point, working with the UK's largest and best agency and we would not want to end this anytime soon!

In the super unlikely event that the band splits up, every effort will be made to source a band of the same quality, caliber and size to ensure you big day goes off with a bang.

Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?

The Coltsw really enjoy having a sing a long, but do like to ensure that those who wish to come up on stage to sing have some experience in performing in front of a crowd. The band only ask that you can give advanced notice of any guests (not the evening of our performance) so this can be catered for. Experience has shown that an impromptu sing a long can often end in disaster if vocalists are unfamiliar with performing in front of an audience or with a live band, and so we like to avoid this where possible.

What will the band wear?

For the majority of events The Colts tend to wear a mixture of smart & formal attire to fit the occasion of the day. If you have any specific requests e.g. a theme for your event, then please don't hesitate to let the band know and they will try our best to dress in an appropriate style. Any excuse to dress up!

Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?

All of The Colts’ equipment is PAT certificated and tested, and this is kept up to date annually. All members of The Colts are fully paid up members of the Musicians Union and this makes certain that all have individual PLI cover of £10 Million each. If you require any further information don't hesitate to get in touch with the band.

Why should I book The Colts?

Epic live entertainment starts right here with The Colts!

Each performance from The Colts has been honed and crafted to utilise the bands wealth of gigging experience, sets are carefully created to get the room moving from the off. This is not a band for sitting and watching but for dancing along too, energy is the secret ingredient!

You can expect only the best hits from the bands sets with a repertoire that stretches the decades from the 50’s with the dance floor filling Rock n’ Roll tunes of the greats like Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis right up to present day with big names such as Bruno Mars, Kings of Leon, The Kaiser Chiefs and The Killers to name only a few.

To put it simply The Colts have a song for every guest in the room, we tick the boxes for clients trying to find a band that plays hits by the greats, such as; Queen, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Daft Punk, The Foo Fighters, Oasis, James Brown and Michael Jackson if you want to see more check out our extensive repertoire list.

The Colts have the edge, within the band you have some of the UK's top in-demand musicians. The bands experience encompasses just some of the below places, people and venues :

*Radio 1 Live Lounge Sessions
*Glastonbury Performances
*BBC Maida Vale Live Session
*The Late Late Show
*Greenman Festival
*Latitude Festival
*Princess Cruises
*West End Productions
*Keyboard player with 80s band ABC
*European & US Tours
*Shepherds Bush Empire
*Scala London
*Sky Television
*Aston Martin Cars

How much does it cost to book the band?

Prices vary and depend upon the time of year, location of the event, timings, as well as any upgraded options you have selected in addition to the main performance. The base rate for a booking starts at £968.

Can we see some previous client testimonials?

Please see the bands latest and past testimonials on their website - by clicking here!

Do The Colts have any specific requirements?

The Colts ask for a separate room to change in, and access to it from our arrival until we leave the venue. Also for some food to eat and drinks for the duration of their stay at the event.

What type/size venues are you able to play at?

The members of The Colts have played a whole variety of venues in the past, country manor houses, marquees, barns, boats, large outdoor stages, beer festivals, small intimate venues to private homes.

How loud will the band be?

The band are flexible and accommodating – they always work with clients to ensure that the band is of a level in which people can enjoy the music being played and others in the room are able to have a conversation. However, as a four piece band with acoustic drums, guitar, bass and keyboard amps it is only possible to reduce the levels down so far without it effecting the performance.

A live band has a different dynamic to that of recorded music played through a PA system, and so this should all be taken into account when looking at a venue. Some venues have installed dB limiters which can effect the bands ability to perform without hindrance. If your booked venue has a dB limiter please let the agent know this when making your enquiry as it is highly likely that we (or one of our fellow Alive Network bands) has performed at the venue in question. In any case it is worth mentioning this information to the agent as The Colts want to ensure that we provide you with an uncompromised performance.

If it turns out that the limiter is set to an exceptionally low setting it is always possible to come up with solutions to this, such as acoustic sets performed in a live lounge style. This ensures that you still get the music you want and can dance too just at a lower level.

What is the bands power requirement?

The band ask that you provide a minimum of two double 13 amp plug sockets close to the stage, ideally at either side of the stage / performance area. The Colts typical power consumption during a gig is low as their equipment is modern and efficient, however the band like to run their LED stage lighting from a separate source to our audio equipment to avoid any interference that it may cause. As a general rule the more power sockets you can provide close to the bands performance area the better.

Do The Colts offer any additional services?

The Colts offer a whole series of excellent extras that you can select to take your special day to the next level from solo pianists to jazz trios. If you are looking to take your party on into the late hours of the night then theres an option for that, if you want to add an acoustic set to be performed whilst you sit down to eat theres an option for that too! As standard The Colts offer a FREE DJ SERVICE when you book the band within 7 days of your enquiry and for more information on the many extras that they offer please contact Alive Network via email to discuss this further