will this work?

[andyw]

just got off the phone to a client, they booked us a little while ago for a 30th birthday and now they say they want to make it a 60's night with all 60's music, my concerns are that 60's music all night will be too much for the age group going,what do you guy's think,anyone done one similar did it work or did you have to change it half way through.any tips appreciated.
andy

[Wazbomb]

I'm in a similar predicament, the client has seen the film 'the boat that rocked' and now want similar music to what is on the soundtrack, but I feel that this wont last all night so any input required

[Penfold42]

just got off the phone to a client, they booked us a little while ago for a 30th birthday and now they say they want to make it a 60's night with all 60's music, my concerns are that 60's music all night will be too much for the age group going,what do you guy's think,anyone done one similar did it work or did you have to change it half way through.any tips appreciated.
andy

I've done one. It worked really well.

I also asked the client about request's and was told.."Yep no problem"
I would just use your skill as a DJ to work the floor with the 60's and pop the odd request in and use the mic.:)

60's gig's are so :cool: ....but then I like that type of music. :)
People will just go with the flow. IMO

[Adam_F]

Agree with Tony here, 60's gigs are great.

I've done 3 and surprisingly they were all for 18th's. Everyone in fancy dress, rooms decorated and I used a few oil wheel effects, have been some of the best gigs I've done!

[Ryu]

If the customer has asked for 60's all night, then give them it. There's a suprisingly varied range of styles in that decade so its possible to keep it fresh whilst staying true to the theme. Customer requests are fine, but taking it off theme without requests leave you liable to blame if it doesn't work out (i.e the inevitable smart Alec who will say "This isn't 60's")

[Excalibur]

Prophet of doom here. ;) :( Unless it's widely advertised as a Sixties gig, and everybody arrives in the correct mood, I'd agree with the OP that you'll get requests for R&B, "Something modern" and all that nonsense.

Feel free to ignore me, I genuinely hope I'm wrong.

[andyw]

I would just use your skill as a DJ to work the floor with the 60's and pop the odd request in and use the mic.:)

60's gig's are so :cool: ....but then I like that type of music. :)
People will just go with the flow. IMO
we are in serius trouble then :)


If the customer has asked for 60's all night, then give them it.
thats what we do, they pay we play


Prophet of doom here. ;) :( Unless it's widely advertised as a Sixties gig, and everybody arrives in the correct mood, I'd agree with the OP that you'll get requests for R&B, "Something modern" and all that nonsense.

Feel free to ignore me, I genuinely hope I'm wrong.
ignore someone with your expirience, NEVER ,thats why i wanted advice from you guys,you've been there got the tshirt and the videos to prove it and i am grateful for any advice.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

As long as you got enough suitable 60's music to last the booked hours then great. Just be prepared to take requests. The idea might bomb or it might be a sucess as long as you are ready for either then you'll be fine

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

just got off the phone to a client, they booked us a little while ago for a 30th birthday and now they say they want to make it a 60's night with all 60's music, my concerns are that 60's music all night will be too much for the age group going,what do you guy's think,anyone done one similar did it work or did you have to change it half way through.any tips appreciated.
andy

You need to realise how many genres there were during the 60s and open your mind, rather than just playing the normal stuff.

There's lots of 60s soul you can play for example, then the beat groups, more rocky stuff, psychodelia, rock n roll, pop, etc etc.

Try and make a few lists from each genre and see what you come up with - you might be surprised.

[andyw]

You need to realise how many genres there were during the 60s and open your mind, rather than just playing the normal stuff.

There's lots of 60s soul you can play for example, then the beat groups, more rocky stuff, psychodelia, rock n roll, pop, etc etc.

Try and make a few lists from each genre and see what you come up with - you might be surprised.

thanks that is a good idea, if it was 70's i would feel better about it because i know that music a bit better,will have to do a bit of research into 60's genre's.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

thanks that is a good idea, if it was 70's i would feel better about it because i know that music a bit better,will have to do a bit of research into 60's genre's.

If you are doing a wedding and only playing a few tunes from the 60s, you forget how much good music was around and tend to stick to the same tunes, but when you have a whole night and do a little research, you suddenly realise how much there is to play.

[Excalibur]

You need to realise how many genres there were during the 60s and open your mind, rather than just playing the normal stuff.

There's lots of 60s soul you can play for example, then the beat groups, more rocky stuff, psychodelia, rock n roll, pop, etc etc.

Try and make a few lists from each genre and see what you come up with - you might be surprised.

There's no argument about the plethora of available content. You're bang on with that Darren. My misgivings concern the punters. I'm just a pessimist sometimes. I'd be delighted to be wrong.


If you are doing a wedding and only playing a few tunes from the 60s, you forget how much good music was around and tend to stick to the same tunes, but when you have a whole night and do a little research, you suddenly realise how much there is to play.
Agreed totally.

[andyw]

that is the problem going from a safe 30 minutes worth to 4 hrs but we have a few weeks to get to grips with it.


There's no argument about the plethora of available content. You're bang on with that Darren. My misgivings concern the punters. I'm just a pessimist sometimes. I'd be delighted to be wrong.

that worries me to,we do know the family from past events we have done for them, they do like to dance especially party and cheese .good thing is i know if it don't work we can easily turn it round if they want us to

[Pe7e]

that is the problem going from a safe 30 minutes worth to 4 hrs but we have a few weeks to get to grips with it.


that worries me to,we do know the family from past events we have done for them, they do like to dance especially party and cheese .good thing is i know if it don't work we can easily turn it round if they want us to

Don't forget Motown and Soul were a big part of the 60's scene and can be included. I found these go down well with the 30 something age group.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Don't forget Motown and Soul were a big part of the 60's scene and can be included. I found these go down well with the 30 something age group.

Ahem! :D



There's lots of 60s soul you can play for example

[CRAZY K]

thanks that is a good idea, if it was 70's i would feel better about it because i know that music a bit better,will have to do a bit of research into 60's genre's.

You can do plenty of research on the 60s but the reality is if you want people Dancing theres only a limited amount of music people will dance to from the 60s--im sure people on here can guide you as to what those tracks might be.

Bear in mind even with modern equipment and cd quality some of the tracks still sound a bit thin.

If its just listening background music---then thats different

I think there was a thread a while ago like this and someone suggested a lot of tracks and there was general comment on them including --dont plays:D

A cop out might be to play Tight Fit back to the 60s tracks--not for the true enthusiasts but should get them all Dancing:beer1:

CRAZY K

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

You can do plenty of research on the 60s but the reality is if you want people Dancing theres only a limited amount of music people will dance to from the 60s--im sure people on here can guide you as to what those tracks might be.


I totally disagree.

There are loads and loads of tracks, artists and genres to choose from and it's a completely different situation when you are doing a 60s night.

[Excalibur]

I totally disagree.

There are loads and loads of tracks, artists and genres to choose from and it's a completely different situation when you are doing a 60s night.

Crazy specified making them dance. I can understand his views that this may limit the choices.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Crazy specified making them dance. I can understand his views that this may limit the choices.

Nope, I still disagree.

[BeerFunk]

If you narrow down the tracks from the 60s to just the tracks people will dance to, then they do tend to follow a similar mould and tempo, such as :

Dancing In The Street
Black Is Black
Bend Me, Shape Me
You Really Got Me
All Of The Day & All Of The Night
Hippy Hippy Shake
Oh, Pretty Woman
Mony Mony
Doo Wah Diddy
Sherry
Stay
Big Girls Don't Cry
Proud Mary

Does that list seem familiar? Well, that's because it is 'Tight Fit - Back To The Sixties'. All of these songs are short, catchy, and with a similar tempo (~130-140BPM). This was the formula to a successful chart hit - just look at the Beatles' inital output.

There are a few tracks which are a bit different, such as 'Tommy Roe - Dizzy', 'CCR - Bad Moon Rising' and 'Del Shannon - Runaway', but for the most part, you'll struggle to inject much variety.

That's not to say the night won't be a success - I'd certainly enjoy it, providing the DJ knew his stuff!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

There are a few tracks which are a bit different, such as 'Tommy Roe - Dizzy', 'CCR - Bad Moon Rising' and 'Del Shannon - Runaway', but for the most part, you'll struggle to inject much variety.



Why? :confused:

Have you ever DJ'd at a 60s night?

I don't understand this negative attitude towards this at all? Have you all only got a couple of dozen tracks from the 60s?

There are loads they will dance to!

[CRAZY K]

Why? :confused:

Have you ever DJ'd at a 60s night?

I don't understand this negative attitude towards this at all? Have you all only got a couple of dozen tracks from the 60s?

There are loads they will dance to!

Agreed--I think maybe this is a confirmation to the inexperienced that despite the 60s being one of the most influential and most loved era in British Pop music that just playing a 60s track because it was a hit for example wont have people rushing to floor.

Im thinking They're Coming to Take Me Away Ha-Haaa!" top 5 hit:eek:

I do remember thinking at the time--this is absolute :Censored:

There were plenty of non dancing tracks lke any era.

This may be the time to start listing tracks--or havent we done all this before.:confused:

CRAZY K

[BeerFunk]

Why? :confused:

Have you ever DJ'd at a 60s night?Yes, and passed. However, I did feel that people were crying out for some Wham! or Abba :)


I don't understand this negative attitude towards this at all?What negative attitude? I stated my opinion, with an explanation and examples. I am not a criticising music from the 60s, I happen to like a great deal of it. However, musical styles really started branching out a lot more in the 70s, due to progression in electronica, punk and disco.


There are loads they will dance to!There are, but my point was that you'd struggle to vary the music over the course of a night - perhaps I'm wrong, I am always happy to admit it when proven! :)

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

What negative attitude? I stated my opinion, with an explanation and examples.

The bit where you say "you'll struggle to inject much variety." I think is particularly negative when there are so many genres and styles in the 60s.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

I did a 60's night for a lady celebrating her 50th about 18 months ago. There were all ages there and everyone was up for it...you know why? Because they all KNEW what the theme was. Loads of people went in fancy dress and there wasn't one request that wasn't outside the 60's. If people know the score in advance then it's easy.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I did a 60's night for a lady celebrating her 50th about 18 months ago. There were all ages there and everyone was up for it...you know why? Because they all KNEW what the theme was. Loads of people went in fancy dress and there wasn't one request that wasn't outside the 60's. If people know the score in advance then it's easy.

Nail. Head. Hit. :D

[andyw]

Im thinking They're Coming to Take Me Away Ha-Haaa!" top 5 hit:eek:

CRAZY K

i loved that song when i was younger

[andyw]

Nail. Head. Hit. :D

problem with me it's more head hit nail :)
i must admit i am feeling a little more at ease now,i have a lot of work todo between now and then but i have some ideas of where to start and that is a big help:beer1:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Thankyou!

I'm sure we've all done loads of different themed parties in the past. My favourite ones to do are the 80's themed parties (I have 3 before the end of the year). As I said, 99.9% of the time (at a guess obviously, I don't have official figures), the guests know in advance what the theme is. I can't see someone having a party and then telling everyone on the night "Oh yes, by the way..the theme is Screemo Metal"...

I can understand why someone that isn't that hot on a particular musical genre would maybe get a bit nervous about doing a whole night of that genre but hey!...we're professionals aren't we? This is a perfect opportunity to learn more about whatever genre it is. If you take your DJing seriously then you will always want to keep improving. I also think it looks good when someone comes up to you and asks you for a track and they say the magic words.."Well, I doubt if you will have it but can you play.......?" I like to be on the ball at that moment and prove them wrong.

I also think that (for example) when you are doing a themed party (in this case a 60's theme), when everyone knows the score, you aren't going to get someone come up and request something 'newer' because it is going to sound really out of place. I also think it shows that you are struggling in a roundabout kind of way. As already mentioned, there were so many different sub genres in the 60's and there is plenty to suit everyone. There was a pretty good set of CD's out a few years ago called 'The Best Sixties album in the world....ever'. There were 3 of them and they had around 50 tracks on each of them. I'd say the majority of the tracks on them would've worked easily and even if it came to just alternating the tracks throughout the night, I still think you would be able to cope easily.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

There was a pretty good set of CD's out a few years ago called 'The Best Sixties album in the world....ever'. There were 3 of them and they had around 50 tracks on each of them. I'd say the majority of the tracks on them would've worked easily and even if it came to just alternating the tracks throughout the night, I still think you would be able to cope easily.

When I used CDs, I used those albums loads. They are very very good.

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Yes, they were great. White, Black and Grey covers for Vol 1,2 and 3 and full of great songs. You could cope with using just those couldn't you?...well, not really because bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles aren't on there but you catch my drift?

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I have to say some of my best ever gigs have been ones Ive dreaded and I learn far more from gigs when the music isnt what I'd normally play!

If its an 60's theme maybe look into dressing up too to fit in!

[andyw]

we have those albums and a few others,problably got most of what we will need,just don't realise it(if that makes sense)

[Excalibur]

I did a 60's night for a lady celebrating her 50th about 18 months ago. There were all ages there and everyone was up for it...you know why? Because they all KNEW what the theme was. Loads of people went in fancy dress and there wasn't one request that wasn't outside the 60's. If people know the score in advance then it's easy.


Nail. Head. Hit. :D
Firmly. I think Andy's trepidation and my pessimism stem from the fact that this may not be the case with his gig.


i loved that song when i was younger
The B-side of Napoleon XIV was the A-side backwards.


we have those albums and a few others,problably got most of what we will need,just don't realise it(if that makes sense)

It makes perfect sense. I've often thought I was short on a style, and found out I had way more than I thought.

[andyw]

The B-side of Napoleon XIV was the A-side backwards.

.

i never knew that, don't know when i will ever need that gem but you never know
just done a quick search of the forum and found a lot of interesting threads,will have to take an evening or 2 to read through them all.

[BeerFunk]

The bit where you say "you'll struggle to inject much variety." I think is particularly negative when there are so many genres and styles in the 60s.I didn't mean it to sound negative, but it is my opinion. You're simply not going to be able to diversify as much as the decades which followed. If it were a 70s night, you could play 'Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen', 'OMD - Electricity', 'Traamps - Disco Inferno', and 'Elton John - Crocodile Rock' - all of which are very different.


There was a pretty good set of CD's out a few years ago called 'The Best Sixties album in the world....ever'.
When I used CDs, I used those albums loads. They are very very good.I have the Mastermix Sixties boxsets - the first volume in particular is very useful, as you'd expect from Mastermix really.

[Corabar Steve]

You need to realise how many genres there were during the 60s and open your mind, maaan http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-3367.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

There's lots of 60s soul you can play for example, then the beat groups, more rocky stuff, psychodelia, rock n roll, pop, etc etc.Indeed, even if you can't spell psychedelia :sj:

There was a pretty good set of CD's out a few years ago called 'The Best Sixties album in the world....ever'. There were 3 of them There were at least 4 (although my head is telling me 6) I've got vols II & IV


I didn't mean it to sound negative, but it is my opinion. You're simply not going to be able to diversify as much as the decades which followed. If it were a 70s night, you could play 'Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen', 'OMD - Electricity', 'Traamps - Disco Inferno', and 'Elton John - Crocodile Rock' - all of which are very different.

Rot! The last 60s night I did I played:

Ska, Soul, Folk (of the Dylan / Simon & Garfunkel variety), Rock 'n' Roll, Beat Groups, Psychedelia, Pop, Rock, Mod (the actual stuff the mod bands were playing themselves: Who, Small Faces etc... as opposed to the Soul & Ska that the mods also listened to) Jazz, Early Funk (Sly Stone), Freakbeat, Bubblegum Pop, R'n'B, Surf, Garage Punk, Easy Listening & Ballads.

Are you trying to tell me that's not as diverse as the 70s?

[BeerFunk]

Rot! The last 60s night I did I played:

Ska, Soul, Folk (of the Dylan / Simon & Garfunkel variety), Rock 'n' Roll, Beat Groups, Psychedelia, Pop, Rock, Mod (the actual stuff the mod bands were playing themselves: Who, Small Faces etc... as opposed to the Soul & Ska that the mods also listened to) Jazz, Early Funk (Sly Stone), Freakbeat, Bubblegum Pop, R'n'B, Surf, Garage Punk, Easy Listening & Ballads.

Are you trying to tell me that's not as diverse as the 70s?All requests, yes? Would you play any of them at your average party function, like, say, a 40th?

[Corabar Steve]

A good 50/50 mix of requests to my expertise.

Yes, I would play probably at least half of them without hesitation (possibly more) at a 40th. You'd be surprised at how many folks know a song, but don't remember it until they hear it. One of the most listened to shows on radio 2 is the oldies chart run down show (can't remember the name Pick of the Pops??) the same show that has been broadcast for years hosted previously by Jimmy Saville & Alan Freeman to name but 2. People hear stuff they'd forgotten or didn't know in the first place on that. Oldies have a bigger place in functions than a lot of people give credit.

[CRAZY K]

Yes, they were great. White, Black and Grey covers for Vol 1,2 and 3 and full of great songs. You could cope with using just those couldn't you?...well, not really because bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles aren't on there but you catch my drift?

And of course the really big 3 of the 60s remembered by those of who were actually there enjoying the music were--

Beatles, Stones and Beach Boys.

I dont think the Beach Boys were on compilations either.

So you would need to buy outside the compilations unless you already have material.

Quite likely a lot of people wont be my age so you may need a different mix:D

CRAZY K

[Corabar Steve]

I dont think the Beach Boys were on compilations either.
They are

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

All requests, yes? Would you play any of them at your average party function, like, say, a 40th?

OK, let's be diverse and think of songs of the top of my head that you could play, that are very different.

Steppenwolf - born to be wild
Desmond Dekker - The Israelites
Chuck Berry - You never can tell
Rolling Stones - Jumping jack flash
Crystals - Da do ron ron
Jackie Wilson - Higher and higher

6 very different tunes that people would dance to in my experience and easy to think of.