Our FAQs

Hopefully you will find the answers to any queries below. However,  If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email thedukes@alivenetwork.com or call Alive Network's agents on 0845 108 5500.

How much space do you require?

We need a performance area of 6m wide and 3 metres deep, but we are able to squeeze into a minimum area of 5x2 metres if space is limited.  We’ve performed in various venues so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us.

How is it best to time things?

The bands performance times are important in the flow of your event. Therefore we are totally flexible with this. We will however advise if you request a set time that clashes with something else (EG. Buffet, speeches, raffle etc) This is simply because we want to make sure your dance floor is as full as possible all night.

Typical timings are as follows -

Arrival 5pm to be set up and soundchecked by 6:30.

Background/DJ music from 7:00 until 8:30.

Live set 1 from 8:30 until 9:30.

Background/DJ music from 9:30 until 10:45

Live set 2 from 10:45 until 11:45 with encores or DJ music until midnight.

Can I pick the bands playlist?

We are more than happy for you to make requests and we will accommodate as many as possible. However, we do prefer it if we are left to decide the order in which the tracks are played from our repertoire.

We like to have the freedom to read the crowd on the night and change up the set accordingly and this means we are able to perform most effectively.

Where will you travel to?

Anywhere! We travel UK wide and abroad. It goes without saying that the further we travel the greater our fee. We will also need accommodation providing if the venue is more than 150 miles away. Therefore our best prices can be found in the south of England.

Can I see the band play live?

This is how we earn our living and being a professional band we mostly play private events. This is because pubs and venues don’t have the budget to book us. We try to offset this situation by making sure we have plenty of promotional material, including lots of live recordings.

If you want to follow our Facebook page, any last minute public gigs that do come in will be promoted on there: www.facebook.com/thedukesonline 

Will you learn a request?

We are happy to consider learning your favourite song.  It largely depends on whether the particular song fits our playing style and sound. The song must include the same instrumentation as us otherwise it’s hard for us to replicate the sound.  At the time of booking us, please let your agent know if there’s a particular song you’d like us to consider learning so we have enough time to learn it well.

How can I book you?

You can book us through the enquiry form on this website www.thedukesonline.co.uk or through our agency www.alivenetwork.com.  You can also email or call our booking agents on 0845 108 5500 or thedukes@alivenetwork.com

Are you able to DJ in between sets?

We have a laptop with over 5000 songs that we use specifically for DJ'ing. It includes DJ software and ensures that we keep the dance floor swinging in between our sets. We are happy to take requests for the DJ playlist.

Music playlists between sets comes as standard with every booking, and if you want a more bespoke DJ service, we offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will man the laptop all night to take requests and make basic announcements.

The DJ package upgrade option is offered for free if you confirm your booking with us within 7 days of receiving your official quote. 

Can we use your sound system for speeches?

You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches.  However, we don’t use radio mics (ie. Wireless mics)  so anyone doing a speech will need to stand on or near the stage. You will have to also make sure that you have arranged for us to be set up before the speeches are due to take place. If you require radio mics you can hire them in, just Google ‘radio mic hire’ for local suppliers.

What equipment do you use?

2 x QSC k10 1000 Watt Tops QSC KSUB 1000 Watt Sub 2 x Mackie SRM450 Monitors Allen & Heath Zed 18 Desk

Lighting Size

8 x par 64 sound responsive cans plus fx suitable for well over 300 people

Tech Specs

Space: 5 x 4 metres Power: 3 x 13 amp sockets Band power requirements for generators: 6KVA. Please supply a separate feed from the catering if possible.

How long do you play for?

We have a max play time of 2 hours. This can be split in to 2 or 3 live sets of various lengths.  

How long do you take to set up?

Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all the equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked in an hour.

Can I provisionally book you?

Sadly, we are unable to take provisional bookings as our demand is such that we would be turning clients away on popular dates.  However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.  However to be on the safe side you are best to book promptly to avoid disappointment.

What will the band wear?

We will tailor our stage wear depending on the event and clients specification.

Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?

We always carry up to date PAT certification and have Public Liability Insurance cover up to £5M.

Why should I book The Dukes?

We are a very experienced and professional band.  We have travelled all over the world, and played in every type of venue to all kinds of people, so we bring a wealth of experience to your event, not to mention high quality equipment and live sound. 

It is important to us that we please every demographic at your event. We understand that your event is special, and that you only get one chance to get it right. 

What if the band split up before the event?

Like many professional cover bands, our work is our livelihood and so we take our commitments very seriously.

In the very unlikely event that the band had split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band or we would agree to cover all the existing contracts in place.

How do I get a price to book the band?

Prices vary based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and any upgrade options, but our standard price starts at £1250 including VAT. 

Can we read some previous client feedback?

Yes. Check out our previous client testimonials on our website here and on our agency profile at AliveNetwork.com!

Do The Dukes have any specific requirements?

Nothing out of the ordinary, just a secure changing room and refreshments.

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

We can play at any venue suitable for up to 500 people. If you select the extra PA option we can play at larger venues.

How loud will the band be?

We always make sure that our volume levels are such that people at your event can still talk, but really feel as though they are at a gig when they're on the dance floor.

Being a guitar based rock and pop function band, the nature of the music we play means that we can only turn down so far!  

If your chosen venue has a problem with noise and has had a dB limiter fitted, please discuss this with your agent at the time of your enquiry. If the limiter is set too low it may mean we can’t perform there.

It’s worth discussing sound limitations with our agency to make sure that the performance you will receive from us will not be compromised.

What is the band power requirement?

We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area.  We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down but we prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interference.

Generally, we draw approximately 16 amps with everything on and have only ever experienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.