[2026] For Band Beginners! Recommended Songs from Popular Bands That Get the Crowd Going at Live Shows

When the wind blows, loveChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Kaze Fukeba Koi” Music Video

Chatmonchy is a rock band that continues to be highly regarded not only by fans of girls’ rock, but also by a wide range of music lovers.

Their 8th single “Kaze Fukeba Koi,” used in Shiseido’s SEA BREEZE commercial, resonates with its refreshing lyrics that straightforwardly portray the feelings of love.

While there are no difficult techniques in the performance, the original vibe won’t come through unless you focus on tightness, so the entire band needs to be mindful.

In particular, since the guitarist plays while singing, be careful not to let either the vocals or the guitar pull the rhythm off balance.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Demachiyanagi Parallel UniverseASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Demachiyanagi Parallel Universe” Music Video

This song was created as the theme for the theatrical anime adaptation of Tomihiko Morimi’s novel, The Tatami Time Machine Blues.

It’s the third time they’ve handled a theme song for an anime based on Morimi’s work, and you can feel their seasoned confidence in this signature power-pop tune.

There aren’t any difficult phrases, but precisely because it’s simple, a direct and powerful sound is required.

Since the arrangement centers on guitar backing that brings out the beautiful melody, focus on fretting the chords cleanly and supporting the overall groove.

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hiyori

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rainbowELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN “Rainbow”

Even in the Reiwa era, there are surely many beginner band members who want to try covering ELLEGARDEN songs, which continue to attract passionate cross-generational support.

The song “Niji” introduced here is included on their landmark album “RIOT ON THE GRILL,” which became a turning point in their breakthrough.

Sung in Japanese, its lyrics and melody are emotional and tinged with a certain bittersweetness, making it a classic.

It’s not a fast, driving track, but is based on a mid-tempo 8-beat.

The pleasantly rough backing and simple rhythms don’t require advanced technique, so among their songs it’s one of the easier ones to take on.

That said, be careful not to let it become too plain—try to play each note with feeling!

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KOH-1

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Basket CaseGreen Day

Green Day – Basket Case [Official Music Video] (4K Upgrade)

Despite the 30 years that have passed since its release, this is a true classic that’s surely still being played at live houses somewhere across Japan! “Basket Case,” the song that helped catapult the hugely popular band Green Day to stardom in Japan as well, is a timeless masterpiece.

Its arrangement is stripped-down with no waste, yet it captures the essence of pop-punk, and the contrast between its bright tone and serious lyrics makes it a landmark in music history.

Technically, it’s well within reach for beginners, though maintaining a fast 8-beat—especially for drummers—can be challenging at first.

Try practicing by, for example, switching to quarter-note hi-hat strokes and gradually getting used to the tempo.

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KOH-1

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classmateKALMA

KALMA – Classmate (Music Video)

A song by KARMA, a three-piece rock band from Hokkaido that broadened their nationwide recognition after posting their music on the platform Eggs.

It’s the title track of their first EP, Classmate, released exclusively in Hokkaido, and its straightforward rock sound combined with a unique sense of float lifts your spirits.

The bass line is quite active, so it does take some practice, but the simple ensemble makes it approachable even for beginners.

With its exhilarating vibe, it’s a rock tune that’s guaranteed to fire up a live crowd.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Stand By MeSubway Daydream

Subway Daydream – Stand By Me (Official Video)

Subway Daydream is a four-piece rock band garnering attention for songs that incorporate a variety of styles, including grunge, neo-acoustic, and shoegaze.

“Stand By Me,” included on their first album RIDE, was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Ippon Again! While each part’s performance is simple, the bass line moves quite a lot, so be careful not to let the band’s beat waver.

Also, because the song has a driving feel, make sure to practice as a band so that no one falls out of rhythm.

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Hoshino Takashi

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The Hell SongSUM41

Sum 41 – The Hell Song (Official Music Video)

A landmark of punk rock, this song was inspired by the shocking event of a friend contracting HIV.

Released by Sum 41 in January 2002, it poignantly portrays the fragility of life.

With power-chord-driven guitars, root-note-focused bass, and an 8-beat drum pattern, its simple yet catchy arrangement makes it approachable even for beginner bands.

Featured on the album “Does This Look Infected?”, the track charted in both the UK and the US, and received RIAA Gold certification in May 2015.

It’s a recommended pick both for those who want to get hyped at live shows and for those who want to feel the subtleties of life.