First live band performance: Popular recommended songs to cover for entertainment acts and showcases [2026]
For your first performance in front of an audience, it’s natural to feel nervous, and above all, to agonize over the setlist.
For beginner bands, I’ve picked out well-known bands and highly recognizable songs that are easy to play even for a first performance and are likely to get everyone excited.
Consider the age range of the people who’ll be there, and choose some good tracks from this list.
I hope you find a wonderful, perfect song worthy of your debut performance—and I wish you the best of luck!
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First Band Performance: Popular Recommended Songs to Cover for Entertainment/Shows [2026] (71–80)
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
A heart-pounding rock tune that gives you a push on the back—“trust your instincts and carve out your future!” Released by ONE OK ROCK in February 2010, this song prioritizes instinct over logic, powerfully voicing a message from youth determined to move forward despite a mix of confidence and anxiety.
It was chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Arabiki-dan” and reached No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The surprise performance at their Tokyo Dome show in April 2023 sent many fans into a frenzy.
With its energetic, unforgettable melody, it gives you the courage to believe in yourself and sprint toward your dreams—a go-to number to fire up any school festival live.
Daphne (winter daphne)DISH//
It’s not easy to put feelings of gratitude toward one’s parents into words.
This song gently embraces the heartfelt emotions of exam-takers who feel that way.
Released by DISH// in November 2021, it drew attention as the theme song for the NTV drama “The Winners in February.” Co-written by DISH// vocalist Takumi Kitamura and Hattori from Macaroni Empitsu, it carefully portrays the pressure and anxiety students feel, as well as their gratitude toward family.
With a powerful, march-inspired sound and wishes embedded in the daphne’s flower language—“glory” and “victory”—it’s sure to resonate with anyone awaiting the fruits of their efforts.
Deliver a breathtaking performance with this moving band number and leave your audience in awe!
LOVE ROCKETSThe Birthday
Released in December 2022, this is the opening theme for the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK, which became such a major topic that it could be called a social phenomenon.
The song was created by The Birthday, with Yusuke Chiba—who has long been active in Japan’s rock scene—on guitar and vocals.
It’s a rock tune with a dark atmosphere, characterized by Chiba’s husky, cool voice.
If your band’s vocalist has a husky tone, this is definitely a song you should try.
Also, since the intro layers the instruments one by one—bass, drums, then guitar—it might be a great first song for a live set, with each member making their entrance in turn.
ArueBUMP OF CHICKEN
BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Arue” is included on the album FLAME VEIN and is cherished as a classic from their indie days.
It’s a compelling track with a driving, powerful band sound, famously said to be inspired by Rei Ayanami.
With drums and bass following a straightforward rock rhythm and guitars mainly strumming chords, its clear structure makes it feel perfect as a practice piece.
While there are spots you can push through on momentum, there are also technical nuances in the details, so focus on those as well to raise the overall quality.
I miss youkariyushi 58
It’s a heart-throbbing song! It has the unique vibe of Okinawan music, with a touch of bittersweetness and warmth.
The message is strong, so it works well as a song from friend to friend, and it also fits as a song from lover to lover.
Dear you, somedayKankaku Pierrot
It’s a band number used in the drama “Yutori Desu ga Nani ka,” with a strong sense of drive and impact.
Since it’s also a relatively new song, it should feel fresh and be well-received at school festivals or performances.
Musically, there are some challenging parts, so when you nail it, it looks incredibly cool.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A searing, emotional masterpiece that grabs high schoolers’ hearts and never lets go! Its grand melody and exhilarating, driving guitar sound will fill the entire school festival venue with excitement.
The lyrics portray real, down-to-earth youth who question their own purpose, face failure, and keep moving forward—sure to stir your soul.
Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in August 2004, this song was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
It’s a classic that begs to be performed live, uniting the whole crowd in a frenzy.
Highly recommended even for those just starting out with band performances!