First live band performance: Popular recommended songs to cover for entertainment acts and showcases [2026]

Bluebirdikimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari Blue Bird (Live) [720p HD]

It’s a straight-to-the-heart, uplifting anthem of youth.

Its driving energy and familiar yet beautiful melody are captivating.

The catchy guitar riff is easy to remember and highly recommended.

Be sure to nail it live with style.

Released in July 2008 as Ikimono-gakari’s 10th single, it was also used as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto Shippuden.

This is a song where momentum matters more than technical skill, so even if you make a few mistakes, push through to the end.

As the title suggests, it’s a refreshing track that brings to mind the blue skies of summer.

Adding a tambourine player to your lineup might make for a visually fun live performance.

It’s fine.Urufuruzu

Ulfuls – Ee nen

This song captivates with powerful vocals and an exhilarating sound.

Released by Ulfuls in November 2003 as their 25th single, it was their final work under the Toshiba label.

By repeating the phrase “Een-en” (“It’s all right”), it conveys the importance of moving forward without fearing failure.

In the Kansai region, it was also embraced as a song that speaks for Hanshin Tigers fans, and it held the No.

1 spot on FM802’s OSAKAN HOT 100 for nine consecutive weeks.

It’s the perfect track for your first performance in front of others or when you need a boost of encouragement.

There’s always tomorrowUrufuruzu

Kyu Sakamoto – There’s Always Tomorrow

A timeless classic that needs no introduction! It’s no exaggeration to say everyone knows this song, and it can be performed for audiences of all ages.

Many artists have covered it, but the Ulfuls version updates the lyrics with the image of a modern office worker, so it’s likely to get adult men especially fired up.

Thunder RoadZa Hairouzu

I tried playing Thunder Road by The High-Lows.

It’s a song imbued with a resolve: two people who have pledged themselves to each other face various hardships hand in hand, overcoming them while creating lasting memories.

It’s an uptempo, energetic track, but the chord progression is simple, so it should be easy to cover.

There are many works by The High-Lows that I can recommend!

Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video

This is Chatmonchy’s major-label debut single, memorable for its poppy, catchy melody.

It starts from the everyday mishap of dropping a cell phone and goes on to sing about the importance of human connection.

Released in November 2006, it was chosen as the ending theme for the Fuji TV anime “Hataraki Man.” It became the band’s first big hit, marking their first Top 10 entry on the Oricon singles chart.

Despite its simple structure, the distinctive bounce of the rhythm makes it perfect for a first band performance.

It’s also great as entertainment at parties or events.

If you play it with joy, it’s sure to bring the whole venue together into one.

Dear you, somedayKankaku Pierrot

To you someday, with lyrics

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.

Ultramarine DaysToukyou Jihen

Tokyo Incidents – Ultramarine Weather

A deeply resonant song that portrays aching emotions and urban loneliness.

Released by Tokyo Jihen in November 2004, this masterpiece fuses Shiina Ringo’s poetic lyrics with the band’s distinctive sound.

It delicately captures themes such as heartbreak, loss of self, and adapting to society.

A staple at live shows and concerts, it was also performed at the NHK Hall concert in July 2020.

Marked by a breezy rhythm and a memorable bassline, it’s perfect for a first performance in front of an audience.

With lyrics that strike a chord and an easy-to-remember melody, it’s sure to draw listeners in.