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

Let It BeThe Beatles

Beatles- Let It Be

This song can be considered one of the Beatles’ signature tracks.

Released in March 1970, it was their final single.

Paul McCartney wrote the lyrics after dreaming of his late mother, and they convey the importance of holding on to hope even in difficult times.

With its striking piano sound, the song is sure to bring the audience together when the chorus is sung in unison.

It’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to perform at parties or events.

THANXWANIMA

WANIMA THANX cover wedding reception performance with the groom

The lyrics are really great, so I think it’s a perfect song to cover for a performance.

It’s a song about gratitude, and the melody is very pop, but it might be a bit hard for beginners to copy, so it could be better to start practicing early!

ONE NIGHT STANDZIGGY

ONE NIGHT STAND-ZIGGY

A powerful, straightforward song that portrays fleeting romances encountered on the road.

It’s ZIGGY’s fourth single, released in February 1989, and it peaked at No.

12 on the Oricon chart.

The band also made their first appearance on Fuji TV’s Music Station, attracting significant attention.

It’s recommended for beginners to band performance as well.

With its simple structure that’s easy to learn and crowd-pleasing phrases perfect for chanting together, it’s sure to unite the audience when performed live or at events.

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!