Lovely performance

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

First-time band performance: Popular recommended songs to cover for entertainment/acts [2026] (91–100)

Real voiceayaka

Ayaka – Real Voice

Real voiceayaka

This is a highly recommended song for an all-girl band to make a cool, striking impression! It kicks off with an up-tempo vocal intro that instantly grabs the audience and gets everyone singing along with great energy.

Just like Ayaka’s image, it combines a crisp, cool edge while keeping a touch of cuteness.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

WINDING LOADAyaka × Kobukuro

Kobukuro – WINDING ROAD (Ayaka × Kobukuro)

WINDING LOADAyaka × Kobukuro

If two or three confident singers can handle harmonies and call-and-response well, this song is guaranteed to get everyone excited.

At the beginning of the song, you don’t need much BGM; a simple setup with just piano and percussion should still create a rich, full sound.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

LIFE: Beyond What’s Right in Front of YouKanjani∞

Kanjani Eight LIFE ~Beyond What's in Front of Me~ Guitar

LIFE: Beyond What's Right in Front of YouKanjani∞

Kanjani∞ are often described, in a good way, as a group with a unique Kansai vibe that doesn’t feel very “Johnny’s-like,” and their band numbers are incredibly cool.

The lyrics express a fiery determination that says, “We can still do this!”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The world calls it love.Sambomasutā

Sambomaster / The World Calls It Love MUSIC VIDEO

The world calls it love.Sambomasutā

When it comes to youthful love songs, this is the one! It’s the rocking love song that catapulted Sambomaster’s name into the spotlight.

Its powerful melody blows away pent-up stress and the gloom from unfair moments, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at school festivals and the like.

Just be warned: the vocals go pretty high, so take care when singing it.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Millennium MedalZa Hairouzu

[Official] The High-Lows “Sennen Medal” [9th Single (1998/4/29)] THE HIGH-LOWS / Sennen Medal

Millennium MedalZa Hairouzu

It’s a song that vows straightforward, unreserved love.

While it’s intended specifically for wedding-related celebrations like the ceremony or an engagement meeting, its simple yet heartfelt lyrics are perfect for declaring your resolve and commitment.

It’s the ultimate love song from a man to a woman.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

LOVE ROCKETSThe Birthday

The Birthday – LOVE ROCKETS [MV] (Opening theme song of the film “THE FIRST SLAM DUNK”)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

frecklesJUDY AND MARY

Judy and Mary - Freckles

frecklesJUDY AND MARY

Released in 1996, JUDY AND MARY’s “Sobakasu” is also famous as the first opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin.

It’s a song that’s especially familiar to people in their 30s and 40s.

With its catchy melody and upbeat tone, it’s sure to feel pleasant even to first-time listeners.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem