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 band performance: Popular recommended songs to cover for entertainment/skits [2026] (1–10)

Heroineback number

back number – Heroine (full)

Heroineback number

Heroine back number High school girls' band

If you’d like to try performing a song with a mellow, heartfelt vibe, how about “Heroine” by back number? Released in 2015 as their 11th single, it was featured in JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercials.

Centered around the tone of the acoustic guitar, the sound unfolds gently, and the lyrics—capturing bittersweet feelings for someone you love—make it a memorable winter song.

The chord progression is simple and doesn’t require advanced techniques, so it should be easy to take on.

Also, while you can hear strings and various other sounds in the original, the piece still works well with just guitar, bass, and drums.

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You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

I played Aimyon’s “You Don’t Listen to Rock” at the school festival with my band.

You don't listen to rock.aimyon

You Don’t Listen to Rock / Aimyon (cover)

This song is about unrequited love—feelings that just won’t get through.

It’s the third single by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture, released in September 2017.

With over 100 million streams, it has captured the hearts of many.

It conveys the bittersweet feelings of “me,” who wants to share the greatness of rock music with “you,” who doesn’t listen to rock.

The powerful, husky vocals are striking, and its heartfelt message is compelling.

It’s a track that brings back memories of that painful first love many experience in their youth.

Also recommended for those trying a band performance for the first time.

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incredible speedandymori

andymori “Amazing Speed”

incredible speedandymori

[Incredible Speed / andymori (cover)] Hatopan Winter Tour 2022 (3rd Night) [2022/03/20 LIVE at Kyoto EN-LAB]

It’s a rock tune that overlays the passing of the seasons with a sense of impatience, as if capturing a young person’s heart just as it is.

The song is included on andymori’s self-titled debut album released in 2009.

At about 1 minute and 30 seconds, it’s a short piece whose down-to-earth band sound is very easy on the ears.

In 2024, it went viral on TikTok as a dance video track and became a hot topic.

Because it’s short, it doesn’t have many sections, so I think you can memorize the song quickly.

When performing it, it might be a good idea to have dancers join in as well.

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First Band Performance: Popular Recommended Songs to Cover for Entertainment/Shows [2026] (11–20)

Let’s give it a tryWANIMA

Yattemiyou

Let's give it a tryWANIMA

Let's give it a try WANIMA [HAiSAiN]

“Yatte Miyou” by the three-piece band WANIMA—hugely popular especially among younger generations—has an upbeat, feel-good vibe.

The drum rhythm patterns and guitar parts aren’t too difficult, making it a great pick for anyone who just wants to enjoy playing a band song for now.

If all three members can add backing vocals, it’ll make the performance even more fun.

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I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Red Thread “I Wish I Could Fly” (Spitz) Cover – 1st TMC High School Band Championship

“Sora mo Toberu Hazu” is practically a national favorite—you’ll find it not only in band scores for beginner instrumentalists but even in music textbooks.

Released by Spitz in 1994, the single sold over a million copies.

Many people probably sing it at karaoke, too.

This song is especially recommended for beginner guitarists.

It’s built entirely on very clear, basic chord progressions, so start by learning to play this one.

Once you’ve got the fundamentals down, it will help when you take on other songs as well!

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secret base 〜What You Gave Me〜ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

secret base 〜What You Gave Me〜ZONE

We tried performing the AnoHana ending theme “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” as a band. (Nagareda Project)

This song, which was chosen as the theme for Kids War 3: Don’t Mess With Me and sparked a major movement, is a work by the girl band ZONE, released in 2001 as their third single.

Its nostalgic lyrics and bittersweet tone, evoking summers spent with someone special, are deeply moving.

As you listen, you can’t help but look back on your own summers and reflect on your life.

Thanks to the slower tempo, I think you can play it without rushing—whether it’s the guitar chord fingerings or the drum fills.

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BABYBABYichou BOYZ

Ging Nang BOYZ – BABY BABY

BABYBABYichou BOYZ

Ging Nang BOYZ / BABY BABY [ROCK band cover] #026

Here lies one of Ging Nang BOYZ’s signature songs.

Fierce instrumentation and lyrics that squeeze your heart—it’s a track where the word “youth” fits perfectly.

Released in 2005, it’s included on the album “Kimi to Boku no Daisanji Sekai Taisen-teki Ren’ai Kakumei” (“Our Third World War–Style Love Revolution”).

It expresses powerful feelings for a loved one and a longing for eternity.

It paints city illuminations and a partner with an angelic smile as an illusion, singing of the beauty and fragility of love.

Its blisteringly hot live performances make it a classic you’ll want to emulate.

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