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/Shows [2026] (11–20)

Sora-buneTOKIO

Sora-fune (Sky Ship) – TOKIO (Full)

Sora-buneTOKIO

TOKIO “Sora Fune (Ship in the Sky)” — Cultural Festival 2016

Pour your heart into this song, brimming with strong will! It’s TOKIO’s 35th single, released in 2006, and it served as the theme song for the drama “My Boss My Hero.” The lyrics and composition were handled by singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima.

Its powerful sound and message—“I’ll steer my own ship with my own strength”—really fire you up when you’re feeling sluggish.

The drums use a basic 8-beat pattern, the guitar focuses on backing phrases, and the bass plays mostly root notes with a few passing fingerings, making it approachable for beginners.

For pianists, definitely switch to an electric piano tone and try recreating the main riff that appears in the intro and the horn section parts!

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GLAMOROUS SKYNakajima Mika

GLAMOROUS SKY

GLAMOROUS SKYNakajima Mika

[GLAMOROUS SKY] NANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA High school band cover

How about performing a rock tune that’ll give you chills with its cool worldview? This song by Mika Nakashima was released as a single in 2005.

It was the theme song for the movie NANA, in which she starred, and it became a huge hit.

The lyrics, which look back on the days of walking side by side with someone dear, are tinged with heartache, while the emotional band sound envelops them and resounds throughout.

You’ll notice when you play it that 150 BPM is actually a bit more relaxed than the song’s mood suggests.

Try not to rush—focus on letting each note ring out clearly.

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GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48

AKB48 “GIVE ME FIVE!” – Graduation Congratulations Courtyard Live

If you’re looking for an energetic, high-powered song, how about AKB48’s “GIVE ME FIVE!”? Released in 2012 as their 25th single, it features Atsuko Maeda as the center.

It’s a graduation song about believing in a friend’s tomorrow; beneath its catchy melody, a bittersweet sense of farewell seeps through, tightening your chest.

There aren’t many technical phrases, but the tempo is fast, so you’ll need practice to keep the rhythm from dragging.

It might be best to start at a slower pace where you can play cleanly, then gradually speed up.

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Messenger from SundayZa Hairouzu

[Official] The High-Lows “Messenger from Sunday” [Included on the album ‘flip flop’ (2001/1/24)] THE HIGH-LOWS / Nichiyoubiyori no Shisha

Messenger from SundayZa Hairouzu

Messenger from Sunday / THE HIGH-LOWS (cover)

There are songs in music that are built with just three chords—the so-called “three-chord” songs—and The High-Lows’ ‘Messenger From Sunday’ is exactly that.

It’s a track from their 1995 debut album, later released as a single in 2004.

Beloved for years, it was used as the theme song for the film ‘Zebraman’ and in commercials.

The fact that such a wonderful song can be made with only three chords really shows the depth of music.

Try aiming for an ensemble that brings out a bright, cheerful atmosphere.

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At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – At the End of Sorrow [Official Video]

At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi

At the End of Sorrow – Elephant Kashimashi (Cover)

If you want to fire up the crowd with a masculine, high-energy song, how about this one? “Sorrow’s End” by Elephant Kashimashi, the rock band led by Hiroji Miyamoto, was released in 1996.

Riding on a powerful band sound, it delivers a message of “believing in the hope that lies at the end of sorrow.” It’s an encouraging anthem that feels like a firm pat on the back when you’re feeling down.

At about two and a half minutes, it’s a short song with relatively few sections, which means fewer phrases to memorize—making it easy to take on.

Be sure to convey the song’s passionate, heated worldview!

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Wish Upon a Starflumpool

flumpool “Wish Upon a Star” MUSIC VIDEO

Wish Upon a Starflumpool

Courtyard Live: flumpool - “When You Wish upon a Star”

It’s a song that conveys a single-minded desire to see someone important.

flumpool’s “Hoshi ni Negai wo” (Wish Upon a Star) was released in 2009 as their major-label debut single.

Since it was used in the commercial for NTT’s music distribution service MUSICO, many of you have probably heard it.

Built on a four-on-the-floor beat, its soundscape is appealing for the way it blends catchiness with a touch of melancholy.

Pay attention to elements like the accent hits and timing—each member should closely listen to one another’s playing to bring out a sense of unity in the performance.

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First Band Performance: Popular Recommended Songs to Cover for Entertainment/Acts [2026] (21–30)

JitterbugELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN “Jitterbug” Music Video

JitterbugELLEGARDEN

The technique of plucking strings one by one is called arpeggio, and this track is perfect for practicing it! It’s a single released in 2003 by ELLEGARDEN.

With a dynamic sound arrangement and vocalist Takeshi Hosomi’s soaring high tones, it’s a mid-tempo guitar rock song that leaves a strong impression.

It was also selected as the ending theme for TBS’s CDTV in November 2003.

The arpeggio phrase is very simple, making it ideal for beginners, and it’s a great choice for the first song in a cover band’s set.

This work is a re-cut single from the album “BRING YOUR BOARD!!,” peaking at No.

75 on the overall chart.

It also became their first indie release to reach No.

1.

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