First live band performance: Popular recommended songs to cover for entertainment acts and showcases [2026]
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!
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First Band Performance: Popular Recommended Songs to Cover for Entertainment/Acts [2026] (21–30)
March 9Remioromen
It’s a heartwarming ballad that gently moves the soul.
Originally written by Remioromen to celebrate a friend’s wedding, the song has since become widely cherished as a graduation anthem.
Released as a single on March 9, 2004, it was also included on the album “ether.” It was featured as the ending theme for the TBS information program “Pooh!” and used in Nestlé’s “KitKat” commercials.
With a relaxed tempo and simple guitar chord strumming, it’s easy even for beginner bands to perform, making it a great choice for a first live-house stage or as entertainment at a wedding.
Its empathetic lyrics and memorable melody are sure to bring the entire venue together as one.
The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS
One of the signature tracks from THE BLUE HEARTS’ debut album, THE BLUE HEARTS, which left a major mark on Japan’s punk rock scene.
It’s an anthem that delivers a powerful declaration to keep singing for oneself and for kindred spirits, set to a straightforward and catchy melody.
In 2002 it was used as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama ‘Hito ni Yasashiku’ (Be Nice to People), and in 2011 it was featured in a JRA commercial.
The repeated phrase in the chorus is structured to make you hum along naturally, creating a sense of unity that transcends generations.
It’s the perfect song for linking arms and getting fired up together at year-end or New Year parties.
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
This is a single by Kazuyoshi Saito released in June 1994, a rock ’n’ roll number characterized by a lively shuffle beat and a catchy melody.
Chosen as the opening theme for “Ponkickies,” it gained nationwide popularity.
Despite its bright, poppy feel, it carries a passionate message about walking your own path on your own two feet.
It was featured in a Suntory commercial in 2001 and a Suzuki Lapin commercial in 2015, making it a timeless classic loved across generations.
With a comfortable tempo and a natural call-and-response structure, it’s a safe choice to perform at gatherings with a wide range of ages.
The guitar phrases are memorable, too, making it rewarding to play!
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is one song I absolutely want you to perform at the school festival! Just seeing you play it with all your heart looks cool on its own and draws everyone’s eyes.
It starts in a low key, but when the chorus hits and it really ramps up, everyone’s excitement will go into MAX overdrive!
Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis
Let’s not dwell on the past—keep looking forward.
This is a coming-of-age anthem packed with that kind of encouragement.
Released by Oasis in 1996, the song topped the UK Singles Chart.
Its intro is said to be influenced by John Lennon’s Imagine.
Brimming with the appeal of guitar rock, it features an especially memorable chorus melody.
The structure is easy to play even for beginners, making it perfect for a first band performance.
It’s a song that creates a strong sense of unity with the crowd, so it’s sure to get everyone hyped at parties and events!
clear skiesOrangestar
Orangestar’s “Kaisei” was released as a digital-only single in 2020 and later included on the 2023 album “And So Henceforth,”.
It’s a track marked by a refreshing sense of speed, where the simplicity of the instrumentation effectively highlights the driving momentum of the lyrics.
Since each part is fundamentally based on chord combinations, it should be straightforward to convey that sense of propulsion in performance.
The guitar part that carries the melodic phrases seems challenging, but to make it stand out, the other parts should firmly support the song with chords.
Re:makeONE OK ROCK
Among ONE OK ROCK’s songs, this one is relatively simple and easy to cover.
Its structure is straightforward and it has a great groove, making it an ideal choice for a cover.
The overall quality depends heavily on the vocalist’s skill, so it’s a perfect chance for the singer to show what they can do.