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

flash[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV) Theme Song of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash

With its exhilarating guitar riffs, this powerful song is imbued with a strong will to face the future.

Created as the theme song for the film Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway, [Alexandros] released this work in May 2021.

The protagonist’s journey of overcoming past fears to become a new self resonates perfectly with the band’s fresh start as they officially welcomed Ibu Riad as a member.

The grand music video shot in a factory drew significant attention, and by May 2023 the song surpassed 100 million streams.

It has become a work loved by a wide audience beyond Gundam fans.

If performed on a school festival stage, it would likely envelop the entire venue in an overwhelming sense of unity.

asking for the moonKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video

This is a track distinguished by its exhilarating four-on-the-floor rhythm! Known as one of KANA-BOON’s signature songs, it was released in April 2013 as their second single.

The lyrics depict the fluctuations of romance, making it highly relatable.

With guitars panned left and right engaging in a memorable call-and-response, the sound is guaranteed to get you hyped.

It’s not particularly difficult to play, so even a three-piece band can cover it.

Perfect for getting the crowd going at school events like sports days and culture festivals.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

It’s a moving song that portrays a love that transcends time and space.

It’s a track by RADWIMPS, released in August 2016.

Used as an insert song in director Makoto Shinkai’s animated film “Your Name.”, it became a massive hit.

The lyrics about a fateful encounter and eternal love strike a chord.

The driving melody and powerful vocals are striking, and listening to it really lifts your spirits! This piece became beloved by many, even charting on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 for 63 consecutive weeks.

Highly recommended for those who want to sing with feelings for the one they love.

20th Century BoyT-REX

T.Rex – 20th Century boy

This song features powerful guitar riffs and a catchy melody.

Released as a single in 1973, it reached No.

3 on the UK Singles Chart.

The album Electric Warrior is widely recognized as a landmark of glam rock.

It’s said that Marc Bolan of T.

Rex drew inspiration from being told by a young fan, “I want to be a rock star like you.” It could be fun to put on a flashy air-band performance as a side act, too.

Recommended for those who want to nail a cool song live.

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS

Be Kind to People / THE BLUE HEARTS (cover by Ms. George)

Countless people started their band activities by covering this song.

Released as an indie single in 1987, it’s one of The Blue Hearts’ signature tracks.

Its energetic feel really amps you up—this is the quintessential Blue Hearts sound.

The lyrics are notable for calling for kindness and compassion toward people.

It was also used as an insert song in the 1989 film “Juliet Game,” which helped it reach an even wider audience.

Its simple, powerful message and catchy melody are still loved by many fans today.

Since it uses few chords and mostly the basics, it’s a great stepping stone when you move on to other songs!

Last live showBurandē Senki

Brandy War Chronicles – Last Live (Official Music Video)

Formed in Osaka in 2022, Brandy Senki has been drawing attention with their unique musicality and powerful live performances.

Their 2025 digital single “Last Live” is a song that shakes listeners to the core with the emotions of regret and anxiety depicted by Hasutsuki.

If you were to arrange this track for a full band, the key would be how to express the dramatic shift from the melancholic, ’90s alternative rock vibe in the first half to the driving, high-energy rock sound in the latter half.

In particular, when the tempo kicks into high gear, you’ll want everyone to lock in precisely on the drummer’s fill as the cue.

Nail that, and the audience will get chills.

Looking at individual parts, the bass line is fairly active, so it’s a great study for bassists who want to break out of strictly root-note playing.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

Released in September 2002 as Road of Major’s indie debut single, this song delivers a refreshing ode to the importance of friendship and hope for the future.

Its driving melody and energetic sound give you the courage to overcome farewells with friends and take a bold new step forward.

Despite being an indie release, it spent 19 consecutive weeks in the Oricon Top 10 and achieved an astonishing total of 900,000 copies sold.

In 2009, it was also featured in a Taiwanese commercial for the Mazda Mazda3, drawing attention both at home and abroad.

Play it at a school festival or live show, and it’s guaranteed to bring the entire venue together in excitement.

A moving classic that colors a page of youth spent with friends.