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!
- Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands at School Culture Festivals
- [Band Performance] Recommended Songs to Liven Up Year-end/New Year Parties [2026]
- Top Girl Bands and Popular Songs for School Cultural Festivals: Rankings [2026]
- Recommended songs for band performances to liven up a wedding reception
- Recommended band songs for weddings. Use them as a reference for choosing background music!
- A roundup of recommended band scores for beginners: introducing easy songs
- [2026] For Band Beginners! Recommended Songs from Popular Bands That Get the Crowd Going at Live Shows
- Popular band songs that hype up cultural and school festivals & recommended latest hit songs
- [2026] The latest Japanese pop songs that liven up parties and performances: surefire crowd favorites
- Recommended songs for beginner bands: simple and crowd-pleasing tracks.
- Get the Crowd Going! A Collection of Fun Wedding and Reception Entertainment Ideas
- [2026] Crowd-Pleaser Songs for the After-Party: Trending Hits and All-Time Classics
- High School Students’ Favorite Band Songs Ranking [2026]
First Band Performance: Popular Recommended Songs to Cover for Entertainment/Acts [2026] (51–60)
SalamanderELLEGARDEN
ELLEGARDEN’s “Salamander” was released as a single in 2006 and is also included on the album ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS.
The vocals unfold from a flat, almost spoken delivery into a chorus that mixes in higher notes, and the powerful sound that overlaps with this progression conveys a strong sense of momentum.
The overall sonic atmosphere also feels energetic, with a playing style that emphasizes a rough, forceful intensity, which is a key appeal.
Strongly accentuating the choppy guitar at the beginning may also be a point that boosts the drive of the entire track.
Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy
Vaundy’s “Hashire SAKAMOTO” (Run, SAKAMOTO) was released in 2025 and was created as the opening theme for the anime SAKAMOTO DAYS.
It leaves a strong impression with its cool, driving sense of speed that evokes the anime’s action scenes, and the sound conveys a rock vibe.
While the rough timbre creates a sense of power, each instrument mainly sticks to basic rhythms and chords, making it easy to project a clear, cool atmosphere.
Rather than focusing on sharp articulation, it’s important to let the sound resonate strongly; aiming for a bold, vigorous performance seems best for expressing the song’s world.
Planet LoopEVE
Eva’s “Planet Loop” is a song written and composed by Nayutan Seijin, included on the album “OFFICIAL NUMBER.” The briskly ticking rhythm lends a digital vibe and creates a distinctive sense of weightless floating.
The drums and bass keep a steady pulse only in limited sections like the intro and the chorus, and the guitar often sustains single notes or strikes a single chord—making it, in fact, a track with plenty of space between sounds.
If you sequence the keyboard parts and have the performance lock to them, you can also bring out that digital atmosphere.
Number one punk!Za Kuromaniyonzu
This song is filled with an indomitable spirit and a positive message.
It’s the ninth single by The Cro-Magnons, released in September 2011.
The lyrics sing about standing up even in a cold recording studio room or in the rain.
It was also used in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, which drew a lot of attention.
It’s recommended for those who want to get pumped up with a full band performance.
There’s a simple call-and-response, so everyone can feel a sense of unity together.
First Band Performance: Popular Recommended Songs to Cover for Entertainment/Shows [2026] (61–70)
GONGWANIMA
WANIMA’s “GONG” is the theme song for the film One Piece: Stampede and is included on the single Summer Trap!!.
You can feel the excitement of an adventure beginning and the strong determination to push toward the future through its powerful sound.
Because they’re a three-piece band, each instrument’s tone can be clearly heard, so it’s important not only to rely on sheer momentum but also to be mindful of playing with precision.
While the performance has plenty of power, the rhythms and chords are fundamentally straightforward, so let’s proceed with an awareness of how to add drive and momentum within that framework.
You don’t get it.WurtS
The song that brought solo artist WurtS into the spotlight is “WakattenaIyo.” Because it uses a straightforward band setup—two guitars, bass, and drums—the vocals that hurl complex emotions really stand out.
The four-on-the-floor drums are also striking, giving the track a dance-music-like lightness.
Thanks to this rhythm, the emotions expressed by the guitars and vocals are highlighted even more, so it’s crucial that every part stays rhythm-conscious.
365 daysMr.Children
A beautiful love song that weaves bittersweet feelings of romance.
This track, included on Mr.Children’s 16th album “SENSE,” features lyrics by Kazutoshi Sakurai that describe unspoken emotions as a “love letter written in the heart,” striking a chord with listeners.
Released in December 2010, it was also used in commercials for NTT East and NTT West, resonating with many people.
Singing of daily messages of love, this song is perfect for times when you want to express your feelings to someone special.
Even for a first band performance, if you sing it with heart, it will surely become a wonderful rendition.