Booking Info
Quite often people who book Innocent Bystanders have seen them perform live at a party or wedding, found their website whilst searching for a band, or had a demo CD forced upon them by a well meaning family member or friend. Regardless of how you stumbled across this site it is important you choose the right act for your event. This page should give you an idea of what to expect and answer some of the regular questions received.

Equipment:
Innocent Bystanders are a fully self contained act and provide their own PA system and lighting. Please inform the band where you plan on having them set up (in which room or hall) and the best access route prior to the booking date. This helps when unloading equipment. It is also useful for the band to be able to park near the stage area to make unloading easier. It takes around 45 minutes to set up and this can be achieved quietly so there is minimal disruption to your guests.

Requirements:

The band will need one power socket and if your event is outside cover should be provided to protect expensive electrical equipment from the weather.

Arrival & Setting Up:
Arrival is usually 60-90 minutes before the performance time. If your event is based around a sit down meal with the performance afterwards, it is generally best for the band to set up after the main meal and speeches. Where possible, the band tries to arrive close to the event time so they are refreshed and ready for the performance. However, if there is no alternative, an earlier arrival and set up can be arranged. In this instance additional fees and conditions may be applied (such as provisions of a hot meal) as it can involve a lengthy stay at the venue for many hours before the performance.

Fees:

Performance fees can vary considerably as they are based on how much travelling is involved, which date the booking is on, and the performance times.  Usually, the band will perform for 2x50 minute sets with a 30 minute interval. Payment should always be made upfront before the performance either by cheque sent to the supplied address a week ahead of the booking date, or alternatively by cash on the night before the perfomance. An email receipt will always be provided but a printed receipt can be sent for wedding insurance requirements if necessary.

Performance & Music:
High quality backing tracks are used to enhance the performance and bring a more complete sound to the evening. Generally, the first set is more laid back and the second set is more upbeat to create the perfect party atmosphere. The band will read the reaction of the audience and perform the music that they think people are responding to best.  If you have any requests please forward these details to Russ and Tony and they will do their best to include it for you.  However, due to their busy schedule it is not always possible for them to learn a specific track for each booking and some songs may not be suitable for their voices. In this instance the original song can be played from CD through the PA system on request.

Occasionally Innocent Bystanders are asked to perform their sets alongside a professional DJ. This is no trouble at all as long as the DJ is notified in advance that there will be a band present and will leave adequate space on the stage.

A little more...

Innocent Bystanders are professional musicians with years of experience playing at weddings, birthday parties, corporate functions, dinner dances and conferences. They understand what makes an event work well and how to give an audience an enjoyable evening. 

With the exception of this website they do not advertise their services, but instead rely entirely on recommendation and word of mouth. Their experience includes functions for Leeds Castle, Cooling Castle Barn, Arsenal FC, Kent Police and many more of the UK's best venues.