The Hot Shots Most Frequently Asked Questions
Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email thehotshots@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.
How much space do you need?
We typically need a performance area of 5x3 metres, but we are able to work with a minimum area of 4x2 metres if space is more limited. We’ve performed in all types of venue, from manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees, ball rooms and intimate clubs so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us.
How is it best to time things?
Through our 10+ years of performing at weddings we find these to be the best timings on the night, 7.30pm-12am with 2x 60 minutes sets. However these can be tailored to your day!
7.30pm-8:45pm – Light background music
8.45pm-9pm – Cut cake, first dance
9pm – 10pm – First band set
10pm – 10:30pm – First DJ set
10:30pm-11:30pm – 2nd band set
11:30pm-12am - 2nd DJ set
When planning timings please take into account evening food, we recommend this being ready for guests at the end of the 1st set, any time before this will take guests off the dance floor and away from the entertainment you have booked.
We suggest 2x60 minutes sets over 3x40 minutes where possible.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We are more than happy for you to pick which songs from our repertoire are played, but we do prefer if we are left to decide the order in which they are played. It is usually best if you let us know any songs you definitely do or don't want rather than an ordered play list. This will give us the freedom to play accommodate the guests who are on the dance floor and provide the best mix for all age ranges.
Where will you travel to?
We are a party band Essex, but we do travel UK wide and even internationally.
Can I see you play live?
Due to the nature of our work, it is very rare that we get an opportunity to play public gigs, especially as one of the most in-demand wedding bands in the UK! However, on the rare occasion we get to play publicly, we’ll post the details of these events on our facebook/Instagram page.
If you want to like our Facebook page, any last minute public gigs that do come in will be promoted on there www.facebook.com/thehotshotsuk and @thehotshotsband on Instagram.
Will you learn our special song?
If there is a special song that you’d like played just let us know and we will get back to you and let you know if it's possible. Often when songs are that special it’s nice to hear the original version that you love and we can play this through our sound system.
Below is a sample list of first dances we have learned and played live in the past 12
months:
The One - Kodaline
Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing - Aerosmith
Drops of Jupiter - Train
Can’t Help Falling in Love - Elvis Presley
Grow Old With You - Ortopilot
Hold My Girl - George Ezra
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Perfect - Ed Sheeran
Are you gonna be my girl? - Jet
Just the way you are - Bruno Mars
Better Together - Jack Johnson
You Do Something to Me - Paul Weller
I won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
Everlong - The Foo Fighters
One Day Like This – Elbow
Greatest Day – Take That
Amazed – Lonestar
Thinkin’ Out Loud - Ed Sheeran
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
Absolutely! We have over 50 live videos from events on our youtube channel some with multitrack audio so you can hear exactly how we sound consistently at gigs in all different venue circumstances. Along with our live videos recorded at Alive Networks studio you can see and hear that if anything, our live performances are played better and with our incredibly high spec PA system, sound better!
How do I book you?
You can book us through the enquiry form on this website www.thehotshots.co.uk or through our agent Alive Network. You can also email or call our booking agents on 01782 740839 or email us at thehotshots@alivenetwork.com.
We also accept informal enquiries via our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thehotshotsuk) and Instagram page (@thehotshotsband) where we will be happy to talk through your event in person.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Yes! We have been DJ’ing for 10+ years so we can read and accommodate your dance floor to provide your guests the best experience.
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
We can take requests from guests on the night or if you have specific songs you know you’d like to hear/ a particular genre of music you’d like to be focused on (Motown/80s/Garage etc) please let us know prior to your event.
Also many clients like to make their own playlists which we can download and play for you giving you a completely personally tailored night!
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are welcome to use our PA system and wireless microphone for your speeches. However, it often means an earlier arrival as will be needed to set up before you sit down to eat so will incur an extra charge event dependent.
What equipment do you use?
We use a HK Audio Linear 5 speakers, 2 x LINEAR 5 115 FA, 4 x LINEAR SUB 2000 A which is suitable for audiences up to 600 people! Having a PA this powerful means we can provide crystal clear sound and volume at your event that doesn’t fatigue your guests ears or leave them ringing the next day!
Also we use an Allen and Heath GLD-80 Chrome edition to mix the band, this is a mixing desk that you might often see side stage at top venues in London so bringing that power and functionality provides the absolute best sound quality to your event.
Each member uses touring grade equipment to ensure the performance isn’t compromised.
Do you have lights?
We use 4x sets of compact LED that are positioned around the stage area to light up the band perfectly. Along with those we have 2 moving heads situated on trussing at the back which are all manually operated during your event to adjust to the vibe needed! Twinned with a haze machine, this set up can light you perfectly for your first dance, give an exciting backing to us playing live and transform the dance floor into a club while we DJ!
How long do you play for?
We usually play two one hour sets. This can also be divided into three 40 minute sets if you prefer. We have enough repertoire to cater for 3 hours of live music, with enough variety to keep your party going! We also offer an acoustic upgrade option which consists of 2 x 30 minutes of carefully selected acoustic music, perfect for during your meal or drinks reception. We can provide this service as an acoustic duo or 4 piece (live lounge style) group.
What time do you start and finish?
We usually start our first set at around 8:30-9pm, and play our second set 10:30-11:30pm, but again we are totally flexible with this. Arrival and finish times are 6pm and midnight as standard with early arrival and late finish fees applicable outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all the equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked in an hour.
Can I provisionally book you?
Unfortunately, we don’t take provisional bookings as our demand is such that we would be turning clients away on popular dates. However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.
What if the band split up before my event?
Like many professional party bands, our work is our livelihood and so we take our commitments very seriously. In the very unlikely event that the band had split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
We love it when people get up to sing a song with us, but we do like to make sure that those singing or playing with us have some experience of being on stage, especially as we have no onstage monitoring as we use in ear monitoring so a guest may struggle to hear themselves. We’re happy to arrange this with you in advance.
What will the band wear?
We usually dress smart/casual unless formal attire is requested. In the past, we’ve also been asked to join in with an events theme, which we’re more than happy to do if you wish. Please check out our photo gallery for an idea of our typical wedding attire.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We always carry up to date PAT certification and have Public Liability Insurance cover up to £5M.
Why should I book The Hot Shots?
The Ultimate Live Band Experience!
The Hot Shots provide a stellar set list, coupled with an incredible sound system and manually controlled light show providing an unparalleled night!
Covering music from the 50’s to todays chart toppers we have something for everyone all played with The Hots Shots twist, and full of medleys and our own custom arrangements of songs. The Hot Shots extensive set list means they can offer quantity as well was superb quality with over 4 hours of outstanding band repertoire and over 2 hours of acoustic duo music.
Here is a brief list of some of the places, venues and people that present members of The Hot Shots have either toured or played at / with:
- Robert Downey Jnr
- USA
- Dubai
- Sweden
- Germany
- Holland
- V Festival
- Download Festival
- London Astoria
- Pinewood Studios
- Indigo2 (o2 arena)
- Ipswich Regent Theatre
- Colchester Arts Centre
- RAF Brize Norton
- Santa Pod Raceway
- Haven Holidays
- Butlins
- Pontins
- Scouting for Girls
- The Sweet
- Don Powell (Slade)
- Bernie Torme (Ozzy Osbourne)
- John McCoy (Ian Gillan)
- Steven Adler (Guns 'n' Roses)
- Matt Cardle (X-Factor 2010 winner)
How much does it cost to book the band?
Prices vary slightly based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and any upgrade options. Please use the booking widget in the sidebar to get an instant quote. It only takes a minute!
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Yes. We have hundreds of testimonials from previous satisfied clients on our website.
Check out our previous client testimonials here!
Do The Hot Shots have any specific requirements?
We request a room in which to change, a hot meal and drinks for the duration of our time at the venue.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We have played in every type of venue, from festivals and football stadiums, huge marquees and ballrooms to intimate clubs and private residencies.
How loud will the band be?
We are able to play at any volume so we can cater to any environment or venue limitations. We like to make sure people can dance and have fun on the dance floor but also if guests want to be able to catch up and chat off the dance floor they will still be able to do so!
We use an electric drum kit as well as digital guitar systems meaning there is no onstage sound, everything comes out of our PA and we can control that volume level to fit your event perfectly.
What is the band power requirement?
We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down but we prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interference.
As a rule, we draw approximately 16 amps with everything on and have only ever experienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.
Do The Hot Shots offer any additional services?
The Hot Shots offer a number of additional services at very competitive rates: From ceremony music, acoustic sets during dinner, additional/extended DJ service, early arrival, microphone hire and live song requests. If you would like more information regarding the above options please contact us via email to discuss.
