Christmas songs in the setlist - when, which & how many?

bigjon

Got a Sunday afternoon covers gig in a pub this Sunday, 30th November. I've argued that folks will want a Christmas song or two by that stage (but not many) so we're ending the gig with I Believe In Father Christmas followed by Fairytale of New York. What's the wisdom of TheFretboard hive mind on Christmas songs in covers band gigs?

not_the_dj

We've done the Slade one a few times over the years....and right at then end. Best one was a town centre pub that was packed the weekend before Xmas...brilliant drunk singalong.

End of Nov might be a bit early for that though.

Fuzzdog

I think if I heard a band playing Christmas songs in November, I might actually start murdering people.  

I might step down to maiming about two weeks before Christmas, and progress to grudging acceptance a week before.

jd0272

No. Not ever. Saves a lot of 'carry on'.

Roland

At this evening's rehearsal I lost the argument about doing Christmas songs. I wanted to limit it to the Slade one.  Apparently Christmas songs encourage punters to buy more drinks, which means that the landlord is more likely to re-book us. So that's at least five Christmas ditties to learn for next month: Slade, Wizzard, Wham, Shaking Stevens, plus some other crap.  At least they agreed that Gary Glitter was not PC, and our singers have drawn the line at Fairytale of New York.

Bah, humbug

RocknRollDave

Nah, too early for Christmas songs in a set, I reckon.

PolarityMan

It depends if they involve vikings.

Col_Decker

yes, get them learnt and get  them in the set. Give people what they want so they can a good time. You're not Pink Floyd

EricTheWeary

Unless anyone on here actually is in Pink Floyd. In which case I know you can take a joke and all that stuff I said about you being pretentious wankers was, y'know...although a Pink Floyd Xmas single might make you appear less serious...it's a thought...

Col_Decker

"Floyd the world, let them know its Pinky time"

EricTheWeary

that works ^ . Shared songwriting credits for @Col_Decker I think now; I'll be happy for a mention in the sleeve notes.

ESBlonde

My sentiments presactly.

People go out in the Pre Christmas period to party, if you're only there to be too important for your customers needs then leave them out. Simples.

Now how you interpret those time tested classics is where your artistic talent gets used.

Just my £0.02
 

stickyfiddle

Originals band, no. Covers band, fuck yes. Second week of December until NYE is fair game imo. Earlier if you're booked specifically as an Xmas party.

Slade, Pogues, Wizzard all essential. Fairytale is BRILLIANT if you have 3 part harmonies. 

Darkness, Coldplay, Pretenders and Mariah all great if you are the right sort of band with a good enough singer.