The Rips 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 enquiries@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 383547.

How much space do you need?

We ideally 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 venues of all types, from manor houses and hotels, to barns, marquees and small clubs so we’re well versed in making the most of whatever space is available to us and still putting on a top level performance.

How is it best to time things?

It’s your night, so we’re happy to fit in with your timings but from experience, we find the following timings for wedding performances work really well:

7.30pm-8pm – background music
8pm-8.45pm – DJ set
8.45pm-9pm – Cut cake, photos, first dance
9pm – 10pm – First band set
10pm – 11pm – DJ set
11pm-12am – 2nd band set

It’s best to plan food around the band’s sets (usually after the 1st set). If the buffet is on at the same time as the band are playing, people are less likely to be enjoying themselves on the dance floor.

Can I pick the bands playlist?

You are welcome to make suggestions of songs from our repertoire that you consider “must haves” or if there are any songs you’d rather we didn’t play, please let us know but we ask the final play list be left to us. This is because there are many factors involved in determining the order and composition of a good live set, such as key, tempo, style and genre, which we will take into consideration. Not only are you booking the band for our musical ability, you are also booking our experience in reading the room and selecting the songs to keep the audience happy and the dance floor full.

Where will you travel to?

We’re based in Warwickshire but we’ll travel all over the UK and internationally.

Can I see you play live?

As the majority of our work comes from private functions, we don’t do many public shows.

Will you learn our special song?

If the song can be done with the instruments we have and we feel we can do the song justice, then we are more than happy to learn a special song for you, whether that be for a first dance, a song to end the evening or just one you’d like us to drop into the set at some point. Please let the agent know at the time of booking, if there’s a song you would like us to look at.

Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?

Coming soon!

How do I book you?

You can book us through our website, using the enquiry form or emailing enquiries@alivenetwork.com. You can also contact our agency at their website www.alivenetwork.com or by phoning 01782 383547.

Are you able to DJ in between sets?

We are! We carry a laptop with a huge selection of songs from all eras and genres, to keep dance floor bouncing in between our live sets. Music playlists between sets comes as standard with every booking. We also offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will man the laptop all night to take requests and make basic announcements. The DJ package upgrade option is offered for free if you confirm your booking with us within 7 days of receiving your official quote.

Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?

If there are any songs you’d like included in the DJ set then just let us know. We just ask that you give us a week’s notice; in order for us to be able to get copies of the songs you’d like adding.

Can we use your sound system for speeches?

You’re more than welcome to use our sound system for making speeches but please be aware that we do not use radio mics, so you would need to be on the stage/performance area to make the speeches.

What equipment do you use?

The Rips use an array of high end equipment, including:

2.4k LD Systems powered PA speakers
Allen & Heath QU16 digital mixing desk
Fender, Gibson, Epiphone, Sigma, Dingwall and Alpher Instruments (custom)guitars and basses.
Marshall, Blackstar, Laney and Genz Benz amplification
Mapex drums and Sabian cymbals
As well as traditional floor (wedge) type monitors, we also use in-ear monitoring.
A vast collection of boutique, vintage and modern effects pedals.

Do you have lights?

We use 12 LED par cans to light up the stage area. Disco laser lights and smoke machine available on request.

How long do you play for?

Normally we play 2 x 60 minute sets but that can be divided into 3 x 40 minutes, if required. There is an “added extra” option to extend our sets to 2 x 75 minutes or 3 x 50 minutes.

What time do you start and finish?

Usually we start the first set around 8.30 – 9pm (after the 1st dance) but we are completely flexible. Arrival and finish times are 5pm and midnight, as standard. Early arrival and late finish fees are applicable outside of these timings.

How long do you take to set up?

Assuming the access to the performance area is good (i.e. ground floor, with no steps and close vehicle access) then we can be set up and sound checked within 90 minutes. In order to make sure everything sounds great for your evening, part of our set up/sound check will involve the band playing at full volume for short periods, so we can set sound levels.

Can I provisionally book you?

Unfortunately, we can’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?

The band and our work is our livelihood, 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 had experience of people joining us on stage to sing a fair amount of times. Sometimes it works brilliantly and other times it doesn’t. If you can arrange it with us prior to the event, then we can make sure it runs smoothly and adds to the overall experience.

What will the band wear?

We’re flexible when it comes to what we wear. Normally, it’s a “smart casual” look (trousers/smart jeans, shirt, jacket etc) but can be suited & booted, if required or even fit in with your particular colour scheme.

Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?

We have both valid PAT test and PLI certificates.

Why should I book The Rips?

Because we want to make your night the best it can be and one people will be talking about for a long time!

We love what we do and love to see everyone having fun, dancing and singing along to the songs we play. Choosing a wide range of music, we play classics from the likes of Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Kings Of Leon etc, take a step back in time to visit Elvis, The Beatles and Stevie Wonder and throw in a few pop hits that you wouldn’t normally expect from a guitar band. We pride ourselves on being a highly professional and entertaining band that’s friendly, fun and easy to work with.

How much does it cost to book the band?

Our prices are tailored for each specific event, there are many factors that we take into account when supplying a price. For example: Location, set lengths, venue, set-up and finish times. Please contact our agents at Alive Network for a quotation.

Can we see some previous client testimonials?

You can. Please visit the Testimonials page on our website, to see what previous clients have said about us.

Do The Rips have any specific requirements?

A secure place to get changed and something to eat and drink (either before we play or during the interval). So no need for bowls of M&Ms, separated by colour or bottles of champagne and Jack Daniel’s.

What type/size venues are you able to play at?

We’ve played and all sorts of venues, over the years, from outdoor festivals to pubs. So we’re used to venues of all shapes and sizes.

How loud will the band be?

Being a guitar based rock and pop function band, with acoustic drums, means that we can only turn down so far and still sound like a band! If your chosen venue has a dB limiter, please discuss this with your agent at the time of your enquiry. If it’s set at a reasonable level, then there shouldn’t be a problem and we can put on a normal, high energy performance.

What is the band power requirement?

We usually request at least 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.

Do The Rips offer any additional services?

We offer a DJ service, which is free of charge if you book us within 7 days of receiving your official quote.