Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and their answers organised into easily navigable sections. If you cannot find the answer to your query here, then contact us and we will be happy to help.
General
Who are Six Bearded Fish and what do they do?
Six Bearded Fish? Why are there only four of you?
How long have you been performing together?
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Booking
How do we book you?
Can we see you play before we book you?
Do you have any references we can contact before making a booking?
How far will you travel?
Can we meet you to discuss our event?
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Setting Up
When do you arrive to set up?
Can you arrive in the morning to set up for an evening event?
How much time do you need to set up?
How much space do you need?
We are using a generator to power our event. How much power do you need?
How many power sockets do you require?
It may not be possible for you to soundcheck after you have set up. Is that a problem?
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Equipment
What equipment do you provide?
Do you provide lighting?
We’re planning speeches/a raffle/announcements. Can we use your sound system?
We aren’t booking a DJ. Can you play music over your sound equipment when you are not playing?
Can you play dining music over your sound system for our meal?
Can we plug our own laptop/mp3 player into your sound equipment to use?
We have hired some extra equipment to use. Can you operate it for us?
The venue has a sound limiter. Is that a problem?
How loud are you? We have a noise limit of X dB.
Is your equipment electrically tested?
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Set Times
How long do you usually play for?
How many songs do you play in that time?
What is the latest time you can play to?
Our event may overrun. Can you stay later than agreed if necessary?
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Songs
Can we make requests from your song list?
What about if a song we want played is not on your song list?
Can you play our first dance for us?
Some of our guests are musicians. Can they play with you on a few songs?
Do you use backing tracks?
We are concerned that you may be too loud or rocky for our older guests. Is this likely to be the case?
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Payment And Insurance
How much do you charge?
Do you require payment in advance?
Do you require a deposit?
How do we pay you?
Are there any hidden costs? Do your fees include expenses, such as travel costs?
What happens if my event is cancelled? Will you still charge us?
What if our outdoor event is affected by the weather?
Do you have insurance? The venue has asked if you have Public Liability Insurance.
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Miscellaneous
Our event has a dress code. Can you adhere to it?
Do we need to provide you with food?
Do you need somewhere to change or hang out before you play?
What happens if one of the band members is taken ill on the day of my event? Will you cancel?
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General
Who are Six Bearded Fish and what do they do?
Six Bearded Fish or ‘The Fish’ are a four-piece function band playing covers of popular and well-known songs spanning all decades from the ‘50s through to the present day and encapsulating a plethora of artists of many tastes and genres. In short, a bit of everything! However, as a band containing drums, bass, electric piano, guitar and vocals, we lean towards music we can reproduce well, which is anything from The Beatles’ ‘Twist And Shout’ to Kaiser Chiefs’ ‘I Predict A Riot’ to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ to The Fratellis’ ‘Chelsea Dagger’ – basically, guitar-driven songs of all styles. Obviously, it’s pretty hard for us to do a song justice if it relies heavily on a full orchestra for the backing!
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Six Bearded Fish? Why are there only four of you?
Good question! We couldn’t possibly divulge where the name originated or any reference to meanings it may or may not have. That remains a mystery. If you find the other two, then let us know, and just in case you’re wondering, there weren’t six members in the beginning either! The four ‘known’ Fish are: Tim Slater (Vocals, Percussion & Harmonica), Paul Thomas (Electric Guitar), Aidan Hampson (Bass, Electric Piano, Acoustic Guitar & Backing Vocals) and Rob Hampson (Drums, Percussion & Backing Vocals).
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How long have you been performing together?
Six Bearded Fish played their first gig on Friday 26th November 1999. However, all the members have been musically active and performing since an early age.
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Booking
How do we book you?
Please contact us first with the details of your event so we can check our availability and provide you with a quote for our services. We will then issue you with our Function Information Pack which includes further details about the band and a booking form. When you are ready to secure your booking, simply return the form to us and we will confirm your occasion in our diary by sending you a confirmation slip in the post or by email.
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Can we see you play before we book you?
Yes. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you now can! Visit the video page on the website to view our live film clips. There is also a show reel compilation to be found on the home page. Alternatively, we occasionally play a public date, so please contact us for details.
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Do you have any references we can contact before making a booking?
Please visit our testimonials page online to view the feedback we’ve received from past events. If you wish to contact any previous clients directly, then email us and we will provide you with their details.
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How far will you travel?
As we are based in Southampton, we typically cover the southern counties, but will consider taking on bookings further afield. Please contact us to discuss your event if this is the case.
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Can we meet you to discuss our event?
If you able to arrange a suitable time and place in the Southampton area, then it may be possible for you to meet with one of the band for an informal discussion prior to the event. However, we are easily contactable in other ways, so in most cases, arrangements can be organised as quickly via email or over the phone.
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Setting Up
When do you arrive to set up?
Our quoted fee includes us being available up to three hours before the start of our performance for setting up and a soundcheck, if possible.
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Can you arrive in the morning to set up for an evening event?
Yes. However, at our discretion, an extra fee may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
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How much time do you need to set up?
We require at least one hour to unload, set up and check all of our equipment. In addition, we prefer to run through a few numbers to fully balance the sound to the venue. Therefore, it is important that you account for this in your schedule and that we can have access to the venue at an appropriate time.
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How much space do you need?
We require an absolute minimum area of 16ft (5m) wide by 10ft (3m) deep for the band to assemble in, although we appreciate as much space as possible if it is available. Please avoid placing the band in the corner of a room as a triangular space restricts the preferred layout of our equipment.
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We are using a generator to power our event. How much power do you need?
In the event that you need to hire a generator from an external company, it may be useful to quote that the band’s power draw, including the optional lighting, is no more than 13kW.
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How many power sockets do you require?
To save us running unnecessarily long power extension leads, we request that the band/stage area has a minimum of two double-sockets either side, preferably behind us. The sockets need to be the standard UK 3-pin type, rated at 230V and equipped with 13A fuses. As we usually position our sound engineer out in the room, we also need at least another double-socket for his equipment.
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It may not be possible for you to soundcheck after you have set up. Is that a problem?
Although a soundcheck is advantageous for many reasons, we have the experience to tweak our sound on the fly if absolutely necessary. However, we encourage you to account for this in your schedule to ensure the best possible sound quality for your event.
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Equipment
What equipment do you provide?
Apart from a power generating device, we provide all of the equipment required for our performance. This typically includes the band’s ‘backline’, as well as a full PA sound-reinforcement system. We also have our own personal sound engineer (is he the fifth Fish?) to ensure the band always sound their best.
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Do you provide lighting?
For a supplementary fee, we can arrange a complete lighting service on your behalf at a very competitive rate. As a highly recommended addition, we are proud to offer our prospective clients two specialised lighting packages suitable for most venues and occasions. Each package is tailored to match the intended location and includes an experienced engineer to install and operate the equipment on the day. Please visit our online Lighting page for further details or mark the appropriate box on the booking form and we will discuss it with you at the time of booking. Examples of the lighting packages can be seen on both the Videos page and in the photo gallery on our website.
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We’re planning speeches/a raffle/announcements. Can we use your sound system?
Of course. Our sound system can be used under our supervision and our sound engineer will help you out should you need to use any of our equipment.
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We aren’t booking a DJ. Can you play music over your sound equipment when you are not playing?
Yes. We can arrange and be responsible for interval music of your choice to be played via our laptop system, which is connected directly to our sound equipment. Please arrange with us in advance if you choose not to have a DJ and would like us to cover this area. We encourage you to advise us of the content prior to the event so that we can produce a bespoke music selection for your occasion. If you have no suggestions, we have a large database of music from which we will generate a suitable playlist for you.
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Can you play dining music over your sound system for our meal?
In the event that we have completed our setup before your meal takes place, then dining music can be provided via our sound equipment. As with the interval music, we encourage you to advise us of the content or if you wish, we can compile a music selection on your behalf.
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Can we plug our own laptop/mp3 player into your sound equipment to use?
Yes. As long as the device has a standard 3.5mm headphone or line out socket, we can connect it directly to our sound system. It is advisable that any appliance used in this way is run on mains power rather than by battery.
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We have hired some extra equipment to use. Can you operate it for us?
For insurance purposes, we claim no responsibility for the setup and/or operation of external equipment not owned by Six Bearded Fish.
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The venue has a sound limiter. Is that a problem?
In most cases, no, unless the limiter is particularly sensitive. However, to save any inconvenience, we would advise that venues with sound limiters are avoided unless it is absolutely essential, as they can be extremely frustrating to work around. If choosing a venue with a limiter is unavoidable, we recommend that you contact the venue and ask for the limiter’s trip level in decibels. This information will help us to minimise any disruption by taking the necessary precautions with our equipment.
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How loud are you? We have a noise limit of X dB.
Our volume level will vary depending on the venue, but ultimately we can control it within a certain range. With the natural acoustic level of a drum kit controlling our minimum volume, it is impractical to reduce our volume to a whisper, but any reasonable guideline enforced by a venue should be attainable. A typical level in a medium-sized room at 20ft (6m) from the band would be in the region of 97dB(A).
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Is your equipment electrically tested?
All of our equipment is checked and maintained on a regular basis to ensure it is safe to operate under normal conditions. If any faults are found, the items are immediately removed from our rig and sent away for professional repair.
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Set Times
How long do you usually play for?
We usually prefer to play two sets of up to one hour in length, but any number of combinations is possible and we’re always happy to fit around any other arrangements you have, such as a DJ, a meal, or other forms of entertainment. If you’d prefer that we played just a one-hour slot, then that’s fine or even arranging two 45-minute sets is another common way of doing it. Please note that for our own enjoyment, the longest we are willing to play for without a break is 1½ hours.
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How many songs do you play in that time?
We typically find that 30 minutes of playing equates to about 8 songs, so a one-hour set would include roughly 15 to 16 songs and a 45-minute set about 11 or 12.
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What is the latest time you can play to?
Our quoted fee is based on performances before Midnight. If you would like us to play later than that, please discuss it with us at the booking stage, as it may incur an additional charge depending on the finishing time.
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Our event may overrun. Can you stay later than agreed if necessary?
We appreciate that all events may slip behind schedule and we are willing to adapt to any situation as it presents itself. However, if your event is delayed by more than an hour, we ask that you discuss the circumstances with us, especially if a later finish time is apparent.
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Songs
Can we make requests from your song list?
Absolutely. You can make as many choices as you like or you can leave it entirely up to us, if you prefer. The simplest way to let us know your selection is to complete the relevant section on our booking form.
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What about if a song we want played is not on your song list?
Not a problem. As with the requests from our song list, there is space on our booking for you to make suggestions. We can’t guarantee that we will play every one of your choices, but we’ll do our best!
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Can you play our first dance for us?
If the song is suitable for a four-piece band to play, then yes. As the first dance is arguably the most important song of the evening, we will play any song we feel we can do justice. If, for any reason, we can’t perform the song live, we will arrange for the original version to be played over our sound system at the appropriate time.
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Some of our guests are musicians. Can they play with you on a few songs?
For insurance purposes, we regret that we cannot invite guest musicians up to play with us, even if the guest provides their own equipment.
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Do you use backing tracks?
All of our set music is 100% live – no backing tracks or pre-recorded instruments are used.
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We are concerned that you may be too loud or rocky for our older guests. Is this likely to be the case?
Although we can’t deny that it is our intention to cover the rockier side of popular music, we value ourselves on being musically appropriate for the functions that we are booked for. What we mean by this, is that we will take into account our audience and react accordingly. As well as adhering to your requests from our song list as closely as possible, it also means that we will adjust our performance intensity to fit the situation. As a result, our music is suitable for all age groups and in many cases, the younger guests are often shown up by the stamina and smokin’ moves of the older generation!
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Payment And Insurance
How much do you charge?
For local functions, we usually charge between £700 and £1,200 for our hire depending on the details of the event. Please contact us for an accurate quote for your occasion.
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Do you require payment in advance?
In most cases, no. However, we will inform you at the booking stage if payment in advance is required. Any payment made will be promptly acknowledged with an invoice/receipt for your records.
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Do you require a deposit?
For larger events, we may ask for a small non-refundable deposit to cover our administration costs. We will inform you if this is necessary after you have supplied us with details of your event. Any deposit made will be promptly acknowledged with an invoice/receipt for your records.
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How do we pay you?
Unless we have requested an advance payment, the fee can be paid on the day of event, preferably when we set up or at least before our first set. Payment methods will be discussed with you after your booking has been received.
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Are there any hidden costs? Do your fees include expenses, such as travel costs?
Our quoted fees are ‘all inclusive’ and incorporate all of our expenses. The only time we may inform you of a change to your quoted fee is if your initial enquiry does not accurately reflect the service we need to provide.
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What happens if my event is cancelled? Will you still charge us?
If the function is cancelled within the six months leading up to the specified date, we reserve the right to charge 20% of the agreed fee to subsidise the loss of full payment. Cancellation or termination of our performance on the agreed date will incur a charge of between 50% and 100% of the full fee, depending on the situation that is present. We will discuss with you the amount owed under these conditions.
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What if our outdoor event is affected by the weather?
In the case of outdoor events, we request that the organiser takes all reasonable steps to ensure that any disruption as a result of the weather is kept to a minimum. Should weather conditions affect our performance or safety, we reserve the right to terminate the engagement at any point, either temporarily or permanently. If you are using a marquee for your event, please make sure that the structure is safe, stable and completely water-tight.
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Do you have insurance? The venue has asked if you have Public Liability Insurance.
In the unfortunate event of an accident, the band is protected by a £5 million Public Liability Insurance policy which covers all of the band’s entourage and equipment. The certificate of insurance can be produced on request should the venue or organiser require proof.
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Miscellaneous
Our event has a dress code. Can you adhere to it?
If you’re having a special occasion with a dress code, please inform us of what you would class as suitable attire for the band. If no advice is given, we would typically dress smart, i.e. a formal shirt and black trousers.
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Do we need to provide you with food?
We don’t insist on it, but are always grateful if the band can be accounted for in the catering arrangements. Whether this means us having access to the evening buffet or having some packed lunches put aside, we are not fussy.
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Do you need somewhere to change or hang out before you play?
Although it’s not strictly essential, we appreciate having some space (i.e. a back room) put aside for our use. As well as being a waiting/changing area, it can help keep the stage area tidy by providing us with somewhere to store cases and boxes out of sight while we’re playing.
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What happens if one of the band members is taken ill on the day of my event? Will you cancel?
Absolutely not. In the unlikely event that a member of the band cannot attend a confirmed booking, we have a bank of backup musicians and crew that we can call on to cover at short notice. Any substitute we use will have been selected by us as a worthy replacement and be able to seamlessly integrate with the band, ensuring the quality of our performance is unaffected.
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