1970s & 80s Style Bands for hire

Hire a 70s or 80s Cover Band in the UK

Two decades of music, one brief: get people on the dancefloor and keep them there. The 1970s and 80s produced some of the most recognisable songs ever recorded - disco anthems, glam rock bangers, new wave classics and synth-pop hits that audiences of all ages still know word for word. That shared familiarity is what makes a well-chosen 70s or 80s band such reliable entertainment at parties, corporate events and weddings alike.

What kind of acts are available?

The category covers a wide range of acts. At one end you have era-spanning covers bands that play the biggest hits from both decades - think Donna Summer and Duran Duran in the same setlist. At the other end are acts dedicated to a specific sound: pure disco and funk bands channelling Chic and the Bee Gees, glam rock acts drawing from T-Rex and Bowie, and new wave bands covering The Cure, Blondie and Talking Heads. Many acts dress the part too, with period costumes that add a theatrical element to the evening. You'll also find tribute bands who focus exclusively on one artist - ABBA and Queen tributes are particularly popular within this era. For a broader mix across eras, covers bands and party bands often include a strong 70s and 80s section in their setlists.

Choosing between the 70s and 80s

Most acts cover both decades, but it's worth thinking about which era suits your event and audience. The 70s tends to lean towards disco, funk and soul - Chic, Earth Wind and Fire, Gloria Gaynor - with a warmer, more groove-oriented sound. The 80s brings new wave, synth-pop and pop rock into the mix, with the decade's characteristic big choruses and polished production. For a 40th or 50th birthday party, the choice often comes down to the birthday person's era. For weddings, the extended dancefloor appeal of mixing both decades usually wins out. If you have a specific theme in mind, use the genre filters above to find bands who specialise in that sound.

What to expect on the night

Most bands perform two sets of around 45 minutes each, with a DJ playlist or music between sets to keep the energy going. Many acts are self-contained, bringing their own PA and sometimes lighting, which matters if your venue doesn't have in-house equipment. Check individual listings for what's included. Larger venues or outdoor events may need additional sound reinforcement - worth confirming with the act directly. Bands at this price point are typically 4 to 6 pieces, with at least one lead vocalist; acts featuring both male and female vocals tend to have stronger appeal across a mixed crowd.

Prices for 70s and 80s bands

The average cost of a 70s or 80s band in the UK is currently £1327. Prices range from £150 for smaller acts or those travelling shorter distances, up to £10266 for larger, more established acts. Band size, number of sets, travel distance and time of year all affect the final quote. The price widget on this page shows live pricing based on your location and the current listings - use it as a guide before making contact.