How can I book the band?

Call Martin Hayes on 07846 938244 or Jeremy Pollock on 07801 198472 or email: fatmanalley@gmail.com



What kind of music does the band play?

We play a large selection of songs drawn from the 60s to present day. Pretty much everything from Abba to The Zombies via the Rolling Stones, Kaiser Chiefs, Queen, Dexys Midnight Runners, Run DMC, Beatles , Kinks, Stone Roses, The Specials, Franz Ferdinand. Happy Mondays, Amy Winehouse etc – and we do a bit of punk, two-tone and disco too, if you like! 



How many members in the band?

There are 6 members – vocals, bass guitar, lead and rhythm guitar, keyboards and drums



Do you use tapes?

Most definitely not! Everything we play and everything you see and hear on this site was created live by the musicians in the band.  We do NOT use any form of backing tapes – and the videos on the site have not been doctored or ‘enhanced’ in any way.

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How long does the band play?

We would normally play two sets of about an hour each. Most of those who book us want the band to play from 9 till 10 and then from 10.30 to 11.45 or so.  However we are in your hands and will play whenever you ask us!

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How long does it take to set up?

We would always prefer an hour and a half prior to starting the background ‘disco’ music which would mean we’d normally turn up at the venue at 5.30pm.  However given that many weddings, for example, have the reception and then the evening do in the same place, we would normally try and squeeze in the set up in the gap between those two events. We'd then need about a 15 minute sound check to make sure the instruments were balanced to endeavour your event goes well!

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What about access to the room where you will be playing?

Ideally we would like to be able to park our vehicles as close as possible to save lugging the gear about…but we can cope with pretty much everything – apart from tight spiral staircases!

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What equipment will you supply?

Everything for the evening including a public address system which we are more than happy for you to use for announcements during the evening; a full lighting rig and the disco too.

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How much does the band charge for a full evenings entertainment?

Our normal fee is around £750 inclusive

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Will you play outside?

Yes and have done on numerous occasions.  The videos on the site were filmed on the beach.  .

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​How far will the band travel?

Most of the time we would concentrate on an area about 40 miles from Birmingham – so that takes in Tamworth, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Leamington Spa, Stoke, Worcester, Coventry, Stratford Upon Avon.  However we have played gigs in Oxford and north west Wales; gigs further away cost more in terms of time and travel. 

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What about when the band aren’t playing?

Here you have a choice: you can either book your own disco, we can play music mixes before and between the sets or you can bring along your own mix of music on your iPod for us to play. This means you don’t have to have a separate disco but it does mean that the music is compiled before the evening! Either way the choice is yours!

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Can I choose the music?

We're not a jukebox (!) but we can often accommodate your choices - we can also let you have a look at a recent set list - and, of course, we would refrain from playing something that you violently objected to!

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Do you need a deposit?

Normally 10% when you book. And we would normally send you a short contract prior to the day just so that everyone knows where they are.

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What happens if I cancel?

If it is 2 weeks or less prior to the event then we would normally charge 50% cancellation fee.

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What sort of functions have you played?

We have played a whole range of weddings, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays, Xmas parties, summer balls, corporate events, as well as many pubs, clubs and private parties as you can see on the 'Gigs' link at the top of the page. To be honest we find our audience probably starts in the late 20s – in other words, we aren’t really suitable for 18th or 21st birthdays…unless of course it is Mum and Dad who are paying the bill!

 

Do you have public liability insurance?

Yes we do – up to £2m – and all our equipment is PAT tested on a regular basis.