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Once a month we’re going to showcase one of our fabulous live bands so you get to know them a little better. You’ll get to learn more about them, get some fun facts and much more so by the end, you may have discovered the perfect live act for your wedding, party or function! This month we are looking at one our most professional and experienced wedding bands for hire, Blue Eclectic!
Blue Eclectic are one of our most experienced and established live wedding bands for hire. Bags of gig and wedding experience as full-time professional musicians is fused into one fantastic act by these 5 music maestros. Blue Eclectic are one fun, great-sounding and professional outfit dedicated to getting everyone having a memorable night. I’m sure you want a fun-filled, bouncing dance floor at your wedding and Blue Eclectic can and will guarantee that – you won’t find a more experienced, reliable and dedicated live wedding band.
I got to have a great conversation with Stuart the guitarist and backing vocalist of Blue Eclectic and discover more about his band, how they came to be, what life as a professional musician is like and quite a bit more.
I came to London in 1999 to study music and I’ve been a professional guitarist since 2002. I worked in various bands including some tribute acts until I formed Blue Eclectic in 2007 and we’ve been performing all over the UK ever since.
On the day of a performance, there are checklists to follow to make sure that every piece of equipment and backup equipment is loaded up and ready to go. Smart clothes are packed and the final bit of male grooming is undertaken! Travel can be anything up to a few hours’ drive, so we must leave with lots of time to spare and account for the worst possible traffic scenario. We have a perfect track record for punctuality.
After arrival, we check in with the staff or clients depending on what stage their evening is at. At a suitable time, we quietly load in and set up all our equipment. A short soundcheck is carried out and then we’re ready to go. We then put suitable background music on until the clients are ready for their first dance (if it’s a wedding) and then we usually perform two one-hour sets of live music at the clients’ preferred times. At the end of the event we dismantle all our equipment, load it all back into vehicles, and we head home. Although we’re booked to perform two hours of live music, the whole day can be anything up to 12 hours including travel. I think many clients are surprised by that fact,
Performing at a happy occasion such as a wedding is really one of the nicest things you can do. It’s very fulfilling to see a packed dance floor of guests and clients having a great time. We also love the pleasure of performing the music itself. As well as being band members we’re all good friends and have known each other for many years, so it’s always a great time when we get together.
I began playing the guitar at a fairly young age but I studied music for pleasure initially. It wasn’t until I was in my early twenties that I realised that a career in music was a viable option. I guess my school careers lessons just didn’t really cover being a musician. Going into music is definitely one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made.
The best aspect for me is the pleasure of performing. Every performance is different and each brings its own rewards. I don’t think there are any negative aspects to being a full-time musician, but being the band leader brings the burden of responsibility. It’s down to me to make sure that everything goes perfectly. So, there’s a little pressure there, but I gladly accept it.
There are so many to choose from but performing at historic venues is always a pleasure, such as Hampton Court, The Lanesborough and The Savoy.
It’s probably one of the many times that our singer, Tom, made me laugh. He’s a natural entertainer and so sometimes he can really crack me up, to the point where, more than once, I couldn’t start the next song because I was laughing so much!
We’ve seen very entertaining first dance routines by clients over the years. They’re often really good fun.
I think it changes depending on the type of guests. But at a later part of the evening, it’s always great to perform a few funk tunes. Although many people might not think that they like funk music, when it comes to dancing, pretty much everybody enjoys a bit of funk!
It depends on the age of most of the guests, but Mr Brightside is usually a winner. But again, it’s got to be done at the right time; not too early on!
Lots more performing, more adding to our repertoire… the never-ending pursuit of perfection!
Well, I already do something else. As well as being a professional guitarist I also teach other guitarists. I like teaching as much as I do performing. I guess what I like about both of my roles is that they’re very human activities, interacting with other people. But if I could do anything at all I guess it would be composing in some way.
Coffee! Is that allowed?
Two of my most memorable holidays were to Iceland and Pompei. Both amazing places for very different reasons. I have a long list of places that I’d like to visit around the world but no single ultimate one.
With my lovely other half. Sorry to be predictable! We love going for walks together and doing hikes in our free time, especially in the summer. As well as seeing nature, we find hikes are a great way to meet interesting new people.
Ooh, probably one of the classics from the late 1960s, although the actual experience might not match the image… I mean what were the toilet arrangements at Woodstock?!
Plan things well ahead of time, but on the day just enjoy it; leave the clock watching to somebody else.
Funny that you should ask that because my other half and I are in the process of getting both! I’ll let you know how they get on!
I’m looking forward to some kitten and puppy pics now! A great in-depth and fascinating interview with Stuart there. Feeling like you’d like to know more about his band? Read on…
Blue Eclectic usually perform as a 5 piece but can arrive as a more compact but no less brilliant 4 piece wedding band. Top equipment and professionalism come as standard too so you can relax and revel in your wedding leaving the guys to do what they do best.
Blue Eclectic usually line up with lead male vocals, keys, bass, guitar, drums and backing vocals from all members to create a stunning live sound. They can add various musicians to their line up including a sax player or lead female vocalist. Blue Eclectic have plenty of other booking options so come chat to us to find out more about this stunning live wedding band. Like all our bands, Blue Eclectic can always supply PLI and PAT certificates and have vast experience with sound limiters.
Prices start from £1000 for the four-piece and their memorable singalong 2-hour live show. Don’t forget to ask about all the various booking options on offer so we can design the perfect live wedding entertainment for you.
As Stuart mentioned, Blue Eclectics repertoire is always changing but songs that are requested again and again include Mr Brightside, Happy, Treasure and Blame it on the Boogie. Blue Eclectic are always happy to hear about your song ideas and add them to their live show where they can.
Here is a selection of just some of the glowing reviews this well-established wedding band has. You can read all of our happy client reviews here.
“Thank you Blue Eclectic for your fabulous performance at our wedding last week. We knew we’d made the right choice as soon as you arrived. So friendly and professional! We loved your music and (almost literally!) everyone commented on what an amazing wedding band we’d booked. So, thank you once again for everything, you really really really made our wedding!”
Cecilia Garret – Wedding, Sutton 2019
“Blue Eclectic you ROCK our world!!! You played at our wedding a few weeks ago and you absolutely got the party started! I have never been to a wedding where there were guests on the dance floor all night – I’m just really chuffed it was ours! Everyone said how amazing a wedding band you guys were. Thank you! Thank you!”
Julie and Simon Bent – Wedding, Oxford, 2016
“Thank you thank you thank you! I had an amazing time last night and have had so many messages today saying how much everyone enjoyed the party band! Will always be happy to recommend you guys. Your band was everything I could have wished for and more – time went by so so quickly just glad I did get on the dance floor with so many of my friends. Looking for an excuse to party with you guys again!!”
Alison Biggs – Party, Surrey 2019
“I was a guest at my best friend’s wedding where Blue Eclectic performed and was so blown away that I just had to add my voice to their website. What a truly fabulous wedding band! I’ve seen lots of bands over the years performing the same tired songs but Blue Eclectic were completely different. Brimming with energy and fun, and truly astonishing musicians. Stuart and the rest of the guys were so lovey to talk to as well, it was really like having friends over! I’m already married but if anyone out there is looking for a really really REALLY great live wedding band, you should call Blue Eclectic! Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!”
Charlotte Philips – Wedding, Somerset, 2014
Thank you to Stuart for taking the time to chat with us. If you’d like to know more about this popular wedding band for hire, click here. If you’d like to enquire about them, click here.
As well as our 15% off offer, detailed booking contracts and 24-hour support you always get everything listed below and more with any wedding, function or party (including Blue Eclectic!) you hire with us. Grab those live band freebies while you can!
We have loads more amazing live bands plus so much more on offer with our full roster of live bands and popular guides below. Make sure to check them out!
Are you still struggling to find the perfect live wedding entertainment? Come and speak to us, we’re available 7 days a week 10 am to 10 am and we will design the perfect live wedding band to blow your wedding socks off at a great price. Speak to our friendly, expert professional musicians via phone, email, the usual socials, text or live chat.
Thanks for reading and check back in a month for our next showcase with our super popular wedding band The Usual Suspects. Oh, and if you enjoyed this showcase or know someone who would love Blue Eclectic please consider sharing.
Thanks,
Oana and the boys and girls at Seventh Second
