Top 5 Gig Opener Songs for Cover Bands

Best gig opener songs for cover bands. Discover five timeless tracks that light up the dancefloor, ignite energy, and have every crowd singing and dancing.

Every band dreams of starting the evening with the perfect song. The moment the crowd hears music, they must feel the love, step onto the dancefloor, and get ready to groove. Over the years, cover bands have learned that openers bring energy, fun, and spirit to the occasion. This list shares five of the finest opener songs that draw everyone in town together, singing and cheering.

1. We Will Rock You – Queen

Few songs ignite a passion like this one. The stomp rhythm turns the crowd into a choir, making every boy and girl part of the spectacle, showcasing why rock will always endure. A cover band can play it loud, let each member shine centre stage, and create golden memories for the crowd. Simple, strong, and full of fun, it’s a song that keeps the dream alive all night.

2. Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones

This opener has a great groove and pure rock energy. From the first riff, people know the band embodies love and life. It works in any town, gets everyone on the floor, and lets the band play with swagger. Add a distinctive riff, a touch of blues, maybe an Eddie solo, and you’ve got a standout moment. Over the years, it has remained fresh, going strong and making the night unforgettable.

3. Let Me Entertain You – Robbie Williams

This song says it all: the band will entertain. Cover bands adore it because the fun is instant, the dancing starts quickly, and the audience feels the love. The singer takes the lead, the guitarist sets the stage alight, and the drummer keeps the rhythm rolling. Everyone gets drawn in closer. It’s pure music, pure life and the perfect way to start the day.

4. Born to Be Wild – Steppenwolf

This classic rock and roll opener is about dreams, young love, and the freedom craved by everyone. The riff is electric, the vibe is golden, and the crowd roars all night. A cover band can add bluesy jamming, an Otis-like vocal, or a lengthy solo. After years, it’s still the song that makes a local bar shake, keeps the dancefloor packed and showcases why live music is thrilling.

5. Twist and Shout – The Beatles

Few songs bring people together faster. The call to “shake it up, baby” fills the floor with everyone, makes the band play their hearts out, and turns the night into a celebration. Add harmonious vocals, vibrant brass, or even an Eddie twist in the middle, and the fun multiplies. It’s perfect for weddings, pubs, or festivals, giving everyone in the crowd a reason to dance and feel the love for years.

Bonus Track: Jumpin Jack Flash – The Rolling Stones

Sometimes a gig opener needs to feel like pure rock 'n' roll thunder. “Jumpin Jack Flash” has been energising stages for years, and a cover band that dares to play it at the start of the night will see the dancefloor come alive instantly. The riff is electric, the groove is golden, and the attitude makes everyone in town shout back with joy.

It’s a song that carries both fun and grit. The singer can roar, the crowd can sing along, and the whole room draws closer. Add a bluesy touch, perhaps an Eddie-style solo in the middle, or some Otis-inspired soul, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for love, life, and music.

For a band, it’s more than just a cover; it’s a dream moment, a day and night rolled into one. It keeps the audience going, it makes the songs feel timeless, and it shows why the Stones remain giants of the stage.

Conclusion

Opening a gig is about more than just a song. It’s about life, love, and the music that keeps going. These five songs prove why cover bands still perform, why everyone still dances, and why the night always belongs to the audience. Over the years, they’ve remained top, they’ve remained fun, and they’ve turned every day into gold. When the band member steps up, the lights go on, and the first chord rings out, the people on the dancefloor know it’s the best time to shout, sing, and keep the dream alive.

Published on: 7 October 2025