Having been an avid fan of rock n’roll music for three decades, it was essential that I found a really good band for our wedding. I reviewed over 100 bands over a period of several months and Sound of the Suburb were by far the best.
These gentlemen love what they do and they do what they love exceedingly well. They are some of the most pleasant, accommodating, flexible and decent people I have dealt with. When it comes to detail, I make Meryl Streep in The Devil wears Prada look tame. Instead of being put off or irritated, these men relished the challenge of coming up with a play list that would meet my expectations and they did- in spades. Another major benefit is that as they have regular gigs, we were able to see them in action, which was very reassuring compared to trying to make up your mind based on a couple of wobbly videos, which our internet driven, gig economy world attempts to force us to do.
The band members have a great deal of experience of such events and so was able to advise on what does and does not work. They visited the venue so we were confident we would not have any logistical issues. They have very good equipment (for which they may need set up time) and provided wireless mikes which were useful for the speeches & our open mike session and also took care of the recorded music between their sets.
Most of all, they generate an energy and fun that was infectious. We had everyone from under 9 to over 90 years old on the dance floor, which revealed dancing talents of some guests even their spouses did not know they possessed. Our family and friends had a ball thanks to their efforts, which they do not spare any of to make the occasion memorable. I am, by my own admission, a difficult person to please as I demand quality and thoroughness. This band not just met but exceeded my expectations and I would recommend them unreservedly. Please treat them with the respect such good musicians deserve and they will go out of their way to ensure you have a wonderful event.
Bali K – Host, Wedding Party
I wanted to say a BIG thank you for making my party so special. You exceeded all my expectation. All my guests complemented me on your performance and really enjoyed the evening. My party would not have been the same without you. I would not hesitate to recommend you to all my family and friends. I wish you all the very best for the future. Again thank you sooo much.
Anju M – Host, Birthday Party
I hired SotS to play at my birthday party on 30 May at the Hope & Anchor. Headlining a night of raucous rock n roll acts, they took the evening to the next level with a truly sensational set of rock n roll classics and originals. They had everyone dancing and the vibe was tremendous. A truly talented band of professionals, you will not be disappointed.
Melissa C. – Host, Birthday Party
Dear Chris and all the Sound of the Suburb crew, Thank you so much for playing our party last night. Sound of the Suburb were fabulous. We all loved dancing and singing along to your amazing repertoire. You were a really great addition to our party, and really made the evening for us all Thank you all so much. Best Regards
Sara B. – Host, Corporate Function
Absolutely fantastic band. The first thing everyone said after was how great the band was. Not only were they playing some fantastic music but they seemed to be really enjoying themselves and involving themselves with the guests which was great. Very friendly and easy to book. Could not rave enough about them and would highly recommended them. Thank you all so much, you really made the party. Let’s hope I can hire you again for another bash!!!
Louise W. – Host, Birthday Party
I booked Sound of the Suburb for my birthday party in August 2018 and the evening was a tremendous success. The music played by the band was fantastic. Almost everyone at the party commented on how good the band was and that they had catered for all ages and musical tastes. They are a very talented bunch of guys who deliver a very slick and tight sound which creates a great atmosphere as soon as they start playing. A really good band choice for live music to suit any occasion, A big thank you to all of them for making my birthday party a memorable event for all of those who came along.
Ken P. – Host, Birthday Party
Dear Chris, David, Steve, Mike and Paul, I want you to know how very much my husband and I appreciate the “Sound of the Suburb’s” incredible performance at my Birthday Party on 23 June. So many of our guests came up to me on the night to say how much they were enjoying the Band’s playing and, since then, I have received glowing “thank you” notes singing the Band’s praise – and I quote:
“ …. a fab band playing the absolutely best of the 60s and 70s …
“Oh Boy! What a wonderful 70s Band …
“ … and the Band were superb …
“The band was so brilliant …
“… a stunning Band taking us all back to those halcyon days …”
You were all marvellous and helped to make it a night to remember. Thank you also for the CD which we have enjoyed. Any chance you could make a CD of our Song List? We’d love to give them to friends at Xmas and I am sure other guests would like to buy them too! I will let Phyllis Court management know how good you all are and maybe they will want to book you for one of their functions. We would certainly want you to play for us next time we have a big party. Warmest regards
Lilian P B – Host, Birthday Party – Phyllis Court
“We had seen the ‘Sound of the Suburb’ a few times at the Black Horse in Barnet before asking them to play at our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Throughout the whole process of initially speaking to them, booking them and them playing on the night it was made extremely easy and stress free. They have been professional throughout. With their combined talent, they got everyone up and dancing all night ensuring a great party atmosphere. Dave (lead singer) ensured all our requirements/playlist were met and even exceeded our expectations. The band surprised us with their version of our wedding song which ended the evening on a high. We have had lots of compliments from our guests regarding the band and we couldn’t recommend them enough. We are looking forward to seeing them again soon. Once again many thanks for making our evening so special.”
Stuart & Tracey A. – Host, 25th Wedding Anniversary Party
“What a fabulous evening. Even got some of the most stubborn people dancing! Great band who are warm and welcoming; they were a delight to help celebrate my parent’s Wedding Anniversary. A truly special event made much more memorable by the music Sound of the Suburb supplied. Thank you!”
Amy W. – Attendee, 25th Wedding Anniversary Party
“Loved the music for my uncle and auntie’s wedding anniversary. The band really set the mood and kept the party alive and kicking!”
Amber C. – Attendee, 25th Wedding Anniversary Party
“Thank you so much for playing at my party yesterday. The band were brilliant, everyone loved you guys and it made my evening. Just fabulous xx Gill xx”
Gill S. – Host, 60th Bithday Party
“The Joint Was Jumping”.
Some bands working the pub circuit simply go through the motions every weekend playing two sets of music in virtually the same order every time. They have little rapport with their audiences and take a long interval between sets. At the other end of the spectrum there are bands like the Sound Of The Suburb. Here are five guys who work their socks off, look as if they are having a great time and have great rapport with pubgoers.
And what a joy they are to watch. Firstly, SOTS look like a professional band — all dressed in black shirts with matching flame red ties. Their lighting effects are outstanding and well above the average standard. And, most importantly, they work really hard.
SOTS have a great front man in David Maraney, a larger-than-life character who exudes charm and personality. David encourages the audience to dance and chats to them regularly between songs. Behind David are four hugely talented musicians. Chris Berlingieri, on lead guitar, looks like he’s having a great time; while keyboards man Mike Shilling, bass player Steve Phillips and new drummer Paul Steedman are all highly skilled musicians who are adept at recreating the sound on hit records.
At Maddens in East Finchley (the place where it all began for this band), where I saw them, the quintet performed a back-breaking three sets. They kicked off the first set with Stealer’s Wheels’ catchy Stuck In The Middle With You and a novel interpretation of the Easybeats’ 1967 rocker Friday On My Mind.
There was a whole lotta soul in the first set — with favourites like Mustang Sally, Soul Man and Martha Reeves and the Vandellas’ Heatwave. And it was nice (and highly unusual) to see dancers at such an early stage of the evening. The band were even brave enough to perform one of their own songs — C’Mon C’Mon, from their album Still Waiting.
No long breaks here and ten minutes later the five of them were back on stage with two Chris Isaak classics Wicked Game and Blue Hotel.
A stomping version of the Surfaris’ instrumental Wipe Out (featuring drummer Paul) led into a feast of rock ‘n roll which had the dancefloor packed. Classic after classic followed with Runaway, That’s Alright Mama, Tutti Frutti, The Wanderer, Great Balls Of Fire and the Stray Cats’ Rock This Town. The joint was jumping for a whole set.
Such attention to detail is paid by Sound Of The Suburb that they even have a change of costumes between sets. And ten minutes later they were bounding on stage again with their own interpretation of Cher’s sixties’ success Bang Bang (with great vocals from David).
A cracking evening from a cracking band of musicians.
COLIN FENN, DJ/Freelance Journalist – Maddens, East Finchley
