bookings@empire-band.co.uk

1. HOLD ON, I'M COMIN'
(in the style of Sam and Dave)

2. SWEET SOUL MUSIC
(in the style of Arthur Conley)

3. MR. PITIFUL
(in the style of The Commitments)

4. RUNAROUND SUE
(in the style of Dion & The Belmonts)

5. BROWN EYED GIRL
(in the style of Van Morrison)

6. LAND OF 1000 DANCES
(in the style of Wilson Pickett)

7. BROWN SUGAR
(in the style of The Rolling Stones)

8. EIGHT DAYS A WEEK
(in the style of The Beatles)

9. LET'S STAY TOGETHER
(in the style of Al Green)

10. MUSTANG SALLY
(in the style of The Commitments)

Visit the link above for a complete set list.

welcome

Empire is a live music and function band based in Norwich, Norfolk. With over 10 years experience, our superb blend of classic tracks and party tunes will guarantee an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

We cater for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, charity functions and corporate events across Norfolk, Suffolk and beyond.

As a seven piece group featuring drums, bass and lead guitars, keyboards, trumpet and alto saxophone - Empire delivers a rich, full sound and features a combination of experienced musicians as well as up and coming young talent.

Because of this diverse mixture of musical input, our set list comprises of authentic musical arrangements which do the original tracks the justice they deserve; While our party songs get a fresh sounding make-over to give your dancefloor favourites a completely new flavour.

Our past experiences have had excited newlyweds taking their first dance, charity events bringing in more donations than they had imagined and corporate functions lightening their workload with an evening of live entertainment.

If you would like to discuss a tailor-made quotation and book Empire for your next big event, contact us today on 07824 515588 or by emailing bookings@empire-band.co.uk

11. I SAW HER STANDING THERE
(in the style of The Beatles)

12. HUNGRY HEART
(in the style of Bruce Springsteen)

13. BEGGIN' YOU
(in the style of Madcon)

14. BILLIE JEAN
(in the style of Michael Jackson)

15. BRIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD
(in the style of Van Morrison)

16. I'VE GOT A WOMAN
(in the style of Ray Charles)

17. RUNAWAY BABY
(in the style of Bruno Mars)

18. PLEASE PLEASE ME
(in the style of The Beatles)

19. PROUD MARY
(in the style of Ike & Tina Turner)

Visit the link above for a complete set list.

welcome

Click on an image below to find out more about each member of Empire.

 

Highslide JS

Mark Smith - Lead Vocals

Mark has been singing for over 10 years and began his career with a band called "Soul Company." The group went through several transitions and eventually disbanded. After a 2 year break from singing Mark set about forming "Empire" with original Soul Company trumpet player Barry Wilderoder and saxophonist Alex Pye. The group remained nameless for its first year but eventually found its own identity and sound and has been growing in reputation ever since with a mixture of classic and new music, brought to life with Mark's soulful voice.

Highslide JS

Pete Watt - Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals

Pete began playing guitar in 1970. As a self-taught musician, his influences included Steve Cropper, Dave Gilmour and Johnny 'Guitar' Watson amongst others. Pete has featured in many duos and bands and has often gigged with Empire bassist John 'JD' Dunn. Pete's gear includes his signature 'Lake Placid' Blue Fender Stratocaster as well as Gordan-Smith guitars, an Orange Fender amp and numerous effects pedals to achieve the wide array of sounds found in Empire's set list.

Highslide JS

John 'JD' Dunn - Bass Guitar / Backing Vocals

As the most travelled musician in the group, JD first appeared at Norwich 's Orford Cellar in 1968. The first of many hundreds of gigs as an obscure Norwich musician, John's musical experience covers many genres from Rock & Roll to Country & Western and French Accordion to Balkan & Israeli Dance. John has appeared at numerous Folk Festivals, played at London's legendary Marquee club and in 1992 he travelled around Europe with his wife and two daughters, singing traditional English folk songs in the streets of Vienna, Utrecht and Sarlat. He has also played at many English Heritage sites, featuring on Channel 4's "Time Team" and broadcast on BBC Radio Norfolk on numerous occasions.

Highslide JS

Bill Quinney - Drums

From an early age, Bill was always drawn towards the drums and as a young adult he often mixed an occasional Saturday night gig with weekend sport. After a long break and with the encouragement of his family, Bill acquired a kit and was introduced to his now friend and tutor, Colin Brady, a well known and respected Norfolk percussionist. His first attempt at joining a group came at a funeral, where he was invited to join a band which sadly did not progress. After meeting lead singer Mark Smith, Empire became Bill's first chance to gig with a live band and he has been honing his craft ever since. It was also a chance to be reunited with former Wymondham College school friend and Empire bassist John "JD" Dunn.

Highslide JS

Barry Wilderoder - Trumpet / Backing Vocals

Awaiting bio...

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Alex Pye - Alto Sax / Backing Vocals / Harmonica

Alex first learned to play Saxophone in high during the mid-1990's. After a break to complete exams, he returned to playing on a self-taught basis in 2000. As a friend and business associate of lead singer Mark Smith, he was soon asked to join "Soul Company" along with Mark and trumpet player Barry Wilderoder. After the group disbandment, he went on to help form Empire. Alex's musical influences range from early Motown and soul music to 80's and modern hits. Alex currently plays a Yamaha 475 alto as well as several Suzuki harmonicas.

Highslide JS

Ben Pye - Piano

Awaiting bio...

20. A-TEAM
(in the style of Ed Sheeran)

21. TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
(in the style of Wilson Pickett)

22. CAR WASH
(in the style of Rose Royce)

23. EVERY BREATH YOU
TAKE
(in the style of The Police)

24. MY GIRL
(in the style of The Temptations)

25. SEX ON FIRE
(in the style of Kings of Leon)

26. EVERYBODY HURTS
(in the style of REM)

27. CHASING CARS
(in the style of Snow Patrol)

28. MOVES LIKE JAGGER
(in the style of Maroon 5)

Visit the link above for a complete set list.

welcome

Here is our May 2012 set list. This will be updated as we add or replace numbers in our performance. Requests are always welcome, simply contact us with your ideas!

Set One

  1. Hold On, I'm Coming
  2. Sweet Soul Music
  3. Mr. Pitiful
  4. Brown Eyed Girl
  5. Land of 1000 Dances
  6. Brown Sugar
  7. I Saw Her Standing There (Just 17)
  8. Eight Days A Week
  9. Please Please Me
  10. Beggin' You
  11. Billie Jean
  12. Let's Stay Together
  13. Bright Side Of The Road
  14. Mustang Sally
  15. I've Got A Woman
  16. A-Team
  17. Dock Of The Bay
  18. Proud Mary

Set Two

  1. Shake Your Tailfeather
  2. Gimme Some Lovin'
  3. I'm A Believer
  4. All Summer Long
  5. Superstition
  6. Use Somebody
  7. Sex On Fire
  8. Feelin' Good
  9. I Need A Dollar
  10. Car Wash
  11. Handbags And Gladrags
  12. First Cut Is The Deepest
  13. Someone Like You
  14. Tears Dry On Their Own
  15. My Girl
  16. Walking In Memphis
  17. New Orleans
  18. Flip Flop Fly

29. SHAKE YOUR TAILFEATHER
(in the style of Ray Charles)

30. GIMME SOME LOVIN'
(in the style of The Blues Brothers)

31. I'M A BELIEVER
(in the style of The Monkees)

32. ALL SUMMER LONG
(in the style of Kid Rock)

33. SUPERSTITION
(in the style of Stevie Wonder)

34. USE SOMEBODY
(in the style of Kings Of Leon)

35. FEELING GOOD
(in the style of Muse)

36. I NEED A DOLLAR
(in the style of Aloe Blacc)

37. MANEATER
(in the style of Hall & Oates)

38. HANDBAGS & GLADRAGS
(in the style of The Stereophonics)

Visit the link above for a complete set list.

welcome

Below are dates and venue details for Empire's upcoming appearances. This is updated regularly so please check back so as not to miss out on a performance.

 

Saturday 19th May 2012
Wedding (Private Function)
Blofield Heath, Norwich

Sunday 3rd June 2012
Private Function,
Hethersett Rec Ground, Hethersett

Sunday 10th June 2012
Wedding of Corinne and Dieter,
Brasteds, Framingham Pigot

Saturday 30th June 2012
Summer Ball, (Tickets Available)
Rackheath Village Hall, Rackheath

Friday 31st August 2012
Wedding (Private Function)
Norwich

39. FIRST CUT IS THE DEEPEST
(in the style of Rod Stewart)

40. WALKING IN MEMPHIS
(in the style of Marc Cohn)

41. SOMEONE LIKE YOU
(in the style of Adelle)

42. NEW ORLEANS
(in the style of The Blues Brothers)

43. FLIP FLOP FLY
(in the style of The Blues Brothers)

44. TREAT HER RIGHT
(in the style of The Commitments)

45. HEY BARTENDER
(in the style of The Blues Brothers)

46. REELIN' & ROCKIN'
(in the style of Chuck Berry)

47. JOHNNY B GOODE
(in the style of Chuck Berry)

Visit the link above for a complete set list.

welcome

To contact Empire and discuss how we can cater for your special occasion, simply fill in the form below and click "submit."

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Tel: 07824 515588 - Email: bookings@empire-band.co.uk

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