Frequently Asked Questions


 How much does it cost to book Big Time Charlie?

We do not have a set price, so in your enquiry please provide us with as much information as possible so we can give you a quick and accurate quote. Price is dependent on several factors such as date, location and the times the band will be required to arrive, start and finish. Early arrivals, waits, earlier starts and later finishes will cost more.

Will my function room be suitable?

Whilst a level load, no stairs and easy access is always our preference, we accept that not everywhere was built to cater for live music. We aim to be as flexible as possible when considering your venue and unless there is something extreme like seven flights of stairs, a snake pit or a three mile hike, it should be fine. In your enquiry tell us as much as possible about the venue (if known) and we can research it to make sure we can get in there.

Do you have insurance?

Yes, we have £5m of public liability insurance which is almost a pre-requisite of hotels these days. We also regularly 'PAT' test our electrical equipment to ensure it's safe for use. Copies of both certificates are available on request.

Do I need a DJ?

We provide, free of charge, a laptop based MP3 DJ package which means you do not need to hire a DJ. The quality of our sound system means the MP3 music we play will sound much better than your average DJ anyway, however if you prefer a 'real' DJ then that is no problem. If you go for our MP3 DJ option, we can work with you prior to the night to build a playlist with all your favourite tracks on it to ensure your night is tailored exactly to your requirements. A band member will always be on hand to make announcements throughout the evening should you require them. Please mention when booking that you require this option.

How long do you play for?

For a typical party we would play 2 hours of music, split into 2 x 1 hour sets plus encore(s). We usually start around 8:30-9:00pm and finish by midnight. If you require the sets splitting in some other way or earlier start and/or finish, we are happy to work something out (potentially at extra cost for early starts and late finishes).

What about catering for the band?

Because we will have probably travelled to your function for some time (usually non-stop), we will be ready for a soft drink and something to eat when we arrive. If you are catering for guests at a reasonably early time, then other than something to drink we would not require specially prepared food. However if there is no food for guests or it's a sit-down meal or if it's a late buffet, then the band would really like it if you could get the venue to lay on a plate of sandwiches suitable for 4 hungry musicians. Nothing fancy, just something to keep us going. You will get the best out of us if we're fed and watered!

Do you require a dressing room?

We would appreciate being able to get changed in somewhere other than a corridor or the toilets! If the venue can accommodate, we would like a room somewhere out of the way where we can sit down, get changed and freshen up. Again nothing fancy. An office, function room, hotel bedroom, anything really.

Can you send us a CD?

In order to keep our costs and therefore fees down, we do not send out promo material. Instead you can find pictures right through the website and also on the 'Songs' page some MP3 tracks to listen to or download.

Can we come and see you live?

We would love to see you at a gig and welcome you seeing us before you book. We're confident you would not be disappointed. Check out our 'Gigs' page and come along at a convenient date. All gigs on the page are public.

How much space do you require?

Obviously for us, the bigger the stage / space the better! However we understand every venue is different and we are able to fit into a fairly small space should that be necessary. In order to give you the best possible performance and visual effect, a proper stage would always be a preference but we recognise that it may not always be possible. To give you an idea, an ideal space for us would be 6m x 3m. We should always be positioned in such a way as to play across the short side of a rectangular room, facing down the length of it. This gives the best sound quality.

How long does it take the band to set up?

Ideally the band will need 90 minutes from arrival to being set up and thoroughly sound-checked to ensure the best possible sound for the performance. We would then require around 30 minutes to rest, change and get ready to perform. We understand that timings can be tight on the day and often run over so we aim to be as flexible as possible. We will work as hard as we can to be set up as quickly as possible so as to minimise any delays. Please ensure that when creating your event plan you allow enough time for the band to set up as it is incredibly important to have enough time to get things just right for you. Please note that any significant over-runs on the day will inevitably affect the start time of the band.

What equipment does the band use?

As standard the band uses a brand new 2000 watt PA system, fully controlled from the stage so there is no intrusion into the audience. Lighting system features 10 x LED par cans controlled by a laptop and disco lighting effects for the dance floor. Additional equipment is available should the venue/function require it, at additional cost. Big Time Charlie have invested heavily in their equipment which is all high-end, professional quality. Fender and Gibson guitars, Mesa Boogie amps, Line6 and Alesis effects, Roland and Korg keyboards, Shure microphones and hand-built custom made drum kit.

How will the band be dressed?

On stage, the band dress in black and white; shirts, loose ties and black trousers/jeans. Smart casual. Between sets they would remain in their stage gear, however if the function requires it, they can dress formally when with the audience. When setting up they would be in jeans and t-shirts.

How loud are you?

We are a fully live 4-piece band and as such we are not going to be able to play at 'solo act with backing tape' volumes. However our sound system is of such quality that we will never sound too loud or harsh and we are committed to giving you a night to remember so we will work as hard as possible to tailor the sound to the venue. If the venue has a sound limiter, this often proves tricky as most sound limiters are listening to the bass more than anything else. This usually means the rest of the band can be incredibly loud but as soon as the bass guitar and bass drum kicks in the power is likely to cut out, regardless of overall volume. If you are looking for live music, we wouldn't advise booking a venue with a sound limiter as they really mess things up sound-wise. Also consider the decor of the room you're booking. Hard walls, tiles, lack of soft furnishings etc. do have a negative impact on sound quality and volume!