Reviews & Testimonials
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 - August 2019
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 - August 2019
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 - July 2019
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 - July 2019
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 - May 2019
Melissa C. - Host, Birthday Party - May 2019
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 - November 2018
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 - November 2018
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 - October 2018
Louise W. - Host, Birthday Party - October 2018
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 - August 2018
Ken P. - Host, Birthday Party - August 2018
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, June 2018
"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 - May 2018
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 - May 2018
"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 - May 2018
Amy W. - Attendee, 25th Wedding Anniversary Party - May 2018
"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 - May 2018
Amber C. - Attendee, 25th Wedding Anniversary Party - May 2018
"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 - March 2018
Gill S. - Host, 60th Bithday Party - March 2018
"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). The band then embarked on a seventies' sojourn with pounders like the Sweet's glam rock smash Ballroom Blitz; the Bowie double of Jean Genie and Rebel Rebel; and the Clash's punkers Should I Stay Or Should I Go and London's Calling.
SOTS did an encore of the Rolling Stones' Honky Tonk Woman but I'm sure the Maddens' crowd would have been happy if they had done a fourth and fifth set.
But, by now, after nearly three and a half hours, the band probably needed a rest (or a long lie down in a dark room).
A cracking evening from a cracking band of musicians.
COLIN FENN, DJ/Freelance Journalist - Maddens, East Finchley on Fri 22nd September 2017
"Absolutely marvellous music. I don't know where you found the band, but they were outstanding. A really tight, hard-working, energised "rock 'n' roll band". They were wonderful to dance to."
Clive B. - Attendee at Bush Hall Gig on 20th May 2017
Clive B. - Attendee at Bush Hall Gig on 20th May 2017
"If I'm going to have to dance (and my wife made it clear that I did) then that's the kind of music I want to dance to"
Attendee at Bush Hall Gig on 20th May 2017
Attendee at Bush Hall Gig on 20th May 2017
"I had forgotten how much I love dancing and how good it is for the spirit. The band were absolutely brilliant"
Attendee at Bush Hall Gig on 20th May 2017
Attendee at Bush Hall Gig on 20th May 2017
“We heard Sound of the Suburb performing at a gig and thought it would be good if they could play at our joint 50th birthday party. What a great decision! They were very professional from start to finish providing their playlist and adding new songs just for us. The music was fabulous; David has a great voice and the songs were performed with energy and style. Everyone was dancing and the party was all that we had hoped for. After the party lots of our friends complimented the band and asked for their details. We could not have asked for more.”
Leslie & Andrea S. - Surrey KT10
Leslie & Andrea S. - Surrey KT10
Dear David,
I’m writing to say a huge thank you to you and all your band members for playing at our event last night. There have been lots of compliments about the music and I thought you found a great blend suited to a very mixed audience with both the pre and post awards playing.
Thank you again and we look forward to hearing you play again at future events. I would be very happy to recommend you to others so please feel free to use me as a reference as you see fit.
A huge thank you!
Richard
Richard Scarth
Director of Operations
Royal Free Charity
I’m writing to say a huge thank you to you and all your band members for playing at our event last night. There have been lots of compliments about the music and I thought you found a great blend suited to a very mixed audience with both the pre and post awards playing.
Thank you again and we look forward to hearing you play again at future events. I would be very happy to recommend you to others so please feel free to use me as a reference as you see fit.
A huge thank you!
Richard
Richard Scarth
Director of Operations
Royal Free Charity
Sound of the Suburb made my birthday party. They are hugely charismatic and we were dancing all night. Friends were saying how great the band was for weeks afterwards.
They’re a lot of fun – great rock n roll. I’ve seen them play at loads of venues from pubs to synagogues and they’re always brilliant. They came early to set up and checked the playlist with me in advance. But honestly whatever they play is brilliant – high energy, roof-raising and with just enough edge. A very talented bunch of guys. Hugely enjoyable.
Naomi G - London N12
They’re a lot of fun – great rock n roll. I’ve seen them play at loads of venues from pubs to synagogues and they’re always brilliant. They came early to set up and checked the playlist with me in advance. But honestly whatever they play is brilliant – high energy, roof-raising and with just enough edge. A very talented bunch of guys. Hugely enjoyable.
Naomi G - London N12
I had the band 'Sound of the Suburb' come highly recommended to me by a member of staff team at the Royal Free Hospitals voluntary services.
We made some enquiries and decided to book the band for the annual Barnet and Chase Farm Volunteer party, that was held in October of this year.
The band members were organised and easy to communicate with prior to the event, and on the night, what a wonderful band they turned out to be!
They literally made the party extra special! We had guests with ages ranging from there 20s to the 90s up dancing to their very well played, classic rock and roll tunes.
The singer, well what a voice!, with great charisma and energy, wow. The band complimented the singer and they were all in perfect unison, playing pitch perfect every tune.
These guys really are a very talented group of musicians and a great band with great energy, they had us up dancing all of the night.
We’d made no secret of the fact we would love to book them again and again.
We are looking forward to next year’s volunteer party already ;).
Elaine Donnellon
Voluntary Services Manager
Royal Free Hospital.
We made some enquiries and decided to book the band for the annual Barnet and Chase Farm Volunteer party, that was held in October of this year.
The band members were organised and easy to communicate with prior to the event, and on the night, what a wonderful band they turned out to be!
They literally made the party extra special! We had guests with ages ranging from there 20s to the 90s up dancing to their very well played, classic rock and roll tunes.
The singer, well what a voice!, with great charisma and energy, wow. The band complimented the singer and they were all in perfect unison, playing pitch perfect every tune.
These guys really are a very talented group of musicians and a great band with great energy, they had us up dancing all of the night.
We’d made no secret of the fact we would love to book them again and again.
We are looking forward to next year’s volunteer party already ;).
Elaine Donnellon
Voluntary Services Manager
Royal Free Hospital.
A great band who I've seen in the past: heading at The East Finchley Festival, 3 years running at Brookland School Annual Fete, The Brookland Rise street party and Maddens wine Bar.
Different moves for every show. In May, outdoors, they were like the Shadows with slick practiced moves and a lot of rock and roll songs we all knew. JonnyBGoode is my favourite. At East Finchley it seemed more of their own songs and a louder music range to suit the Festival style stage. They all seem to be having a lot of fun.
Brian I. NW11
Different moves for every show. In May, outdoors, they were like the Shadows with slick practiced moves and a lot of rock and roll songs we all knew. JonnyBGoode is my favourite. At East Finchley it seemed more of their own songs and a louder music range to suit the Festival style stage. They all seem to be having a lot of fun.
Brian I. NW11
Thank you so much for playing at my party last Saturday – you were incredible and everyone loved you! One of my friends has already requested you play at her wedding...
It was an awesome night, made even awesom-er by you.
Rosie S. N2
It was an awesome night, made even awesom-er by you.
Rosie S. N2
I have hired Sound of the Suburb on a number of occasions for corporate and social events and they always deliver a rocking great time. Their covers are real crowd pleasers and get people of all ages up and dancing. Even when they play originals you could swear you're hearing old favourites. Highly recommend.
Caryn B. (North London)
Caryn B. (North London)
Sound of the Suburb are a good dancing band. They have played at a number of parties I have organised and most notably for many years now the Grasmere Road Street Party. Their playlist includes many rock tunes by artists you will recognise such as the Rolling Stones. They have a new lead singer who has added a Blues dimension.
Shelley S.
Muswell Hill, London N10
Shelley S.
Muswell Hill, London N10
Thank you so much for a wonderful evening of entertainment at our ball. Your band were very professional from the moment you walk in, arriving early and courteous to everyone. The music was very energetic and people have been talking about how much fun they had weeks after the event, thanks to your band, We had many people who have other functions coming up who asked me for your details, which did not surprise me. You made the ball a great success.
Shara C.- Barnet
Shara C.- Barnet