Auckland’s Best Party Bands
— By Raashka Mannie

1/ Mister Speaker

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Led by vocalist Tane Tari, Mister Speaker pride themselves on being a funk and soul powerhouse. With an 8-piece band and a whole lot of heart, they specialise in classic hits from the 60s and 70s, performing the best known songs of labels like Stax and Motown. Their repertoire also includes the likes of Bruno Mars, Gorillaz, The Jackson 5 and so much more. Their upbeat and soulful take on music will provide a vibrant tone for your wedding celebration, and will have just about everyone hitting the dance floor in no time. Cool and funky with a touch of sass, Mister Speaker is a party band you cannot pass up on if you’re looking for an unforgettable wedding band.

2/ Blue Steel

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In the business for over 12 years, Blue Steel specialises in the classics. A 5-piece band with extensive experience in both corporate and wedding performances, they are a passionate and professional group of musicians that have performed all over the country. They specialise in classic hits, pop and top 40, with have a varied and colourful song list that draws inspiration from artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Pharrell, Cee Lo Green and many, many more. As one of Auckland's top corporate acts, Blue Steel are regularly booked by clients such as Harcourts, GJ Gardner, IBM, Sony Music and Ford. If you're searching for a band that covers the classics as well as the best new music, Blue Steel are well worth a look.

3/ The Pickups

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The Pickups are a 5-piece cover band that thrives in the Auckland party band scene with their fresh and innovative approach to live music. With a veteran line-up that has more than 15 years’ experience in the field, they love performing classic hits and pop music, including the likes of Prince, Bruno Mars, Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder. Members of the band have performed with Dave Dobbyn, Stan Walker, Che Fu and Hollie Smith. The Pickups are known for turning events into celebrations with their passion and dedication, led by lead vocalist Victor Hawkins-Sulfa. They are committed to putting their heart and soul into every song, ensuring an unforgettable wedding celebration for you and your guests.

4/ Goody 2 Shoes

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Goody 2 Shoes is a duo comprised of Chris and Jono: a pair of talented and fun-loving artists that have played in over 100 cities around the world between them. With more than 15 years’ experience in the field, they know that to be one of Auckland’s best party bands means adding personal touches to each and every performance, with an ever-growing song list including The Beatles, Neil Diamond and Violent Femmes. They are a covers duo with a focus on classic hits, top 40 and acoustic sounds. Whether you’re looking for laidback and gentle tunes for your wedding guests to chat over, or to amp it up and bring the energy with classic bangers to light up the dance floor, Goody 2 Shoes has got you covered.

5/ PepperJacks

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Veterans in wedding performances, PepperJacks is a flexible 7-piece funk and soul cover band that can play anything from top 40 to classic hits. With a killer horn section and front woman Clo Chaperon on vocals, PepperJacks reign as one of the top Auckland party bands. Their repertoire includes Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson and many more. PepperJacks can shift effortlessly from a light jazz trio during dinner, to their spectacular 7-piece band to bring the noise and bring in the funk at your wedding.

6/ Jumpsuit

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A premium covers band dedicated to strumming out good vibes, Jumpsuit is a 4-member band with a passion for everything from classic hits to rock. If it gets your heart pumping, Jumpsuit will perform it. With a diverse, seemingly endless song list, they cover artists such as Bill Withers, Pearl Jam, Michael Buble, Queen and more. Jumpsuit’s members have performed alongside Brooke Fraser, Stan Walker, Opshop, Paul McCartney, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Incubus and John Farnham − to name a few! They are happy to tailor a package to your particular needs, having played hundreds of weddings over the years, and have come to be known as one of Auckland’s best wedding bands.

7/ Kid Radio

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Auckland’s funkiest cover band is also one of Auckland’s most loved party bands. Kid Radio sets themselves apart with their soulful, feisty takes on a diverse blend of pop, soul and funk jams, covering artists like Prince, Kanye West, Maroon 5, Daft Punk, Outkast and so many more. They blend together the best of the best when it comes to pop, hip hop and R’n’B, featuring dual vocals from Sam Allen and Mal Lakatani, along with legendary accompaniments from their rhythm, drums and bass sections. Top it all of with a masterful keyboardist and extraordinary arrangements, and you have a party band that raises the bar for live music. Their unique medlies blow people away, and will be sure to keep your guests dancing the night away at your wedding.

8/ Ministry of Tone

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Ministry of Tone is a 4-piece funk and soul band with a healthy dose of R’n’B thrown in for good measure. Ministry of Tone handpick the best when it comes to 60s and 70s funk and soul, 90s R’n'B, topped off by a choice few from the top 40. The band’s setlist is made up of artists such as Earth, Wind And Fire, Bob Marley, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Toto. Featuring vocals by TJ Taotua, rhythm section Isaac Etimani and Willie Fa’apito, and keyboard and arrangements maestro Jireh Falaniko, Ministry of Tone are the band to get if your musical preferences tend to lean more towards the soul, funk and R’n’B end of things.

9/ Jaime and Chet

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Specialising in an acoustic and full sound, Jaime and Chet offer classic hits and top 40 tunes − but, as one of Auckland’s best party bands, they will perform anything under the sun. Comfortable performing just about any genre of music, the duo has a vibrant history: Chet has performed alongside the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, Dr John, Joe Cocker, Kenny Rogers and Cher, as well as toured with Gerry and the Pacemakers; Jaime is part of the legendary Hands Off covers band, and has performed extensively in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

Want to see more? Check out our full range of Auckland wedding bands and Auckland wedding DJs. You may also be interested to check out the latest Wellington wedding bands on Wellington Weddings.