There’s nothing quite like visiting a dueling piano bar with friends – especially if they are pros at being part of the audience. Everyone takes turns requesting songs closest to their hearts, and the crowd spends all night participating and supporting the talented musicians leading the way.
If you have a favorite song, be sure to request it the next time you visit! If you don’t know where to begin, here are the best piano bar songs of all time. Over 100 selections to choose from – whether your preferences lean towards Garth Brookes, Alicia Keys, Mustang Sally, Tina Turner, or the Piano Man – Billy Joel, odds are the pianists will be able to play your request.
How do I request a song at a piano bar?
Requesting a song at a piano bar is generally a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Be prepared: Know the name of the song and the artist you want to request. Sometimes people like to think of a few favorites before entering the bar. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be a classic piano bar song, either! Whatever you want! Make a song list and bring it along.
- Don’t make a big deal about your request: On every table, you will find pieces of paper to fill out, highlighting your requests. Simply bring that paper with a tip and place it on one of the pianos. Then walk away. You don’t have to make eye contact or get any sort of acknowledgment. The musician will pick up the request when they are ready.
- Be patient: Understand that the pianist may have other requests ahead of yours or a set playlist to follow. It might take some time before your chosen song is played.
- Show appreciation: Once your song is played, express your gratitude. Applaud, smile, and enjoy the performance. This gesture is courteous and acknowledges the effort put in by the pianist.
Do I have to tip when I request a song at a piano bar?
Tipping at a piano bar is a customary practice, but the amount is up to you. If you really want to make sure the full song is played, consider tipping more. Otherwise, you are likely to get just a few verses.
The 100 Best Piano Songs Of All Time
Here is a list of 100 popular songs that you can consider requesting at a piano bar:
- “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
- “Imagine” by John Lennon
- “Hey Jude” by The Beatles
- “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
- “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
- “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
- “Hotel California” by Eagles
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles
- “Wonderwall” by Oasis
- “Yesterday” by The Beatles
- “Someone Like You” by Adele
- “All of Me” by John Legend
- “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
- “My Way” by Frank Sinatra
- “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
- “Clocks” by Coldplay
- “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
- “Rocket Man” by Elton John
- “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
- “Let It Go” from Frozen
- “The Scientist” by Coldplay
- “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
- “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John
- “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars
- “Proud Mary” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- “Fields of Gold” by Sting
- “Angels” by Robbie Williams
- “Your Song” by Elton John
- “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
- “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
- “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
- “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
- “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- “Blackbird” by The Beatles
- “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
- “Take Me to Church” by Hozier
- “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
- “Great Balls of Fire” by Jerry Lee Lewis
- “American Pie” by Don McLean
- “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Smooth” by Santana ft. Rob Thomas
- “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
- “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
- “Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees
- “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
- “Shape of My Heart” by Sting
- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
- “Piano in the Dark” by Brenda Russell
- “Georgia on My Mind” by Ray Charles
- “Fields of Athenry” by Pete St. John
- “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
- “Yesterday” by The Beatles
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
- “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John
- “Yesterday Once More” by Carpenters
- “Fire and Rain” by James Taylor
- “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
- “Kiss the Rain” by Yiruma
- “Africa” by Toto
- “Let Her Go” by Passenger
- “Mr. Bojangles” by Sammy Davis Jr.
- “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
- “Englishman in New York” by Sting
- “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
- “Fields of Gold” by Eva Cassidy
- “We Will Rock You” by Queen
- “Yellow” by Coldplay
- “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter
- “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
- “Desperado” by Eagles
- “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra
- “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
- “More Than Words” by Extreme
- “Yesterday” by Ray Charles
- “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
- “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis
- “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley
- “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel
- “Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller
- “Come Together” by The Beatles
- “Don’t You Worry Child” by Swedish House Mafia
- “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
- “November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
- “Fields of Gold” by Sting
- “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys
- “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
- “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty
- “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac
- “Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
- “More Than a Feeling” by Boston
- “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s
Do dueling pianists take Venmo?
The acceptance of Venmo or any other specific payment method by dueling pianists may vary depending on the individual pianists, the venue, or their established payment practices. Some dueling pianists may be open to accepting Venmo as a form of payment, while others may prefer traditional payment methods like cash or credit cards.
It’s always best to just bring cash.
Top Ten Heavy Metal Songs To Request At A Piano Bar
While a heavy metal song might not be the typical repertoire at a piano bar, it can certainly be an interesting and unique request to make. Here are ten heavy metal songs that could be creatively adapted for a piano bar performance:
- “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
- “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
- “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne
- “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden
- “Holy Diver” by Dio
- “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest
- “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead
- “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden
- “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeth
- “Rainbow in the Dark” by Dio
Song requests are very personal – you can choose anything from the pina colada song to that iconic hard rock song you can’t get out of your head. Have fun with it!
Does a song ever get rejected at a dueling piano bar?
While it’s uncommon for songs to be outright rejected at a dueling piano bar, there can be situations where a song request may not be fulfilled. Here are a few reasons why a song request might not be played:
- Unfamiliarity: If the pianists are not familiar with a particular song, they may not be able to accommodate the request. Dueling pianists typically have a vast repertoire of songs they can play, but they can’t know every song ever written.
- Unsuitability for the format: Dueling piano bars often have a lively and interactive atmosphere, with pianists engaging in banter and entertaining the crowd. In some cases, certain songs may not fit the ambiance or be suitable for the dueling piano format, either due to their style, tempo, or lyrical content.
- Technical limitations: Pianists may have their own technical limitations or preferences. Think vocal range issues! Some songs might also require complex arrangements or specific instrumental accompaniment that may not be feasible on a piano alone.
- Inappropriate or offensive content: If a song contains explicit or offensive lyrics, it is possible that the pianists may choose not to perform it in order to maintain a family-friendly or respectful environment.
It’s important to remember that dueling piano bars prioritize providing an entertaining experience for the audience. If a song request doesn’t align with the atmosphere or the pianists’ abilities, they may politely decline or offer alternative suggestions. It’s always best to approach the pianists with your request and have a friendly conversation to see if they can accommodate it.
What is the crowd like at a dueling piano bar?
Dueling piano bars attract a diverse range of groups, as they offer a unique and entertaining experience for various demographics. Here are some types of groups commonly found at piano bars:
- Couples: Piano bars often create a romantic atmosphere, making them popular destinations for couples seeking a cozy and intimate night out.
- Friends and Social Groups: Groups of friends, whether small or large, frequently visit piano bars to enjoy an evening of live music, sing-alongs, and lively interactions. They come to celebrate special occasions, catch up, and have a good time while bonding over shared musical experiences.
- Bachelorette/Bachelor Parties: Piano bars are a popular choice for pre-wedding celebrations. Bachelorette or bachelor parties often flock to these venues, where they can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, engaging performances, and even participate in playful interactions with the pianists.
- Tourists and Travelers: Piano bars can be a draw for tourists and travelers seeking a taste of the local nightlife and live music scene.
- Corporate Groups: Piano bars sometimes serve as venues for corporate events, team outings, or company gatherings. These groups appreciate the relaxed and entertaining environment, which allows for networking, team building, and socializing outside of a formal work setting.
- Music Enthusiasts: Piano bars often attract individuals who have a genuine love for music.
Piano bars have a broad appeal, attracting people who appreciate live music, interactive performances, and a vibrant social atmosphere. It’s a great night out filled with the best songs ever written.
So, grab a few friends, make a list of great piano bar songs you’d like to request, and make sure to tip those piano players. They play their heart and souls out all night long! And remember, piano bar audiences participate. They don’t just sit there. You must get up and dance, sing out loud, clap, and support those musicians.