Halloween gig, song suggestions

[John T4]

Hi
I've been asked to do a gig for Halloween and was wondering if anyone had a list that would be suitable.

Thanks in advance
P. S. I'm in the UK, so may influence the suggestions.

[mikf]

I think a halloween party is just a party as far as music is concerned, No need for specific 'halloween' music, particularly in the UK, where halloween party just means fancy dress. Don't treat it any differently from any other party. I certainly never did.
Mike

[Bruce Breen]

I think Mike is correct...
For instance, at Christmas we can add jingle bells to any song and it becomes 'seasonal'.
So, for Halloween just find some pads with 'scary' sound effects.
There may be some on your keyboard, and you can probably find some on PSR Tutorial (or ask under the Multipads board).

Meanwhile, I have some songs that are Halloween themed.
How about:
The Thing (1950 Charles R. Grean)
Haunted House (1958 Johnny Fuller)
Monster Mash (1962 Bobby Pickett)
Spooky (1965 Classics IV)
It's A Monster's Holiday (1974 Buck Owens)

Thriller (1982 Rod Temperman, Michael Jackson)
Ghostbusters (1984 Ray Parker Jr.)

And themes from TV:
Bewitched
Casper The Friendly Ghost
The Addams Family Theme
The Munsters Theme

All of these you can hear on YouTube, and I could supply my PDF lead sheets for any that you think you would like to tackle.

Hope you have a haunting good time on your gig!

[Toril S]

Carol Anns theme from Poltergeist!

[mikf]

In the UK halloween does not have that 'scary, haunted, spooky, ghostly' theme that is typical in other parts of the world.  No one dresses their garden or house with gravestones etc.  So frankly none of these titles actually have much relevance. It's just a fancy dress party here.
Mike

[Toril S]

Hm...No ghosts? Well, we didn't have Halloween in Norway, but it eventually came, and the kids love it!
Many movie themes make for beautiful music, but they are not so danceable.

[Bruce Breen]

It sounds like all songs will work for your gig then, John!
I usually just play my regular selections and then once in a while I will throw in a Halloween one...
Even when I am doing an Oktoberfest gig I don't just play German/Bavarian polkas & waltz. Same for Christmas...

Sounds to me like you should dress up in a costume as well!!
Have fun!

[DonM]

In the South... but consider
I Put a Spell on You
Born On The Bayou

[mikf]

Bruce, I haven't played gigs for years, it was John who is doing a Halloween gig. And I am just wondering how that can be possible with current Covid restrictions here in the UK.
mike

[EileenL]

Yes I was thinking the same as we are facing more lock downs each day.  Only six people allowed to met up and from only two house holds.

[mikf]

Don- you are posting again! That is great because you must be recovering.
BTW - born on the Bayou ---- in the UK.
Mike

[DonM]

Don- you are posting again! That is great because you must be recovering.
BTW - born on the Bayou ---- in the UK.
Mike

Very slow progress...but I'm hoping to get better.  After effects of the virus are now causing old heart problems to flair up.  Thanks my friend!

[mikf]

Don
That virus is not trivial but you are a survivor!  I am every health issue has serious knock on effects. I had a small stroke  about 4 weeks ago. Made a miraculous full recovery, but ever since I have been at medical appointments almost every day for all old issues that started to rear their ugly head. And medication changes themselves cause some of the problems. But I am almost through it now, can start driving again from Friday and have been told to get out and start playing golf again. Hopefully will not be long before you get there and start building your confidence.
Mike   

[Bruce Breen]

Thanks for the correction Mike! I've made the change...
Nice to see you posting Don - all the best to you!

[John T4]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
The gig was booked when things were OK.
As for the Covid here in the UK, it may well be the gig won't happen, especially in care homes. Currently there are local lockdowns, but not in my area at the moment.

As for the rule of 6, in a home with 50 people, I don't know how it works...!

[travlin-easy]

One of my favorites for Halloween was Michael Jackson's Thriller, for which I have a song specific style. You can find it at https://app.box.com/s/ojn4vz0cp45ofi61rjudzikhb73vg8qs

I recorded this song way back in 2013, when I still had fairly good lungs - using the above posted style. It was a bit difficult to learn and bring in that maniacal laugh  and the talk segment done by Boris Karloff. The audiences all loved it.

Gary