As a longtime piano bar entertainer, I often get asked where to start. There are so many songs out there - how can you decide which ones to learn?? This article is part of my 10 piano bar songs you need to know, which I am now adding different decades to!
You are going to love this list and all these tutorials will get you ready to rock the piano bar. Let's go!
#1: Piano Man - Billy Joel
As a piano bar performer, this was my live-and-die, three-times-a-night, most requested song EVERRR. So much so that I created my own lyrics for it and rebranded it Piano-ma'am.
Written in the key of C, this one is pretty easy to get through with a little practice.
Read the blog post and get the free download HERE.
#2: With or Without You - U2
The popularity of the band U2 exploded in the 1980s. Not only were they played on the radio all the time, but they also found themselves as regulars on the new MTV "Music Television".
With or Without You is a great piano bar song. The chords are very simple and the chorus is super easy to sing along with. So fun to play!
#3: Old Time Rock and Roll - Bob Seger
From the first piano octaves at the start of this song, everyone gets excited for this one!
Read the blog post and get the free lyrics and chords download HERE.
Old Time Rock and Roll consists of a grand total of FOUR CHORDS that repeat over and over as Bob Seeger goes on a nostalgia kick. In my tutorial you'll even learn the improvised solo!
Need to learn chords?
Sign up and get my FREE Ultimate Chord Cheat Sheets! Perfect for mastering your chords on piano.
#4: Eternal Flame
Eternal Flame is the hit power ballad from the all-female group The Bangles. Released on their 1988 album Everything, it was written by singer Susanna Hoffs in collaboration with songwriting team Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly.
Eternal Flame went to number one on charts around the world and continues to be a top karaoke classic - on you HAVE to add to your piano bar set.
#5. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
In Your Eyes is the classic love song by Peter Gabriel. Who could forget that iconic scene in the movie Say Anything where John Cusack holds the boom box over his head! In this tutorial, I teach you how to play the chords, the authentic-sounding accompaniment strategy and so many awesome details. Perfect for players of different levels!
Check out the blog and get the free lyrics and chords printable HERE.
#6: The Tide is High - Blondie
The Tide is High is the classic rock song by the band Blondie. The Caribbean feel of the piece is achieved with a reggae-inspired groove plus Mariachi-style trumpets. This song is super easy to play and this arrangement sounds just like the original!
The song was originally written as a rocksteady song by John Holt and recorded in 1967 by the Jamaican group The Paragons.
To learn The Tide is High and get the free download CLICK HERE.
#7: Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
Wonderful Tonight is the classic love song written by rock legend Eric Clapton. Released on his 1977 album Slowhand, it was allegedly written about model Pattie Boyd. Fun fact: Yvonne Elliman sings back up on this song. (Yvonne was a Broadway singer and sings lead on “If I Can’t Have You” on the Saturday Night Fever album)
Read the blog post and get the free download HERE.
#8: Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Learn Everybody Wants to Rule the World on piano! This classic 1985 hit by Tears for Fears sounds so great when you sing and play piano with Brenda Earle Stokes. Follow step-by-step through the entire song and you'll sound just like the album!
#9: Kiss - Prince
Kiss by Prince is a super funky song that is a great addition to your 80s Piano Bar playlist. Who can forget that scene in Pretty Woman where Julia Roberts sings it from the bathroom. She was listening to her Walkman!!
In this tutorial, I show you some tight jazz voices and a few bass line options. You're going to love it!
#10: Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
Never Tear Us Apart was recorded by Australian rock band INXS on their 1988 album Kick. With its haunting melodies and soulful lyrics, it continues to resonate with listeners worldwide.
This is an amazing choice for a piano bar song, because people love it and better yet, they forget they love it! I guarantee if you crack this one out, people will go nuts!!
Check out the blog post and free lyrics and chords download HERE.
Want to level up your musical skills so you can tackle the PIANO BAR? Strengthen your piano skills, develop your ear training, become a rhythm ninja and learn new skills like jazz and improvisation.
The Versatile Musician is an all-in-one membership that combines video lessons, print material and live support to help you level up your skills and thrive as a musician and music teacher.
CLICK THE YELLOW BUTTON AND MAKE SURE TO USE COUPON CODE GETSTARTED30 for $30 off your first month!
To learn more, check out www.theversatilemusician.com and get ready to become the best musician possible!
Sing Better NOW!