Countdown to Midnight ...

As I write this article to you, I currently have one more gig left to perform before the end of this year. It's at an extremely classy venue (a rooftop ballroom) and by the time you read this, I will have finished out my 2024 shows.

While I am not playing New Year's Eve this year (I like to spend that night with my family these days), I am already booked for an awesome NYE show on December 31st, 2025! It's never too early to get a gig on your calendar!

Did you know that the practice of celebrating the New Year dates all the way back to over 4,000 years ago? From the ancient Babylonians to the ball drop in Times Square, New Year's Eve has always been about bidding farewell to the old and ushering in the new, hopefully with a bang!

What is one of the greatest parts to being a live musician on New Year's Eve? 

You get to be right at the center of all of the wonderful festivities!

There’s something almost magical about playing live on New Year's Eve. It's not just another gig; it's an electrifying experience where you're part of a collective moment of hope and celebration.

Being on stage, watching the faces of all of the  by anticipation (and maybe a bit of alcohol), you can't help but feel that surge of energy.

It's a unique blend of excitement and responsibility – after all, you're setting the tone for everyone's final moments of the passing year and their first moments ringing in the new year!

Positive Energy is the name of the game for NYE.

First off, you need to play great songs that elevate, resonate, and get everyone energized, moving, and hopeful. Get their hearts pumping and they will feel the energy of the night.

Here Are Some Great Song Ideas for you to try

1. "Uptown Funk" - Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
2. "Happy" - Pharrell Williams
3. "Can't Stop the Feeling!" - Justin Timberlake
4. "Dance Monkey" - Tones and I
5. "Party Rock Anthem" - LMFAO
6. "Shut Up and Dance" - WALK THE MOON
7. "Dynamite" - BTS
8. "I Gotta Feeling" - The Black Eyed Peas
9. "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey
10. "Get Lucky" - Daft Punk & Pharrell Williams
11. "Footloose" - Kenny Loggins
12. "Dancing Queen" - ABBA
13. "Firework" - Katy Perry
14. "Shake It Off" - Taylor Swift
15. "24K Magic" - Bruno Mars
16. "Celebration" - Kool & The Gang
17. "Best Day of My Life" - American Authors
18. "Raise Your Glass" - P!nk
19. "Auld Lang Syne" - Traditional
20. "It's the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" - R.E.M.
21. "Walking on Sunshine" - Katrina and The Waves
22. "1999" - Prince
23. "The Final Countdown" - Europe
24. "High Hopes" - Panic! At The Disco
25. "Waiting For Tonight" - Jennifer Lopez
26. "Livin' on a Prayer" - Bon Jovi
27. "About Damn Time" - Lizzo
28. "I'm Still Standing" - Elton John
29. "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" - Kelly Clarkson
30. "Good Life" - OneRepublic

Use statements of encouragement addressing the things that we all think about on New Years Eve.

1. "Let's wash away the frustrations from the last year and look forward to better days in the New Year!"
2. "Here's to making this the best year EVER!"
3. "This is it, folks — the last night of the year! Whatever wins, losses, or lessons 2024 gave you, leave them on the dance floor tonight."
4. "New Year’s Eve isn’t just about endings — it’s about new beginnings. So let’s step into 2025 with boldness, joy, and maybe a little more volume!"
5. "If you’re holding on to something that’s been weighing you down, tonight’s the night to let it go. Tomorrow is a blank page, and you hold the pen." 

For a few more tips and tricks, check out this video from a few years ago...

Final Thoughts

For entertainers, New Year's Eve is more than just a performance. It's a privilege. We're not just playing music. We're helping people step into a new chapter of their lives. There's a beautiful reciprocity in these moments - our music fuels their celebrations, and their energy, in turn, ignites our passion.

As the countdown begins, it's not just about welcoming a new year. It’s about being part of something larger than ourselves – a global celebration of time, change, and hope.

So, here's to all my fellow musicians and performers out there gearing up for the big night. Let's make it unforgettable. Let's help the world ring in the new year with joy and hope. Happy New Year, everyone!

Danny