The Art of Song Requests

You've got a song stuck in your head and you NEED to hear it. Here's how to maximize your chances of getting it played at a dueling piano bar.

Rule #1: Bring Cash

This is non-negotiable. Dueling piano bars run on tips, and song requests without tips rarely (if ever) get played. Most venues don't have a minimum, but understand that the pianists are sorting through dozens of requests and tips help yours rise to the top.

A general guideline:

• $5-10: Your song will likely get played eventually
• $20: Good chance it gets played soon
• $50+: You'll probably hear it within a few songs
• $100+: Expect a dedication and probably some extra attention

Be Specific (But Not Too Specific)

Write down the song title AND the artist. "Piano Man" is obvious, but "that one song from the 80s with the keyboard" is not going to help anyone.

That said, don't request a deep cut from an obscure artist unless you're prepared to tip heavily. The performers know thousands of songs, but they can't know everything. Stick to songs that have been popular at some point.

Timing Matters

Get your requests in early in the night before the pianists have a huge stack to work through. Also consider the flow of the show - if everyone's jumping around to upbeat songs, your slow ballad request might get saved for later.

Group Requests Get Priority

If your whole table chips in for a request, let the pianists know. "This is from all of us at Table 5" signals a bigger tip and more enthusiastic participation when the song plays.

The "Kill" System

Here's where it gets interesting. At most dueling piano bars, if you REALLY don't want to hear a song that was requested, you can "kill" it with a bigger tip. This keeps the energy up and adds to the competitive atmosphere.

Use this power wisely. Killing birthday songs or wedding requests is bad form.

Songs That Almost Always Work

Some songs are crowd-pleasers that performers love to play because they get everyone involved:

• "Sweet Caroline" (everyone knows the "BUM BUM BUM")
• "Livin' on a Prayer" (the key change gets everyone screaming)
• "Don't Stop Believin'" (the ultimate singalong)
• "Mr. Brightside" (especially for the younger crowd)
• "Country Roads" (works in any city, surprisingly)
• "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan (the new crowd favorite)

Songs That Are Harder to Get Played

Some requests are tough for various reasons:

• Super long songs: "Free Bird" and "Stairway to Heaven" take up valuable time
• Extremely new songs: Performers need time to learn current hits
• Songs without piano: Heavy metal doesn't translate well
• Explicit songs: Most venues keep it somewhat family-friendly early in the night

Be a Good Sport

If your song doesn't get played, don't take it personally. The performers are juggling dozens of requests while reading the room's energy. And if they do play your song? Stand up, sing along, and make it worth their while!