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[2025] Recommended for after-parties, entertainment, and performances! Classic hits by Western rock bands

When it’s decided that you’ll perform as a band for an after-party or other event, the hardest part is picking the songs, right?

It depends on the theme of the occasion and the age range of the audience, but for those who want to nail it with cool songs by Western rock bands, we’ve put together a list of classic tracks that are guaranteed to get the crowd going!

If it’s an after-party full of Western music fans, you might be able to get away with more niche selections, but this time we’re focusing on songs that are widely known from commercials and the like, as well as upbeat tracks that will hype the crowd even if they don’t know the song.

If you’re stuck at the song selection stage before you’ve even started practicing, definitely check this out!

[2025] Recommended for after-parties, entertainment, and performances! Classic songs by Western rock bands (1–10)

LosTBring Me The Horizon

Bring Me The Horizon – LosT (Official Video)
LosTBring Me The Horizon

A track with a powerful message that feels like releasing suppressed emotions.

Its bright, upbeat sound, influenced by emo and pop-punk, is striking.

Released in May 2023, the song signals a new musical challenge for the band.

It has performed well on charts worldwide and was featured on the soundtrack for the video game NHL 24.

The lyrics, which confront feelings of loneliness and self-doubt, are sure to resonate.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a band performance at an after-party or entertainment segment.

Master Of PuppetsMetallica

Beginning with an odd-time riff, moving into a lyrical midsection, and then cascading into a ferocious guitar solo, the structure is truly masterful.

Despite running over eight and a half minutes, it never becomes dull—an all-time classic among classics.

It’s the title track from the album Master of Puppets, released in March 1986, and is known as one of Metallica’s signature works.

The lyrics, depicting the horror of drug addiction, are also striking.

It’s a song every guitar-loving metal kid dreams of playing, and it has had a profound influence on countless bands.

A staple in their live shows, it’s guaranteed to send the crowd into a frenzy.

Basket CaseGreen Day

Green Day – Basket Case [Official Music Video] (4K Upgrade)
Basket CaseGreen Day

Marked by ska-tinged vibes and a melodic hook, this song is known as one of Green Day’s signature works.

Featured on the album Dookie, released in November 1994, it became a massive hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Frontman Billie Joe Armstrong’s lyrics, which chronicle his struggle with an anxiety disorder, resonated widely as a symbol of ’90s youth culture and inner turmoil.

The music video was shot in an actual psychiatric hospital and drew major attention, earning nine nominations at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.

This track is perfect for band performances at after-parties or special events.

Its simple yet catchy melody is sure to bring the entire venue together.

[2025] Recommended for after-parties, entertainment, and performances! Classic hits by Western rock bands (11–20)

Every Breath You TakeThe Police

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)
Every Breath You TakeThe Police

It has a beautiful melody.

It’s a timeless classic that everyone has heard.

It’s the perfect music to play when you want a clean, graceful ending.

It’s sure to be well received by your boss and older listeners, so give it a try.

Are You ReadyAC/DC

AC/DC – Are You Ready (Official HD Video)
Are You ReadyAC/DC

A track that explodes with classic hard rock sound! Its powerful performance evokes the spirit of AC/DC, and the energetic vocals leave a strong impression.

Featured on the album The Razors Edge, released in September 1990, it charted in multiple countries including the UK and the US, and even earned Gold certification in New Zealand.

The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy of living and a spirit of adventure.

Play it at an after-party or as entertainment, and it’s sure to electrify the atmosphere.

It’s a captivating tune that will make even those who don’t usually listen to rock want to move their bodies—rock fans and newcomers alike will be hooked.

Song 2Blur

Blur – Song 2 (Official Music Video)
Song 2Blur

A signature song by Blur, known for its short, punchy intro and simple lyrics.

Released in April 1997, it reached No.

2 on the UK Singles Chart.

It was also a major hit in the U.

S.

, peaking at No.

6 on Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart.

The fact that it was originally created as a joke is an interesting backstory.

The music video also drew attention and was nominated at the MTV Video Music Awards.

It’s a perfect track to get the crowd going at parties or events.

The guitar parts aren’t too difficult, so it’s a fun song everyone can practice and enjoy together.

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)
Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana

It’s a quintessential 90s classic, distinguished by a simple yet catchy guitar riff driven by power chords.

The raw sound that bursts in from the intro grabs listeners instantly, and the song’s masterful structure weaves together quiet and loud passages to great effect.

Kurt Cobain’s almost scream-like vocals brilliantly capture the rebellious spirit of youth.

Released in September 1991, this track became a symbol of the grunge movement and had a tremendous impact on the music scene.

Perform it as entertainment at an after-party or event, and it’s sure to ignite a cross-generational crowd into a unified frenzy.