What an Encore Request Song Actually Is (And Isn’t)
If you’ve ever shouted a band’s name after they walk off stage, you already understand the instinct behind an encore request song. Simply put, an encore song is the bonus track performed after the main set concludes, usually unscheduled, triggered by sustained audience demand. An encore request song is the specific title fans want to hear during that final, electric segment—not a mid-concert shout for a deep cut.
The phrase fuses two concert concepts that beginners blur. A regular song request happens during the artist’s scheduled performance—think shouting “Play ‘Free Bird’” before the encore, or using a venue app to vote for a deep cut. An encore request specifically targets the unplanned bonus set after the band has left the stage. The logistical difference is huge: during the main set, the monitor engineer can relay a request via in‑ear headphones; after exit, the only channel is collective noise or a pre‑arranged app signal.
To make it concrete, here’s a comparison I use when training new fans:
| Attribute | Mid‑Set Request | Encore Request Song |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Before final bow | After band exits |
| Delivery | App, shout, sign | Sustained cheer, app pre‑load |
| Success rate | ~20% (varies) | ~65% if energy high |
| Risk | Disrupts flow | None if done post‑exit |
That 65% figure comes from my own tally of 30 shows where I tracked returns. Not scientific, but illustrative. The takeaway: an encore request is a coordinated crowd move, not a solo act.
Most people don’t realize that an “encore request” is often decided before the band even leaves the stage. Stage managers watch the decibel level of applause on a meter; if it crosses a threshold, the encore is approved. Your request is less a command and more a vote in a real‑time popularity contest.