If a client wants a track played eg, first dance at a wedding and you don't have it in your collection, what do you do?

I personally try to find the track the honest way, by searching for the cd online, with no extra cost to the client. If I still can't find it, I have to see if they have a copy or I'd be forced to change it with the clients consent.

Just interested to see what you would do in this position!!

If I am given plenty of notice that they want it I will go out and buy the CD however if I don't receive enough notice (which has only happened twice so far) I will download the track for that night but buy the CD for future gigs.

yeah Im the same if it is a really unusual one or really old track I would download it .....

Correct me if iam wrong which i might well be.

But iam sure there was a law that says you could have it foe 24 hours and then it becomes illigal.
This consernse programs of some nature not sure about music.

I usually explore as many avenues as possible:

If it is a track that has been a hit and I haven't got it, then I'll try to get hold of it through the 2nd hand shops etc..., on the premise that it may get asked for again and I'll make sure I use it again, especially as it is generally a ballad for the wedding first dance.

I'll ask the other dj's in the village I live in if the've got it.

I'll ask as many of my work colleagues it they have got it and borrow it for the evening

If it is purely an album track, I'll just ask whoever's function it is to bring it along. They are pretty understanding that you can't have everything.

Party pooping folks.

The law is grey in some areas. When it is, revert to the law.
Music copyright law staits copying is illegal.
P2P sharing is considered illegal for it allows the sharing of copied music. There is no 24, 6 or 1 hour use. Be careful folks.
However, a lot of DJ's will continue to share P2P - and know the risks.
You live by the sword.

Apart from that, why not state at time of booking with client that you will accept music from the client on the night. If they have it - play it.
Clients are usually happy to bring along a couple of CD's. Check the quality of the disc before play - if scratched to hell, point it out first!!!

If it is unusual and I have'nt got it, then I will download it. If that fails be honest and ask them to bring it with them.

I always ask my client if I can borrow their copy (surely if it is their "special" song and it means so much to them, then surely they MUST have a copy) - on the odd occasion that they dont actually have it (how special is it!) then I go and get it from a brilliant site in america - CD now - its got everything!!! - tell the client that you need a minimum of eight weeks so you can guarantee delivery though