The big debate: tribute bands - yay or nay!?

[Anthony Amodeo]

Originally Posted by Midnite Zephyr

You know, it wasn't until this post that I've seriously considered wanting to see a Weird Al concert. I've always enjoyed the songs you guys do. But now I'm convinced. I've got to see a Weird Al show sometime soon. I think it would be fun. Even if I have to stand alone way in the back.

Al's shows are seriously entertaining

honestly it's kind of like going to 20 concerts in the same night

they go all out

and of course Jon holds it down like a friggin anchor

[Odd-Arne Oseberg]

Tribute bands are cool if they know how to play.

The Queen thing is a little weird, just because well, the rest of the band sounds as good as ever, but it's hard to not compare any singer not on a tribute concert to Freddie. He was an amazing entertainer, with an amazing presence and voice. Paul's not even close.

[Lunar Satellite Brian]

I think I would have to say nay to a tribute concert, tribute bands playing in bars and such makes sense.

[SticksEasy]

I don't see Tribute bands - I think it's a waste of talent. I fully understand bands playing cover songs, but not just by one artist.

I could must better see a well-known band doing a tribute album to their biggest influence by doing an album full of that band's songs. Kinda' like the Bob Dylan tribute that came a while back, only not different bands.

I always feel tacky when a band I'm with plays more than one song by the same artist in the same night. My current band 'The Best of Us' plays the song "Boxcar" by Jawbreaker a lot.
One night at a show, another band played a Jawbreaker song - it wasn't Boxcar. But we all wanted to find a different song. We ended up going with Rise Against's version of Nervous Breakdown which we hadn't played in a while.

Most of our songs are original, but 6 songs doesn't take a lot of time, and at the time we weren't able to write new music. These days we almost never do covers because we've written more of our own stuff.

[bermuda]

Originally Posted by SticksEasy

I don't see Tribute bands - I think it's a waste of talent. I fully understand bands playing cover songs, but not just by one artist.

It really dsepends on the artist. Suppose the artist/band has a tremendous body of work, enough to fill a 90-min show, and the musicians love playing the music, and the audience will pay to see it... what's the waste in that? Granted, it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I don't view it as a waste. When I play one or more songs by a well-known artist, it's fun for me. I get to "be" that drummer for a little while. It's not a fantasy, it's just fun. Who doesn't like playing music that they like?

Well, perhaps it's easy to have the perspective I do because I not only play in several original projects, but with Al, I get to be a LOT of drummers every night. But I would still consider a tribute project, and in fact, was involved with a Neil Diamond tribute that I thought had potential. It was fun to play songs I love, the way drummers I love played them. Not a waste at all.

Bermuda

[drumb]

I'm gonna have to say NAY on this one.

More power to those who do enjoy tributes and even more power to those who play in tributes and enjoy what they're doing...but it's not for me.

Certainly there are exceptions, but it seems to me that many tribute bands aspire to play note for note, let alone while trying to convey the look and additude of the band they're tributing.

As I'm not a note for note kind of player (nor listener for that matter) I want to see and hear what a band and musicians can bring to a piece of music. I want to see and hear individuality, uniqueness and originality...antithisies to tributes.

Many, if not most, bands don't even play their own recordings note for note; instead, improvising leads, rearranging pieces to fit the circumstances and the like. Unless a musician can conjour the soul of another musician...the spark that give live music a life of its own ain't gonna happen.

Though, Larryace, you bring up an interesting point about playing in an Allman Brothers tribute band. Because of the nature of their music, it does allow for varied arrangments and individual expression. Though I might be inclined to play two hours of "Dreams" and "Elizabeth Reed" and call it a day.

I recall seeing a VERY pro Beatles tribute that was touring the U.S. after a successful run on Broadway. It was interesting but boring as it lacked that spark of live music. It was more about the show than the music as the performers (more so than they were musicians) changed costumes to emulate the different years of the Beatles and played the music as if playing the records...they even bobbed their heads and shook their "mop tops". It was silly and uninspiring.

[tamadrm]

Originally Posted by drumb

I'm gonna have to say NAY on this one.

More power to those who do enjoy tributes and even more power to those who play in tributes and enjoy what they're doing...but it's not for me.

Certainly there are exceptions, but it seems to me that many tribute bands aspire to play note for note, let alone while trying to convey the look and additude of the band they're tributing.

As I'm not a note for note kind of player (nor listener for that matter) I want to see and hear what a band and musicians can bring to a piece of music. I want to see and hear individuality, uniqueness and originality...antithisies to tributes.

Many, if not most, bands don't even play their own recordings note for note; instead, improvising leads, rearranging pieces to fit the circumstances and the like. Unless a I have to dissagreemusician can conjour the soul of another musician...the spark that give live music a life of its own ain't gonna happen.

Though, Larryace, you bring up an interesting point about playing in an Allman Brothers tribute band. Because of the nature of their music, it does allow for varied arrangments and individual expression. Though I might be inclined to play two hours of "Dreams" and "Elizabeth Reed" and call it a day.

I recall seeing a VERY pro Beatles tribute that was touring the U.S. after a successful run on Broadway. It was interesting but boring as it lacked that spark of live music. It was more about the show than the music as the performers (more so than they were musicians) changed costumes to emulate the different years of the Beatles and played the music as if playing the records...they even bobbed their heads and shook their "mop tops". It was silly and uninspiring.

I have to disagree about your assessment of The Allman Brothers music,and how it dosen't allow for varied arrangements.

For a number of years now,the Brothers play the Beacon Theater in NYC,every year for a week long engagement.I make it a mission to see them whenever possible.Not counting the other times I have seen them(yes I was at the famous 71 Fillmore East album show)at least a dozen times.I can honestly say that everytime I have seen then,the arangements,and solos,as well as the musicians,have varied in every single show.In fact,the Brothers are known for this,which is why new as well as old fans keep coming to see them,at their seemingly always sold out shows.

If your ever in town around around March,go see the show.It dosen't sound like your daddys Allman Brothers show used to.:)

Steve B

[New Tricks]

Originally Posted by SticksEasy

I always feel tacky when a band I'm with plays more than one song by the same artist in the same night. .

That reminded me.....30 years ago, we played a whole set of The Cars because it was really easy and we were really lazy..

[drumb]

Originally Posted by tamadrm

I have to disagree about your assessment of The Allman Brothers music,and how it dosen't allow for varied arrangements.

Steve, you may want to take a closer look at what I wrote.

Originally Posted by drumb

Though, Larryace, you bring up an interesting point about playing in an Allman Brothers tribute band. Because of the nature of their music, it does allow for varied arrangments and individual expression.

[Bretton]

I'm a nay on this one. I'm a "one or two covers in a set of originals" kind of guy

[tamadrm]

Originally Posted by drumb

Steve, you may want to take a closer look at what I wrote.

Thats what I get for posting with 3 hours of sleep.Forgive me while I try to get the taste of foot out of my mouth.:(

Steve B

[con struct]

Originally Posted by plangentmusic

The thing with the Fab Faux is, nobody sounds like Lennon or McCartney.

With top-shelf players like these, though, close is close enough.

[DrumEatDrum]

I used to think Tribute bands were a silly concept.

I don't go out of my way to see tribute bands, but I have seen some here and there.

But over time, I've come to realize it is just so difficult to make any money in the music business, so if someone can make a few bucks as a tribute band, more power to 'em.

Sure, some are better than others, some are very entertaining, some are poorly done, but that can be said about any category of band, original or cover. The issue in Los Angeles is there are SO many tribute bands with established followings, that new bands can't really pick good bands to pay tribute too, and sometimes you see an ad for a "tribute too" a band that only has a handful of albums or isn't that classic. And that's a bit odd.

I did see one tribute band recently selling their merchandise, and I did think that was a bit tacky. Why would I pay $20 for a tribute bands t-shirt when I could just get the actual bands t-shirt? And, while I get the original act doesn't have to get a cut of the tribute band's performance pay (because in theory the song writers get ASCAP/BMI royalties from the club or venue), it seems like if you're going to sell a t-shirt or whatever, that does cross into "ripping off the original artists."

I can't say I have much desire to join a tribute band, although if a tribute to a few certain artists fell into my lap, I might jump at it. But as I said, most of the good bands already have established tribute acts to them in my area.

[con struct]

The only tribute band I've ever seen was on PBS during one of their donation telethons. The band was the Fab Four, and they were quite good. It was obvious that they were skilled professional musicians, and the show they put on was nothing but fun. The early Beatles stuff just rocked; it was interesting hearing those songs played live by a good band. It was rock 'n roll. That was my favorite part, the Beatles as we first heard them, just two guitars, bass, and drums.

They did the costumes and wigs to reflect the changes the Beatles went through. Everything was played as close to the records as it's possible to get, strings, horns, exotic sound effects, they did it all. And they were playing to a packed theatre where everyone was having a good time. That's entertainment!

And that's the point, isn't it? Entertainment, putting on a great show. All of us are in show business, to a greater or lesser extent, and as professionals I think it behooves us to give credit to these musicians who are making a living as both good players and as good entertainers. I say, good for them!

So I must admit that I really enjoyed it. Would I myself do it? Eh....well, if I had other options to consider I'd have to say no. Would I want to see the Fab Four's show again? That would be a no.

[DelcoBaseballStar]

I don't like them at all. Just like I hate singers who try to sing the original works of someone else. To me, the original version will always be the version!

[Milt Hathaway]

Originally Posted by con struct

And that's the point, isn't it? Entertainment, putting on a great show. All of us are in show business, to a greater or lesser extent, and as professionals I think it behooves us to give credit to these musicians who are making a living as both good players and as good entertainers. I say, good for them!

Exactly! Playing live is Show Business whether we like it or not. With very few exceptions the most memorable musical acts are well-rounded entertainers, not just musicians.

[Dutch]

I read somewhere that Peter Gabriel once took his kids to see Musical Box and told them "that's what daddy used to do". The boys in MB must have thought that pretty cool.
Dutch

[con struct]

Originally Posted by DelcoBaseballStar

I don't like them at all. Just like I hate singers who try to sing the original works of someone else. To me, the original version will always be the version!

I would advise against dismissing out-of-hand that sort of thing like you're doing. Part of being professional is to be able to objectively recognize skill and professionalism when you see it, no matter what genre or how it's presented.

[Milt Hathaway]

Originally Posted by con struct

With top-shelf players like these, though, close is close enough.

While I'm a fan of live performances of good tribute bands, I'm not as much of a fan of carbon copy studio recordings of existing popular recordings, no matter how much effort is exerted.

Maybe that's my community theatre background showing through.

[Mad About Drums]

Originally Posted by con struct

With top-shelf players like these, though, close is close enough.

Jay, I have to say, I'm hugely impressed, that was more than close enough, these guys are amazing, I really enjoyed this video :)

[con struct]

Originally Posted by Mad About Drums

Jay, I have to say, I'm hugely impressed, that was more than close enough, these guys are amazing, I really enjoyed this video :)

I love it too. I love watching and hearing top-notch musicians play music.

Bonus question: which song didn't they play?

[Anon La Ply]

Originally Posted by con struct

With top-shelf players like these, though, close is close enough.

Saw the Fab Faux clip posted here a while ago - I soon forget that they're a tribute and enjoy the music. They sometimes sound like 10CC - also great musos copping the FF.

Visually ... the chunky vocalist in track #1 ... great singer but the facial closeups ... the jiggling glistening tongue ... for goodness sake put that thing away man!

At the end how the drummer counted out the length of the final note - attention to detail.

[con struct]

Originally Posted by Anon La Ply

Saw the Fab Faux clip posted here a while ago - I soon forget that they're a tribute and enjoy the music. They sometimes sound like 10CC - also great musos copping the FF.

Visually ... the chunky vocalist in track #1 ... great singer but the facial closeups ... the jiggling glistening tongue ... for goodness sake put that thing away man!

At the end how the drummer counted out the length of the final note - attention to detail.

Those guys weren't reading, anyway I didn't see any charts except for the horns and strings. Pretty impressive.

[Spreggy]

I saw a great tribute band the other night at the Eastman Theater, and it cost me $75 a ticket! It was this guy named Zappa playing songs by some other guy named Zappa. Very strange coincidence, having the same names like that. The band sure could play though.

[bigiainw]

Originally Posted by Dutch

I read somewhere that Peter Gabriel once took his kids to see Musical Box and told them "that's what daddy used to do". The boys in MB must have thought that pretty cool.
Dutch

I saw MB a couple of months ago in Glasgow. It was as close to being at a 1975 Genesis show as it could have been- I was only 9 then- the audience even smelled like old hippies, which most of them were. The musicianship was great, pretty much note for note and the singer even had Petert Gabriel's voice down for the inter song banter. If only they could teach their drummer to play that authentic '70's Premier kit left handed....

[Anon La Ply]

Another thought: tribute bands are going to be huge. Say you want to see KISS. First, you'll wait for them to tour in your area. You finally get a park amongst the hordes. Pay silly prices for food / drink / paraphernalia.

But that's okay - you're there for the experience, right? The "experience" is often sitting in cramped seats watching animated specks on stage from 100 metres away and relying on screens for any detail ... and in cavernous stadiums with horrible acoustics. At intermission, from my side of the fence at intermission you stand in a 15 minute queue for a comfort stop. All this at a hefty price.

With tribute bands punters get part of the experience in a more comfortable, intimate setting, often in better sounding rooms (the Sydney Entertainment Centre's acoustics are easily bettered) at a fraction of the cost ... the loo queues in this places are more like 5 mins ...

I can see how young people might start opting for the cover bands ...

[JRannefeld]

One of the bands I play in is a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band. We don't really try to look like the band, but we make an attempt to replicate the music as best we can, which is no easy task. I love Petty's music and I love Stan and Steve's drumming, so it's a lot of fun for me. It has made me a better drummer, for sure. It's cool to have 40 years of great songs to choose from, including Traveling Wilbury's and Mudcrutch catalog.

My other two bands are all original and don't pay nearly as well. I'm 47 years old with a wife, kids and day job. I'm just happy to be playing out at all..

[Vegas Island]

Here's a video I shot of Led Zepagain. An awesome tribute band!

http://youtu.be/S4WHziz_wFI

[Midnite Zephyr]

Originally Posted by DrumEatDrum

I used to think Tribute bands were a silly concept.

I don't go out of my way to see tribute bands, but I have seen some here and there.

But over time, I've come to realize it is just so difficult to make any money in the music business, so if someone can make a few bucks as a tribute band, more power to 'em.

Sure, some are better than others, some are very entertaining, some are poorly done, but that can be said about any category of band, original or cover. The issue in Los Angeles is there are SO many tribute bands with established followings, that new bands can't really pick good bands to pay tribute too, and sometimes you see an ad for a "tribute too" a band that only has a handful of albums or isn't that classic. And that's a bit odd.

I did see one tribute band recently selling their merchandise, and I did think that was a bit tacky. Why would I pay $20 for a tribute bands t-shirt when I could just get the actual bands t-shirt? And, while I get the original act doesn't have to get a cut of the tribute band's performance pay (because in theory the song writers get ASCAP/BMI royalties from the club or venue), it seems like if you're going to sell a t-shirt or whatever, that does cross into "ripping off the original artists."

I can't say I have much desire to join a tribute band, although if a tribute to a few certain artists fell into my lap, I might jump at it. But as I said, most of the good bands already have established tribute acts to them in my area.

There are a few tribute bands around here I heard a lot about and really want to see. Cubensis (Gratefule Dead) is one of them, and so is Wild Child (Doors). I'd like to see Led Zepagain too..

[marcelobatera]

Here in Brazil this discussion has been done a long time, in my opinion the tribute bands or covers are a big problem for our country no longer has a large structure or rock culture and the people who do not have much knowledge or curiosity goes to tribute or cover concerts that are already well known, so the producers always organize such events disregarding the bands with their own songs. Nobody wants to leave home to meet new bands and it is killing the creativity of the bands and make room for a new type of rock or new bands arise. I have my band and do our own music with no intention of playing cover or tribute.

[Bart Elliott]

I recently interviewed two drummers that play in an Allman Brothers tribute band here in Nashville. The group is called The Midnight Riders.

http://www.drummercafe.com/music-ind...hville-tn.html

It's interesting to hear their perspective of the music, how they approach it, and the fact that The Allman Brothers Band loves what they do.

[Vegas Island]

Get the LED out!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3i5w...AdI4D57TKicPcw

[bigiainw]

Originally Posted by Dutch

I read somewhere that Peter Gabriel once took his kids to see Musical Box and told them "that's what daddy used to do". The boys in MB must have thought that pretty cool.
Dutch

I've seen the Musical Box, specifically because I wanted to see The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway live and I was only 9 when it originally toured. It was a stunning show, played flawlessly (the guitarist has Steve Hackett's sound to a t), much more so than on the original tour by the band's own admission, with the original backdrops etc. Tribute acts certainly have their place as far as I'm concerned. I could never play in one though, my playing is just too "me" to be anyone else, both good and bad!

Oops, didn't realise I replied to this before!

[SkaaDee]

I like the idea.
You know what to expect when you go to see the act and it can be interesting to see how closely the musicians play and sound like the originals. If it were just a band playing covers, it's impractical for the drummer to sound like the various drummers since the type of drums and tuning could be radically different for each song.

(and I wouldn't be forced to listen to Mustang Sally once again)

[Skulmoski]

Generally, I don't like tribute bands. The only tribute band that I truly liked was The Grandmothers (from the Mothers of Invention with Frank Zappa). Amazing performance at the Winnipeg Folk Festival a few years ago. Napoleon Murphy Brock belted out the tunes.

GJS

[Deathmetalconga]

Originally Posted by Dr_Watso

As long as they're all midgets, I love tribute bands.

HAHA!

I guess they're ok, in a kind lowbrow-nostalgia-vanilla-pudding-comfort food kind of way. They get some applause but little respect.

There is a Black Sabbath tribute band called Pissed At Ringo and I like them for obvious reasons.

[tamadrm]

Love me some Fab Faux.Try playing Penny Lane,or A Day In The LIfe,I am The Walrus or some of the later Beatles orchestrated stuff LIVE,Using horns and strings...LIVE and call it lowbrow.Do that and replicate or enhance the original recordings,and not overplay it.Lowbrow?Thats a joke surely.

The Fab Faux are one band that gets plenty of respect,as do lots of tribute bands who have a large fan base.There are also lots of musicians who realize the difficulty of playing a lot of this material LIVE,and without tapes.

Steve B

[larryace]

Beat me to it Steve. I think tribute bands have to be phenomenal, or they are a joke. When they are phenomenal, like the Fab Faux, then I cannot say enough great things about them. I would absolutely spend money on a Fab Faux ticket again.

But bad tribute bands.....I guess I place them lower than the rest of the bad bands. Not sure why, maybe because they seem like fanboys, which always turned me off.

[Souljacker]

I like the idea of a tribute band doing a really good job at imitating past artists who are not around.

However I have a problem with some (some more than others) bands who do tributes of current acts. For example, theres a Kings of Leon tribute band around my area, really good as far as I can see but I mean KOL are a young band still going strong and have only been around 8 years or so. Seems a bit pointless.

The most pathetic thing I ever saw though was when I noticed my college were putting on a David Guetta tribute. I'm sure a few of you know he's a famous DJ/producer etc.

So some random guy pretending to be a DJ playing records, a guy impersonating another DJ, just ridiculous!

They also put on a Christy Moore tribute act (Irish singer-songwriter), I think that concept is lame too, someone pretending to be a personality, when half the point of a singer songwriter is the fact that they write the songs themselves and convey what it means to them personally.

[Midnite Zephyr]

I just saw Led Zepagain last friday at a local theater. Not only were they awesome, but the drummer really did a great job. Totally worth the 15 bucks I paid for the ticket. I can imagine if it was a bad act then it would be a joke. Those bands sure do get a lot of work.