General Music Chat

Right now in Detroit (and elsewhere I presume) many musicians are in or are forming tribute bands. There are Pink Floyd, U2, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Stones and ZZTop tribute bands. Many of the original bands are still in existence and actively playing. Is this a response to what clubs want, what customers want or what the musicians want? I can understand Elvis or Jimi Hendrix tributes, those artists are gone and people still want to feel the energy of their music. But a Stone Temple Pilots tribute? A Godsmack tribute? I don't get it.

I havent been out in the local club scene as much as I was a couple of years ago. At that time there were many of these bands floating around. I tlaked to a couple of promoters and people in these bands and they were getting 3 to 4 times the going rate for cover bands at the time. I dont understand that. I guess if its a KISS tribute band with the fire and blood and all the pyrotechnics its maybe worth a little more, but STP come on. I love thier music but I wouldnt pay to go see them in concert much less a cover band.

I also don't understand the tribute band concept. But if the band members enjoy what they are doing and there's good money to be made you can't blame them. We have one of the best Beatle's tribute band in the Kansas City area, Liverpool. I also was recruited to be in a ZZ Top tribute band. I would of had to wear a big fake beard and dress like them. THey make lots of $$ and play all over the region apparently. One of the weirdest tribute bands is a Blues Brothers copy band. They pattern their band just like the original Blues Brothers movie. So essentially they are a tribute band of a COVER BAND. Now THAT IS WEIRD...

Yes I've heard the money is pretty good for a lot of tribute bands. We have several Floyd tribute bands and I heard they do well. I was at the casino Saturday and they had a band that did a lot of Temptations, Jackson 5 and other Motown greats. Not exactly a tribute band but they wowed the audience and probably made $1500 for the night.

I agree with Jim. Why bother? Most that I have seen have been a disappointment. I would rather listen to the original at home on my really great stereo system.