Tribute band
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A tribute band (sometimes tribute group) is a musical group created in order to specifically play the music of a well-known band, often one which has disbanded or ceased touring, for example Purple Rainbow plays Deep Purple and Rainbow. A tribute band rarely includes any members of the original band whose music is being honoured.
The typical tribute band differs from a cover band that simply plays songs by other artists by striving to capture every nuance of the imitated artist's actions and appearance for a perfect imitation. Some tribute bands imitate the appearance but re-interpret the original works in a particular genre or for comic effect. For example Dread Zeppelin plays Led Zeppelin songs in a reggae style with a lead singer who looks like Elvis Presley, while Gabba perform the songs of ABBA in the style of The Ramones.
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[edit] History
The first tribute bands to emerge may have been Beatles tribute bands, who attempt to look and sound like The Beatles while playing their songs. However, one might argue that Elvis impersonators qualify as well.
Although initially created to honour the original bands, many tribute bands have grown to have their own fan base. Tribute band names are often a pun on the original name or the names of band members, or are derived from a famous track or record album released by the original band.
Those bands and artists that have inspired a cult following in their fans tend to have a significant tribute band presence as well, such as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, KISS, Madonna, The Grateful Dead, Van Halen, ABBA, The Rolling Stones, and Neil Diamond. At the 2003 Edinburgh Fringe Festival the Japanese Beatles appeared, accompanied on a few songs by someone billed as the Japanese Eric Clapton. It made for an incongruous sight, since the former wore the familiar Beatle suits while their guest dressed in contemporary clothes.
One of the best-known members of a tribute band is Tim "Ripper" Owens, who went from singing in a Judas Priest tribute band to becoming the group's actual lead singer in 1996. This story was used as the basis for the 2001 movie Rock Star starring Mark Wahlberg, although neither Owens nor Judas Priest assisted in the film's production. Owens recorded two studio albums and a live album with Judas Priest before leaving in 2003 to make way for the band's reunion with former frontman Rob Halford. Owens would later become the singer for the band Iced Earth.
In 1998 two men who where in a Blues Brothers tribute band changed their names official by Deed Poll to Joliet Jake Blues and Elwood Jake Blues. Each men played the character they changed there names to in there tribute show. They also are the only men in the UK to have there sunglasses on there passports and driving licences
In 2000, filmmakers Jeff Economy and Darren Hacker produced a documentary film ...An Incredible Simulation that examined the tribute band phenomenon. Produced separately and independently in 2001 was the documentary Tribute by directors Kris Curry and Rich Fox which also covered the movement.
An exception to the impersonation style are The Muffin Men, who play the music of Frank Zappa in their own style, do not look like, or attempt to look like original members, and often tour with former band members. Jimmy Carl Black is a regular in the band, and they have in the past played, recorded and toured with Ike Willis, Bunk Gardner, and Don Preston.
In 2002, the first biography of a tribute band was published by SAF in London. Entitled "Being John Lennon", the book is a humorous account of life on the road in The Beatles' tribute "Sgt. Pepper's Only Dart Board Band", written by the group's founder- Martin Dimery.
In 2005, tribute band Beatallica received attention when they were threatened with a lawsuit over their unique interpretation of Beatles songs done in a Metallica style. They won their legal battle, and still record and tour today.
[edit] List of well-known tribute bands
Some well-known tribute bands include (alphabetically by covered band, and alphabetically for each):
Playing music by ABBA [external list]:
- Abbalanche [1]
- Babba [2]
- Björn Again
- Gabba (performing songs of Abba in the style of The Ramones)
- Lightning and Thunder [3] (duo performing tributes to ABBA and Neil Diamond)
- Voulez-Vous [4]
Playing music by AC/DC:
- 100% Angus (A Tribute To AC/DC) [5]
- AC/DShe [6] (all-female tribute group)
- Back In Black [7]
- BC/DC [8]
- Bonfire [9]
- Hayseed Dixie (country tribute band)
- Hell's Belles [10] (all-female tribute group)
- Live Wire
- Problem Child [11]
- Riff Raff [12]
- Whole Lotta Rosies [13]
Playing music by Adam and the Ants:
- Ants Invasion [14]
Playing music by Aerosmith:
- Draw The Line [15] (officially endorsed)
- The Keep On Rockin' Tour [16] (tribute to Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard each night)
- Rock This Way [17] (opening for a football game: 16,000 people)
Playing music by Alice Cooper:
- Alike Cooper
Playing music by the Barenaked Ladies:
- Fully Clothed Gents [18] (Western New York based)
Playing music by The Beach Boys:
Playing music by The Beatles:
- 1964 The Tribute [21]
- Abbey Rode [22]
- American English [23]
- Beatallica (combining Beatles and Metallica songs)
- The Beatlads [24] (Based in Birmingham, Alabama)
- Beatlemania
- Beatles Revival Band [25]
- The Beats [26]
- Beat the Meatles (Danish tribute band)
- The Bootleg Beatles
- Britishmania! [27]
- The Cast of Beatlemania (former members of the Beatlemania musical)
- The Cavern Beatles [28]
- The Classic Beatles [29]
- The Counterfeit Beatles [30]
- The Eggmen [31]
- The Fab Faux [32]
- The Fabfour [33]
- Hello Goodbye [34]
- The Mahoney Brothers [35]
- The Mockers [36]
- Ouch! (A tribute to The Rutles) [37]
- The Rabeats [38]
- Rain: The Beatles Experience [39]
- Sgt. Pepper's Only Dart Board Band [http:www.sgtpeppertribute.co.uk]
- The Silver Beatles [40]
- The Sun Kings [41]
- The Return [42] (Atlanta based tribute covering The Beatles material from 1962 – 1966)
- Ultimate Beatles [43] (London-based tribute band)
- Yesterday [44]
Playing music by Bee Gees:
- Australian Bee Gees Show--Stayin' Alive [45]
Playing music by Big Brother and the Holding Company:
- Southern Comfort Blues Band [46] (tribute to Janis Joplin, and Big Brother and the Holding Company)
Playing music by Billy Idol:
- Vital Idol [47]
Playing music by Black Sabbath:
Playing music by Blondie:
- Blondage [51]
- Bootleg Blondie
- Once More Into The Bleach [52]
Playing music by Bob Dylan:
Playing music by Bon Jovi:
- Bon Giovi [55]
- By Jovi
- The Keep On Rockin' Tour [56] (tribute to Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard each night)
- Keep The Faith [57] (performed in front of 50 000 witnesses in a F-1 grand prix)
Playing music by Bruce Springsteen:
Playing music by Cheap Trick:
Playing music by The Clash:
- Take The 5th [61]
Playing music by Coldplay:
- Coolplay [62]
- Square One [63]
Playing music by The Cure:
- Fascination Street [64]
Playing music by Creedence Clearwater Revival:
Playing music by The Darkness:
- The Likeness [67]
Playing music by Dave Matthews Band:
- THESE CROWDED STREETS [68]
Playing music by David Bowie:
- Space Oddity
- Young Americans
Playing music by Def Leppard:
- The Keep On Rockin' Tour [69] (tribute to Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, and Def Leppard each night)
- Pyromania
- Rock This Way [70]
Playing music by Deep Purple:
Playing music by Depeche Mode
Playing music by The Doors:
Playing music by The Eagles:
- Hotel California [76]
playing music by Earth Wind & Fire:
- Ultimate Earth Wind & Fire [77]
Playing music by Eric Clapton:
- Slowhand [78] (based in Ohio, USA)
Playing music by Faith No More:
- The Fake Thing
Playing music by Fleetwood Mac:
- Fleetwood Bac [79]
- Fleetwood To The Max [80]
- Fleetfoot Mike [81]
- Mirage
- Rumours of Fleetwood Mac [82]
Playing music by Front 242:
- Volvo 242
Playing music by Genesis:
Playing music by Godsmack:
- Godslap [85]
Playing music by Grateful Dead:
- Dark Star Orchestra
- Cubensis [86]
Playing music by Green Day:
- Green-ish Day
- Insomniac
- Kerplunk [87]
- Green-ish Day
Playing music by Guns N' Roses:
Playing music by Jimi Hendrix:
Playing music by Judas Priest:
Playing music by Iron Maiden:
- Irn Maiden
- The Iron Maidens [97]
Playing music by The Jam:
- The Gift [98] (featuring Rick Buckler)
- The Jamm [99]
- Sounds of the Jam [100]
Playing music by Janis Joplin:
- Southern Comfort Blues Band [101] (tribute to Janis Joplin, and Big Brother and the Holding Company)
Playing music by KISS:
- Alive!
- Creatures of the Night
- Deuce
- The Kissfits [102] (tribute to Kiss and The Misfits)
- Mini Kiss (a little person band)
- Psycho Circus
- Strutter
Playing music by Led Zeppelin:
- Black Dog [103] (Dutch tribute band)
- Dread Zeppelin [104] (reggae tribute)
- Fred Zeppelin [105]
- Get the Led Out [106]
- In The Light [107] (US tribute)
- Led Zepagain [108] (Los Angeles based international tribute band)
- Led Zep Too [109]
- Led Zepplica [110]
- Letz Zep [111]
- Lez Zeppelin
- Michael White & The White
- Mad Zeppelin [112]
- Stairway to Zeppelin
- Swan Song [113]
- Whole Lotta Led
- Zoso [114]
- Zep Boys
Playing music by Madness:
Playing music by Madonna:
Playing music by Marc Bolan:
- T.Rextasy [116]
Playing music by Marilyn Manson:
- Godamn Superstar [117]
Playing music by Megadeth:
- Hangar 18 [118]
Playing music by Metallica:
- Battery [119] (tribute act of Disaster Area)
- Beatallica (combining Metallica and Beatles songs)
- Creeping Death [120]
- Damage Inc [121]
- Disposable Heroes [122]
- Sad But True [123]
- Trapped Under Ice
Playing music by Michael Jackson:
- Who's Bad? [124]
Playing music by The Misfits:
Playing music by Motörhead:
- Ace of Spades
- Motörheadache
- We're not Motörhead
Playing music by Neil Diamond:
Playing music by New Order:
Playing music by Nirvana:
- Cobain [131]
Playing music by No Doubt:
- No Duh [132]
Playing music by Oasis:
- No Way Sis
Playing music by Paul Weller:
Playing music by Pearl Jam:
- EvenFlow - The Ultimate tribute to Pearl Jam [135]
- Ten - A tribute to Pearl Jam [136]
- Backseat Lover - Boston's Premiere Pearl Jam Tribute Band [137]
Playing music by Peter Gabriel:
- Sledgehammer [138] (UK tribute to Peter Gabriel's solo career)
Playing music by the Pet Shop Boys:
- Pet Shop Noise
- West End Girls
Playing music by Pink Floyd:
Playing music by Poison:
Playing music by The Police:
- Stung [141]
Playing music by Prince:
- Purple Reign [142]
Playing music by Rainbow:
- Purple Rainbow [143]]
Playing music by Queen:
- Almost Queen [144]
- Dios salve a la Reina. (Argentina)
- Ga-Ga
- Gary Mullen & The Works [145] (internationally touring)
- Kween [146] (Japan)
- Magic, "A Kind of Queen" [147] [148]
- Mercury [149]
- Miracle [150] (Dutch Queen cover band)
- Queer [151] (Sweden)
- The Royal Family
- Sheer Heart Attack
- They Will Rock You [152]
Playing music by R.E.M.:
Playing music by The Ramones [external list]:
- Acid Eaters
- Animal Boys
- Cabrones
- 53rd & 3rd
- Gabba (performing songs of Abba in the style of The Ramones)
- Havana A Go Go [155]
- The Ramainz (formerly The Ramains, featured two Ramones members)
- Ramones Mania
- Ramonettes
- Rämouns
- Shock Treatment
- The Osaka Ramones (tribute act of Shonen Knife)
Playing music by The Rolling Stones:
Playing music by Rush:
- YYZ [158]
Playing music by Santana:
- Caravanserai [159]
Playing music by Scorpions:
- In Trance [160] (officially endorsed by Scorpions)
Playing music by the Sex Pistols:
- No Future (www.nofuture4u.com)
- Never Mind the Trossachs
- The Sex Pistols Experience
Playing music by The Shadows [external list]:
- Legend
- Nivram
Playing music by Simple Minds
- Sample Minds [161]
Playing music by [[Sisters of Mercy]
- Sisters of Murphy [162]
Playing music by Skid Row:
- Big Guns [163]
Playing music by Slayer:
- Dead Skin Mask [164]
Playing music by The Smashing Pumpkins:
- The Machines Of God [165]
Playing the music of The Smiths
- The Smiths Indeed [166]
Playing music by The Stereophonics:
- Stereophonies
Playing the music of The Stone Roses
Playing music by Styx:
- What Not To Do To Your Roboto [168]
Playing music by Sublime:
- Badfish
Playing music by Téléphone:
- Mégaphone [169]
Playing music by Texas:
- Textas
Playing music by Thin Lizzy:
- Tin Lizzy
- Limehouse Lizzy
Playing music by The Tragically Hip:
- Practically Hip
- The Strictly Hip (Western New York based)
Playing music by T. Rex:
- T. Rex (A Celebration of Marc and Mickey) (formerly Mickey Finn's T. Rex)
- T-Rextasy [170]
Playing music by The Who:
Playing music by Thin Lizzy:
Playing music by Tony Banks:
- Strictly Banks [176]
Playing music by U2 [external list]:
- 2U [177]
- Achtung Baby [178] (Australian-based tribute show)
- Achtung Babies [179]
- Elevation [180] (Toronto-based international tribute show)
- NEU2 [181]
- NU2 [182]
- October [183] (Toronto-based international tribute show)
- Rattle And Hum (Irish based tribute band)
- Unforgettable Fire [184] (New York based tribute show)
- UV [185] (Florida-based international tribute show)
- Vertigo USA [186] (Chicago-based international tribute show)
Playing music by Uriah Heep:
- FireFly
Playing music by XTC:
Playing music by Yes:
- Fragile (who have played sets with Steve Howe) [191]
- Roundabout
- Yessongs - Brazil
Playing music by Frank Zappa:
- The Muffin Men
- The Zappatistas [192]
Playing music by ZZ Top:
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- ...An Incredible Simulation - Tribute band documentary website
- ... Tribute City - Tribute band website with band listings, reviews, etc.
- ... MySpace Tribute Band Group - MySpace Tribute Band Group -- members include tribute bands worldwide
