A tribute band is a group of musicians that form a band with the intent to mimic a popular band for the purpose of entertainment when the real band is either not available, split up or deceased.
Such tribute bands exist for most of the popular bands that have topped the charts over the last few decades, such as, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Abba and so on. A tribute band is rarely likely to include any members of the original band whose music is being honoured.
Tribute Band Performances
Tribute bands are popular for birthdays and such events as it can be the only way to find a good band that is able to cover an individuals favourite music as they focus on that band, and getting the original band is expensive and very unlikely except for major events.
A tribute differs from a cover band set out to cover another bands music by incorporating as much of the original band into their own, such as costumes, styles of play, even down to using the same equipment as the original band. They sing the songs in the same way and will often have vocalists that have a voice that sounds like the original vocalist too.
Tribute Band Followings
Some tribute bands do go on to build their own fan base, if they are good enough, and can release their own songs although this is not usual because of the fact that a tribute is there to cover the original songs.
Some tribute bands like to cover the original song in their own specific style like the aforementioned 'Dread Zeppelin' who perform 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.
Tribute band names are often derivatives of the original band name with a clever, often comic twist such as 'Dread Zeppelin' (Led Zeppelin) or 'Gabba' (a tribute to Abba). Other names can be derived from album titles, or specific and popular songs that the original artist performed.
It is rare to find a tribute band with their own unique name because it more easily distinguishes them as a tribute with a name that relates to the band they are covering.
It is also possible to find some tribute bands that combine two genres, or combine songs from different bands, such as Beatallica, who perform songs by the Beatles and Metallica.
This takes a rare talent because of the fact that the two bands are very different in the music they play and the audience they capture. Having the ability to play both is rare but mixing the two types of music can prove very entertaining.
If you would like to find out more about Live Music Performances visit the Live Bands page.