Tribute bands are popular forms of entertainment for everything from weddings, birthday parties to big corporate events. The job of a tribute band is to continue spreading the original band’s message, even though they may no longer be performing.
What is a tribute band?
As the name suggests, tribute bands are set up to provide audiences with the opportunity to hear their favourite band’s music be reproduced in a live setting.
There are several reasons why fans might want to attend a tribute concert.
- The band may no longer be touring. Whether is be the Gallagher brothers “musical differences”, Paul Simon’s retirement from international touring or the sad loss of icons like Prince and David Bowie, there can be many reasons why popular acts stop touring. If this is the case, it falls down to tribute bands to pick up the torch, and keep the band’s live performance legacy alive for fans.
- While it is true that taking a big act out on the road can cost an exorbitant amount of money, the unfortunate reality is that, with revenue streams from recorded music lessening, many acts have raised ticket prices to compensate. Add on to that the unfortunate tariffs added by “ticket touts” and other third party sites, and some people can simply be priced out of live music. Tribute bands offer a much more affordable way to hear their favourite music live.
- Many of the most high profile touring acts will only play in the very largest arenas and venues. This can lead to both prohibitively expensive travel and hotel costs, as well as a loss of intimacy in the performance environment.
What type of events do they play at?
Tribute bands can be hired for all manor of events, but their staple will almost certainly be public performances.
Huge theatres, venues and even pubs and clubs tend to put on tribute bands. They can also be booked for corporate events, private parties and even conventions.
Thinking about starting a tribute band?
Naturally, starting a tribute band can be very appealing. Beyond the obvious financial incentive, it can be brilliant fun to tour the UK playing the songs of your favourite band.
That said, there a lot of things you need to consider. For a start, tribute bands to popular artists like The Beatles, Led Zepplin or Fleetwood Mac can be very common.
In order to get the best gigs and make progress as a group, think about the below…
Be pedantic over every detail
A tribute band should sound as close as possible to the original recording. This means that every section of the song, every part and sound should be transcribed and performed accurately.
It’s just as important to do this for the vocal harmonies as it is for the other instruments. Once a song has been learned, it’s all down to practice, hard work and musicianship.
As a tribute band, it’s important to try and emulate the band as much as possible, however whilst authenticity is everything it’s also important that a band injects some individuality into the music too.
New arrangements, interesting introductions and the occasional bit of improvisation (when appropriate!) can help create an exciting show.
Emulate the band as much as possible
It’s safe to say that an audience that goes to see a tribute band will expect to see a band that looks and sounds exactly like the original artist. From the clothes band members wear to their attitude on stage, the trick is capturing an atmosphere that the crowd expects.
Kins Of Leon front man Tony Bowen has been performing as the Kings of Leon tribute act for 6 years. Through all the highs and lows, he suggests that bands shouldn’t take themselves too seriously.
Tony says:
“Make sure you are having fun. If you aren’t then you might as well have a day job you don’t enjoy. I also think that if I’m not having fun that’ll show it won’t be fun for anyone else either.”
Tony Bowen
Choose a great name
The name a tribute band chooses will, of course, have to be recognisable as a tribute act of a famous band. Whether it’s ‘The Bootleg Beatles’, ‘Kins of Leon’ or ‘Australian Pink Floyd’, the name needs to be synonymous with the original artist’s legacy.
Choose the right material
Obviously as a tribute band the audience will expect to hear all of the hit songs. However, it’s just as important to perform the lesser known songs.
Not only will this be appreciated by the die-hard fans but will also allow the band to create a set list which flows energetically and takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster.
Within time, a tribute band should be able to perform the entire repertoire.
Study the market so that there is sufficient demand
As touched on earlier, it’s going to be considerably harder for a musician to make their living if they have lots of competition from other tribute bands.
The trick is to find a well loved band without any tribute bands associated with it. Regardless of whether the band is contemporary or older, it’s crucial that the audience know and love the songs.
Tony says:
As far as dressing up goes, I do think it’s quite important. We also have pretty similar equipment and as they play the instruments most musicians want to play, it’s not too difficult to justify buying the right kit. The main reason I do it is to help fund my original music and become a better guitarist and front man.
Sources
- http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/how-to-form-a-successful-tribute-band-and-quit-your-day-job-447177
- http://ultimateclassicrock.com/15-tribute-bands/
- https://www.lastminutemusicians.com/articles/music/birthday_party_band.html
- Find out more about Tony Bowen’s original music
- Visit the Kins of Leon Facebook page
Are you in a tribute band? What do you think makes your band stand out from others? Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about starting a tribute band? Let us know in the comments below!
