Rob Lammle
The Ultimate Superfans: Tribute Bands That Really Rock
by Rob Lammle - July 21, 2010 - 1:57 PM

They’re called phonies, posers, and knock-offs. But the hard-working fans in tribute bands deserve a little respect. Maybe after reading these tales of “fake” rockers who really rock, you just might change your tune.

Dude Looks Like a Lady

Just like a “real” band, a tribute act has to stand out from the crowd by offering the audience something unexpected. One popular novelty is a band made up of members of the opposite gender. For example, AC/DShe is an all-female version of AC/DC. Other hit all-female acts include, The Romonas (The Ramones), The Iron Maidens (Iron Maiden), and West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys). For some, the gender-bending twist allows the audience to overlook the band’s lack of musical skill. But for others, they have nothing to hide.

Since forming in 2004, Lez Zeppelin, an all-female tribute to Led Zeppelin, has become one of the most respected tribute acts playing today. They’ve played all over America and Europe to standing room only crowds, and to thousands of fans at outdoor festivals like Bonnaroo. They’ve been featured on MTV, VH1, CNN, and even graced the cover of SPIN. Pop culture philosopher Chuck Klosterman has said their “replication of these songs is 80 percent flawless and 99 percent awesome.” He goes on to say they might be the most powerful all-female band in rock history. To further solidify their reputation as the real deal, the ladies released a self-titled debut album in 2007 under the guidance of Eddie Kramer, a legendary producer who has made albums with Jimi Hendrix, KISS, and five records with the real Led Zeppelin. Not bad for a knock-off band. Here they are in action:

But girls aren’t the only ones who just wanna have fun. Rad Bromance, an all-male Lady Gaga tribute band with a rock n’ roll slant, has been winning audiences over with their musicality and party-like stage show since they formed in December 2009. Although most acts’ meat and potato gigs are at local bars, the members of this group couldn’t get through the door; some of them can’t even drive yet. The five young men, between the ages of 15 and 18, met while performing as part of The Paul Green School of Rock All-Stars, a hand-picked group of teenage musicians who tour the U.S. playing classic rock at festivals like Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. With their unique, tongue-in-cheek take on Gaga, the self-managed group is already selling out small venues and moving up to bigger shows across the east coast in 2011. Here’s the band’s version of “Poker Face”:

Little People, Big Performers

If you watched Super Bowl XLIV this year, you probably remember rockers KISS playing alongside smaller versions of themselves in a Dr Pepper commercial. That little person band was Mini KISS, a groundbreaking act that’s been around a lot longer than most people think.

According to founding member Joey Fatale, Mini KISS started in 1996. The inspiration came to Joey as he was packing up his apartment to move and came across his old KISS albums. Now, 14 years and over 20 band members later, Mini KISS is hotter than ever, appearing in the ad with KISS, as well as a playing a packed schedule, hitting music festivals, halftime shows, and private events across the country.

But like any great band, Mini KISS has had their personality struggles within the group. When the original drummer, Tim Loomis, was fired from the act, he started his own KISS tribute band in 2006, Tiny KISS. Of course this angered Fatale, who claimed Loomis stole his idea and the two groups have been embroiled in a feud ever since. Now, fours years later, Tiny KISS plays a regular gig as part of Beacher’s Madhouse at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, one of the most popular shows in Las Vegas.

With both bands enjoying plenty of success, it appears the world is big enough for two little KISS bands. And there’s still room for other little people groups, such as singer Terra Jole, who performs as both Mini Britney Spears and Mini Lady Gaga, The Black-Eyed Pee Wees, and the Little Legends show, which was a huge hit on the Vegas Strip a few years ago.

Keepin’ It Real

For some, being in a tribute band is little more than a good gig until something better comes along. But for others, it becomes a way of life. And for a very select few, a tribute band can lead to the best gig of all – fame and fortune. Either way, the experience can forever change the lives of those who truly love the music they play.

In the UK, one tribute act’s on-stage persona is so important to them that it has become their new identity. Joliet Jake Blues and Elwood Jake Blues, the stars of their own continuously-touring Blues Brothers tribute show, had their names legally changed to match the characters they emulate from the 1980 classic film. Their new names appear on their driver’s license, as well as their passports, and they even got permission to leave their sunglasses on for their photo IDs, claiming the glasses were a “permanent fixture” on their faces. When their passports recently came up for renewal, they were told that new regulations will force them to take off their shades for their next photos. Although the duo are appealing on religious grounds as they believe they are “on a mission from God.”

When lead singer Rob Halford left the pioneering heavy metal band Judas Priest in 1991, fans were devastated. Looking to pay homage to his favorite group, Tim Owens helped form a Priest tribute act, British Steel, a few years later. The band played with moderate success, but not enough for Owens to quit his day job as an office supply salesman. Then, in 1996, word came that the remaining members of Priest were looking to get back into the studio, so their search for a new lead singer began. A couple of fans sent them a grainy videotape of British Steel performing in a local bar and, the next thing you know, Tim Owens had become “Ripper Owens,” lead singer of Judas Priest. Over the next few years he recorded four albums with his new bandmates, but then Halford returned in 2003, and Owens moved on. If this all sounds familiar, then perhaps you saw the 2001 film Rock Star with Mark Wahlberg, which is loosely based on Rippers’ story.

While Ripper Owens’ situation might be unusual, it’s not entirely unique. For example, Tommy Thayer replaced original “Spaceman” Ace Frehley of KISS in 2002 when Frehley decided to leave the group. Before that, Thayer had played the part of Frehley in a KISS cover band called, Cold Gin. Benoit David was the lead singer of a Yes tribute band when Jon Anderson, lead singer of the real Yes, fell ill. After the group saw footage of David performing, they asked him to come on tour until Anderson could return. As Anderson’s health has continued to decline, Yes has made David a permanent part of the band. They’ll soon be recording their first album together.

Fight for Your Right to Party

Unfortunately, not all artists believe that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In April 2009, Bon Jovi’s lawyers sent a letter to the all-female members of Blonde Jovi, demanding they change their name to avoid confusion with the real band. Rather than fight the power, the ladies changed their name to Blonde Jersey. However, the name change killed their momentum in the club scene and they disbanded shortly after.

Thankfully, Beatallica, a band who plays Beatles tunes in the style of heavy metal legends Metallica, had an unexpected guardian angel when Sony Records, the copyright owners of much of the Beatles’ catalog, came a-knocking. Lars Ulrich, drummer for Napster-suing Metallica, came to the aid of the tribute band, even asking his band’s lawyers to help mediate an agreement. Beatallica was allowed to stay intact and Sony lightened up once Ulrich convinced them that the small-time group was using the songs as parody, so fair use laws applied. Have a listen:

There are at least 40 known bands who pay tribute to ABBA, but if Universal Records had their way, that number wouldn’t be so high. In June 2010, Universal threatened legal action against 15 tribute bands for sticking too closely to their Swedish roots. Groups like Abba Mania, AbbaDabbaDoo, and Abba Queens will have to change their name or close up shop to avoid confusion with the original pop act.

If it’s not the original group suing a tribute act, it’s a tribute act suing another tribute act. Just last week, Beatles tribute band The Fab Four sued Beatles tribute band The Fab 4 in federal court, claiming the numbered group was trying to leech off the reputation of the Four’s 14-year career. The suit claims that ticket buyers could be confused, thinking they’re buying tickets to The Fab Four, when in fact they’re buying tickets to The Fab 4. You know, on second thought, this is getting a little confusing…
* * * * *
If you were to start a tribute band, what group would be your inspiration? Ever been to a really great tribute show? Tell us all about it in the comments below.

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Comments (47)

  1. Another one worthy of mention is The Musical Box, which recreates early Genesis concerts. At least one member of Genesis has stated that they play more consistently better than they did at the time.

    posted by anomdebus on 7-21-2010 at 2:31 pm

  2. I would do a soul act, Leroy Orbison

    posted by i8dbbq on 7-21-2010 at 2:37 pm

  3. SHEEZER!!

    posted by dgcarrie on 7-21-2010 at 2:41 pm

  4. 2 great ones: Ants Marching (Cover band of the Dave Matthews Band) & 2U (Cover band of U2). Both were phenomenal, and if you want to hear the hits and avoid excessively ridiculous ticket prices, a good deal for a fun night out.

    I think there’s a big opportunity on the classical music scene for some Cover Composers like Ludwig Van, or Wolfgang Amadeus. Full costume, persona… you know, bring some life (and fun) to the classical scene!

    posted by Josh on 7-21-2010 at 2:42 pm

  5. Sorry – forgot one – The Silver Beats, a Beatles cover band from Japan. They barely speak broken English, but perform spot-on covers of Beatles songs. They opened for the Killers @ MSG.

    posted by Josh on 7-21-2010 at 2:43 pm

  6. Super Diamond
    Mandonna

    …I saw the 2 of them together one night in San Diego and it was a blast!

    posted by Troy Lee Wells on 7-21-2010 at 2:46 pm

  7. I recently saw Almost Queen in NYC. An incredible show. “Freddie Mercury” was pitch perfect, and the other musicians were incredible. Highly recommended if you’re a Queen fan.

    posted by nywrab on 7-21-2010 at 2:46 pm

  8. There is also, For Whom the Bell Joels. Billy Joel tribute via Metallica style.

    posted by Kevin on 7-21-2010 at 2:52 pm

  9. Have both of Beatallica’s albums: “Masterful Mystery Tour” and “Sgt. Hetfield’s Motorbreath Pub Band”. They’re a riot. I highly recommend them. If you’re into ABBA tributes, check out “Black Sweden”

    posted by deathgoblin on 7-21-2010 at 2:53 pm

  10. Cover bands out here in LA have huge followings and often have as much local notoriety as the original bands they cover.

    Hollywood Roses – Guns N Roses tribue band. The singer toured with Steve Adler.

    Atomic Punks – Tribute to the DLR era Van Halen. Ralph the original singer also sings for Metal School. You just have to search them on youtube to see how they roll.

    posted by Gary on 7-21-2010 at 3:12 pm

  11. I second the classical tributes, that would be great.

    posted by hockeyzombie on 7-21-2010 at 3:18 pm

  12. There was a band a few years ago touring the southeast called Hot August Knights. They put on a great show. It was the best Neil Diamond cover band I’d ever seen. It was also the only one. I wanted to get them to play my wedding but they broke up before the big day.

    posted by blair on 7-21-2010 at 3:21 pm

  13. What about Dark Side of the Moon, the Pink Floyd cover band?

    posted by Krystle on 7-21-2010 at 3:23 pm

  14. And there is also Arnel Pineda who became the lead singer for Journey after being seen on YouTube.

    posted by TXCherokee on 7-21-2010 at 3:44 pm

  15. Bruce in the USA – Springsteen tribute. Their ‘Clarence’ is so good it’s unreal. And the way crowds react, as if it’s actually Bruce, makes for such a fun experience.

    posted by Shawn on 7-21-2010 at 4:03 pm

  16. One that plays around Dallas is Petty Theft, after Tom Petty. They’re not bad.

    posted by Lee on 7-21-2010 at 4:08 pm

  17. The Australian Pink Floyd Show. They tour internationally and even played at David Gilmour’s Bday party at his request. They even have the same laser show that Pink Floyd used in concert.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvqkBzInrD0

    posted by Ryan on 7-21-2010 at 4:08 pm

  18. I’m not sure if they’re still around, but a band called Metallagher used to play the Twin Cities a couple years ago. They were a Mettalica tribute band that dressed like Gallagher and smashed watermelons during the show.

    posted by Pig's Eye on 7-21-2010 at 4:20 pm

  19. Oh god in high school my friends and I were always coming up with silly tribute band names:

    The Maybe, Maybe, (In Tribute of the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs)

    RATTT (RATT)

    Benetore (Pat Benetar)

    The Guitaris (the Ataris)

    Subprime (sublime)

    etc….

    posted by Heather on 7-21-2010 at 4:45 pm

  20. oops first should be Maybe, Maybe, Maybes

    posted by Heather on 7-21-2010 at 4:46 pm

  21. I saw a Beatles tribute band once (I can’t remember their name off the top of my head) that was…interesting. They were fairly mediocre (their accents weren’t really Liverpudlian–more generic British) but their best member was their George look-a-like…who was a woman. She was actually better at the accent, the voice, and the guitar than anyone else. It was oddly impressive.

    posted by Fruppi on 7-21-2010 at 5:46 pm

  22. The Hot August Knights – a punk Neil Diamond cover band based in Atlanta. Me groupie- you dance!

    posted by Kate on 7-21-2010 at 6:24 pm

  23. Rad Bromance is awesome.

    posted by Bakedpotatoes on 7-21-2010 at 8:07 pm

  24. The Fab Four are awesome! They put out a few Christmas albums that they now sell as one album called: “Hark!” The songs are traditional Christmas songs mixed with one or more Beatles song. My favorite is “Jingle Bells” which is done in the style of “Tomorrow Never Knows.” In the original, John sings, “it is knowing…” at the end of the song. On “Jingle Bells,” the John sound-alike sings: “it is snowing…it is snowing…”

    posted by Tim S. on 7-21-2010 at 8:22 pm

  25. Helle’s Belle’s
    Zepparella
    The Romanes

    posted by skook on 7-21-2010 at 8:26 pm

  26. I saw Dark Star Orchestra recently and they were pretty awesome. Badfish, the Sublime cover band is also pretty awesome too.
    And to answer your question, I would do Dub versions of Beatles songs.

    posted by Jill...NOT Jillian on 7-21-2010 at 9:27 pm

  27. As far as Zeppelin tribute bands go, I think Zoso is fantastic. I’ve seen them twice and would love to see them again. I think they’re the closest we can get to the real thing now. This was a great post! Thanks!

    posted by Maggie on 7-21-2010 at 10:53 pm

  28. Hell’s Belles are the best AC/DC tribute band out there – I see them play every time they’re in town!

    posted by Tami on 7-21-2010 at 10:56 pm

  29. The Liverpool Legends, best Beatles Tribute band out there and they are even managed by Louise Harrison, George Harrison’s sister.

    posted by Amanda on 7-21-2010 at 11:30 pm

  30. Two more AC/DC tribute bands:

    The Whole Lotta Rosies (all female)

    Hayseed Dixie, which does bluegrass covers of ac/dc, but has branched out to other bands, as well. They actually kick ass.

    BTW – Saw Mini KISS for a laugh… they don’t even sing or play their own instruments. It was lame and sad and at some point they stopped doing KISS covers, and just did random glam band covers. They still didn’t play or sing. Save your $$$.

    posted by jewessjeans on 7-21-2010 at 11:35 pm

  31. Great post! I actually saw Priest after Ripper Owens joined. Even though he is an incredible singer, I felt like I was seeing a Priest cover band not the real thing.

    posted by Kani on 7-22-2010 at 12:35 am

  32. I’ve seen Zoso and they are great, they have movements and posing all down perfectly and sound great.
    Another good one is Appetite for Destruction. I don’t really care for GnR, but they sound spot on and put on a great show. The singer even had plastic surgery to look like Axl Rose.

    posted by Beau on 7-22-2010 at 1:48 am

  33. The Return is a very good Beatles tribute band. The accents are good and they sound almost exactly like the original songs.

    posted by Leo on 7-22-2010 at 1:54 am

  34. A friend of mine was in a KISS tribute band called Black Diamond, and while they were pretty good, he was by far the best part of the band.

    He ended up being fired – apparently drummers aren’t supposed to upstage the singer or lead-guitar players!

    posted by Sean on 7-22-2010 at 2:06 am

  35. The Machine is an AWESOME Pink Floyd tribute band. They don’t look anything like them, but their performance is dead on. Great show.

    posted by Travis on 7-22-2010 at 7:45 am

  36. Dread Zeppelin!

    posted by MJH on 7-22-2010 at 8:21 am

  37. The members of The Musical Box are held in very high esteem by Genesis members past and present. The band recreated the “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” tour of 1974-75 and Genesis gave them their lights and slideshow from the actual tour to use on stage. I know Phil Collins has gotten on stage with them at least once to play with them. I’ve also seen the Genesis tribute band “The Waiting Room” and they are dead-on for Gabriel-era Genesis….

    posted by Tom on 7-22-2010 at 9:11 am

  38. @ Beau – Axl Rose had plastic surgery to look like Axl Rose too!

    posted by Bert on 7-22-2010 at 9:55 am

  39. I saw a Journey tribute band, a few years back, called Escape. It was and still is the only time I’ve ever seen one live and I was really impressed.

    posted by Larissa on 7-22-2010 at 10:12 am

  40. American English is a highly excellent Beatles tribute band — and half way they even switch to very nice Sgt Pepper costumes.

    posted by KCK on 7-22-2010 at 10:18 am

  41. dark star orchestra?

    posted by dreaddy kruger on 7-22-2010 at 11:20 am

  42. Luther Wright & The Wrongs’ bluegrass interpretation of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”, called “Rebuild The Wall” is fantastic.

    posted by Dr. Jones on 7-22-2010 at 12:25 pm

  43. I would totally do Radiohead! I know weird choice huh? But I been listening to them since they started and I can actually do a pretty mean Thom Yorke lol.

    neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa—ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

    That’s pretty much the whole trick to sounding like Thom Yorke.

    Again I’m a huge fan, so I can poke fun a bit :)

    posted by xanderjones on 7-22-2010 at 12:41 pm

  44. Several decent Zappa tributes out there, probably the best-known is his son’s bnd Zappa Plays Zappa, featuring ex-Zappa members like Steve Vai and Napolean Murphy Brock.

    Project/Object is lesser-known but damned fine as well.

    All, except ZPZ, are subject to the wrath of the Zappa Family Trust from time to time.

    posted by Jarhead13 on 7-22-2010 at 4:04 pm

  45. In an unusual twist in the tribute band world, Brad Delp, original lead singer for the rock band Boston, was also a singer for a Beatles tribute band called Beatlejuice during his time off from touring with Boston.

    posted by Polo on 7-25-2010 at 9:13 am

  46. The greatest AC/DC cover band of all time is BC/DC. http://www.bcdc.ca/
    I’ve seen them several times. A few years back, at the Nakusp Music Fest, not only did BC/DC play but so did Merqury (sic), a Queen cover band from Germany. BC/DC was better.
    I also want to second Luther Wright and the Wrongs’ country-and-western cover of The Wall. Great stuff! Worth buying if you can find it.

    posted by CCBC on 7-25-2010 at 6:54 pm

  47. I play in Gunpowder Gelatine, the world’s ONLY all-female Queen tribute. (at least I can’t find any others)

    http://www.myspace.com/gunpowdergelatinemusic

    posted by Allison on 7-30-2010 at 5:31 pm

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