Tribute band

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. The members of a tribute band will not include any of the members of the original band.

Development of the "tribute" concept

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.

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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.

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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 Led Zeppelin, KISS, 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.

Related Topics:
KISS - The Grateful Dead - Van Halen - ABBA - The Rolling Stones - Neil Diamond - The Japanese Beatles - The Japanese Eric Clapton - Beatle suits

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One of the best known tribute band members is Tim "Ripper" Owens, who went from singing in a Judas Priest tribute band to becoming their actual singer in 1996. This story was used as the basis for the movie Rock Star, though neither Owens nor Judas Priest assisted in the film's production. Owens recorded 2 studio albums and a live album with Priest before leaving in 2003 to make way for Priest's reunion with old singer Rob Halford. Owens would later become the singer for the band Iced Earth.

Related Topics:
Tim "Ripper" Owens - Judas Priest - 1996 - Rock Star - 2003 - Rob Halford - Iced Earth

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In 2000, filmmakers Jeff Economy and Darren Hacker produced a documentary film ...An Incredible Simultation 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.

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Am 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.

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In 2004, tribute band Beatallica recieved attention when they were sued over their unique interpretation of Beates songs done in a Metallica style. They won their legal battle, and still record and tour today.

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