Tribute bands are a phenomenon, that, in recent years, have soared in popularity. A report in 2019 from Ticketmaster revealed that tribute bands sell an average of 1.7 million tickets annually in the US. Locally, acts like The Elton John Show are performing at The Beacon in Wantage this June. So what are the reasons for this sensation’s success, and why should we go to see them?

 

What is a tribute band?

A tribute band is a musical group which covers the music of a well-known band, seeking to emulate or parody their style and mannerisms. Whilst many attempt to create as authentic a performance as possible, mimicking the appearance and vocals of the group, others put a spin on the original act, for example, Dread Zeppelin is an American tribute band which covers the songs of Led Zeppelin in a reggae style. Like Dread Zeppelin, many tribute bands also name themselves using a pun on the name of the band. 

 

How did tribute acts begin, and how have they evolved?

Whilst it is true that the fame of tribute bands has accelerated in the last decade, it is not merely a recent trend. In fact, such acts are viewed as beginning in the 1960s with Elvis impersonators like Buddy Ocha, frequently credited as ‘the original tribute artist’. More well-known was Bill Haney with his act, ‘The Elvis Illusion’. 

 

Nowadays, new technology and ideas have caused a revolution in tribute acts. Recent films like Bohemian Rhapsody (which earnt over £7 million at the box office) and Respect (a 2021 biographical film celebrating the life of Aretha Franklin) had immense success, familiarising the public with the idea of actors taking on the role of their favourite musicians. Novel ideas have also been introduced using technology. Aside from visual effects like light shows helping to enhance the audience’s experience, holographic concerts have also become popular, most famously, ABBA voyage, which, whilst not being strictly speaking a tribute, still presents an ABBA-style concert, without the members actually there. Some disagree with these, thinking they lack the excitement and authenticity of a live concert. However, various new, innovative twists on artists’ material have been introduced, for example, through tribute bands which swap the gender of the original band members, like the Iron Maidens.

 

Why do tribute bands exist?

Whilst many people dismiss tribute bands as merely ‘copies’ of the original act’, the incredible skill of tribute performers must not go unacknowledged. A great deal of thought, talent, and attention to detail goes into a good tribute act, creating a performance which is convincing and immersive. In order to honour the original artist and pay homage to their music, tribute artists often have to study, not only the vocal style of the musician that they seek to recreate, but also their subtle mannerisms, all as well as perfecting their instrumental technique allowing audiences to relive their experiences at the concerts of artists that they can no longer see. Tribute bands therefore offer a unique experience, providing fans with an opportunity to engage with the music that they hold dear to their heart. Tribute bands may also help to create new fans, exposing younger audiences to artists they have not been able to attend the live concerts of during their lifetime. The existence of tribute bands also allows those that perform as part of them to gain experience in the industry and explore their own creativity by selecting repertoire, as well as learning how to interact with audiences and demonstrate their passion for the original artist. 

 

Who are the Bootleg Beatles?

The Bootleg Beatles are a Beatles tribute band that have performed over 4000 times since they began in 1980. They are renowned for their extraordinary attention to detail, exemplified by each McCartney having to learn to play bass as if they were left-handed. The cast has changed a number of times, but was originally formed by the 4 West End cast members of Beatlemania, a Broadway musical, or ‘rockumentary’ which focused on the music of the Beatles, and the affect the events of the 1960s had on it. Both McCartney and Harrison have met the group, the latter apparently joking that ‘you probably know the chords better than I do’. In addition to performing the songs to an extremely high standard, the group dress in the famous outfits of the band, changing costumes and wigs throughout according to the era, and wear prosthetics and make-up designed to create as authentic-seeming a performance possible. Everything from the posture to the accents have been masterfully constructed, and clips from the height of Beatlemania are projected whilst the band members change costume. 

 

Where can I go locally to see a tribute band?

Aside from The Elton John Show at The Beacon, Wantage this June, Totally Blondie perform at Abingdon in May, and on the 12th of September, you can go to see An Evening Without Kate Bush at the Oxford Playhouse.