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Whether they've been popular for decades or a few years, these imitations have grown so much in popularity that some tribute bands have established their own fan base, adding to the pre-existing fans from the original band.
Sometimes tributes can be seen as a "cop-out," Damm says, because they capitalize on someone else's work. But he and Brown agree that
it's easier to establish
a tribute band than an original one.
"Let's face it," Damm says, as if shrugging off the critics."People like to sing along and know the music of the performer."
Not all tribute acts are as dedicated as Damm and Brown,yet some are even more so. They vary from act to act. Some are small and informal
"Let's face it," Damm says. "People like to sing along and know the music of the performer."
while others have the songs, notes,
costumes, instruments, equipment,
staging and quirky habits down
perfectly. Regardless, a tribute band
requires dedication.
original work. Still, older bands that don't perform or tour anymore seem to be the most popular for replication, says Jeff Economy, director of . . . An Incredible Simulation, a documentary about tribute bands.
As tributes become more popular, newer singers are starting to inspire some acts. According to a tribute band catalog Web site, tributecity.com, singers such as Beyonce Knowles, Creed and Britney Spears are starting to have tributes established after their
"People want to relive concerts and the time of their life when they saw these bands," Economy says."And that seems to be just what they are doing."
Why bother?
... An Incredible Simulation follows and explains the world of tribute bands and takes a look into the mystery of these music enthusiasts, Economy says.
"We wanted to answer, 'Why do they bother?' Economy says.
"Because it's fun," Damm says, as if it should be obvious.
But Moyer says tribute bands can make a decent amount of money, too. Putting it in perspective, Moyer says original bands make about $50 a gig, while cover bands make between $300 and $400 a performance. Tributes are even more successful, bringing in as much as $1,500 or more per show.
"Whatever we make, it ends up being about $50 to $100 per person," Brown says.
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JAYPLAY 04.27.2006
"THERE'S NO FAME OR GLORY IN COVER BANDS. BUT IN TRIBUTES, THEY TREAT YOU LIKE THE REAL DEAL."
—FRANK J. MOYER, PRESIDENT OF AME ENTERTAINMENT
This is a typical payment for a start-up tribute, Moyer says, but he insists band members can make a living doing a tribute. He has a few that actually do.
"We're booking them all the time and they are going places like Trinidad to perform."Moyer says.
So, besides the fun and the money. Moyer says, people get into and stay with tribute acts because of the recognition.
“There’s no fame or glory in cover bands,” says Moyer. “But in tributes, they treat you like the real deal.”
A successful tribute
To be treated like the real deal, you have to embody the real deal. Throughout Economy's research for ...An Incredible Simulation, he says, he found that the higher the level of devotion, the more successful the band.
Damm, although not a physical look-alike of Neil Diamond, does a fair amount of preparation for his role. Donning a sequined shirt, either silver or gold, and Neil's
"The more you can be a carbon copy, the happier the audience is going to be," he says.
signature white scarf, Damm looks as though he stepped out of a Neil
More Than a Feeling, Brown's Boston tribute band, also goes to extremes
Diamond concert or the movie Saving Silverman. Besides the costumes and the songs, Damm says, it's the little poses and "cheesy" remarks he does before songs that make the crowd go crazy. He does one of his favorites before the song "Cherry, Cherry."
"This is my acoustic guitar," Damm says, doing an impromptu imitation of Neil. "But the only problem with my acoustic guitar is that it only plays oldies." And then the crowd goes wild," Damm says, smiling.
as possible. Mustaches glued on every performer's upper lip and loud
CHECK 'EM OUT
Dave Diamond
What: Solo performance at Cinco de Mayo party.
When: May 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: On the Border,
3080 Iowa St.
What: Full-band performance
When: May 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Jazzahaus
What: Charity event
When: June 24 at 8:00 pm
Where: Wichita
www.davediamondlive.com
What: Group Performance
When: April 29
Where: Beaumont Club,
Kansas City, Mo.
More Than a Feeling
What: Group performance
When: May 13
Where: Alley Cats, Lee's
Summit, Mo.
printed button-ups
And tributes will continue to capture these personalities. Whether it's for the money, the fun or the fans, tributes will continue to accent the hands
"It's not just about the songs," he says. "It's about the band's whole personality."
recreate the bands
or cut-off t-shirts paired with jeans, the six typical college students transform themselves into the band, with two guys playing Tom Scholz's multiple guitar parts and no Kimberley Dahme representative.
Economy says it's these costumes and other personalized tidbits that make the band believable.
to make themselves as believable they — and we — love.
TOS COURTESY OF DAVE DAMM AND KEVIN BROWN
WHAT'S IN A NAME
The names of tribute bands are usually a pun of the original band.Here are some of the names found on tributecity.com.
Fully Clothed Gent's: a Barenaked Ladies tribute
Hotplay: a Coldplay tribute
Bootylicious:a Destiny's Child tribute
Dookie:a Green Day tribute
Stone Free:a Jimmy Hendrix tribute
Departure:a Journey tribute
Ricky La Vida Loca:a Ricky Martin tribute
Proud Mary:a Tina Turner tribute