I regularly get emails and social media alerts about upcoming gigs in Bristol. Most are of little interest to me but I welcome the opportunity to at least consider causing further damage to my already badly damaged sense of hearing. Many of these gigs are for what are known as ‘tribute’ acts, which is another way of saying bands that make a few bob, or even a lot of bobs, impersonating a famous act or band. I must admit that I was once a bit of a tribute band snob, preferring what I saw as being ‘the real thing’, at least until I saw T. Rextacy. While I have not quite been won over to the principle, I am less cynical than I used to be.
Tribute bands are the lifeblood for certain venues. Without them, I know at least one venue that simply could not exist. The funds they generate from tribute acts often enables them to take a punt with less well-known artists and bands, effectively giving them work and a step-up. I understand now why so many people like to see the tribute acts. They’re cheap to see and more likely to be playing the Dog and Duck in town than your local theatre, especially in a place like Bristol where there is no arena.
In fact, T. Rextacy is the only tribute band I have ever seen. I missed Marc Bolan’s popular beat combo outfit when they were at their peak, a staggering 50-odd years ago, and this version, fronted by the amazing DanielZ, is the nearest I will ever get to seeing the real thing, not least because Marc is no longer with us. They’re endorsed by Bolan’s family, too, which gives it more of a whiff of authenticity, but more than that they are simply brilliant.
By the same token, there are numerous other tribute acts doing the rounds who mimic the bands I love(d). Only today, I have received a message to see that a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band is coming to Bristol. I hope they pack the venue out, although having seen Creedence genius John Fogerty live a number of times – three to be precise – and once you have seen the original, no matter how good this act is, I know I will be moaning: “not as good as J C Fogerty. Did I mention I’d seen him three times?” But that isn’t the point, is it?
Tribute bands offer a night out with a band playing the songs you like, usually by bands who want to provide the audience with as near a real life experience as they can. And it’s a nice way of keeping the music alive to the gig-goer.
I never thought I’d say it, but tribute bands actually add to the music scene and it’s win win for everyone. The only spoilsports are the best band of the lot, the aforementioned T. Rextacy, because allegedly (there’s no alleged actually) they charge some venues way too much to play. I’ll definitely see them again sometime and you should too. And if other tribute acts are your bag, good for you.
