With a number of cover bands performing in Liverpool, how can we explain rise of tribute bands?

Question

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Answer 1

There is a simple explanation for the tribute phenom, and it has to do with genetics. As the scientists found out with Dolly, the cloned sheep, there are problems with the duplicating process. It seems that the further the cells get from the point of creation, the more likely they are to take on substandard characteristics. This of course is prevelant in the Liverpool music scene, where each wave of alleged artists, quickly produced and packaged, are ever further removed from their point of origin. When a tribute band is parroting an group that is for the most part a knock-off of a more noble predecessor, you have a severe crumbling of the genetic code.

This isn't a U.K. thing, lest you think I'm slamming my pals across the pond. We Yanks have been practicing this cloning art form with similar results for some time now. The net result is a generation that is eye-witness to cartoon characatures of the greats that layed the groundwork for their substandard effort.

The true prowess of the two rock n' roll behemouths from the U.K., The Beatles and The Stones, was their understanding and adherance to the rich tradition of R&B. Most acts following merely copied them, and so on, and so forth, until the basis for their success was lost in a jumbled and synthetic soup by constant cloning. Don't take my word for it. Just spend an evening on You Tube watching videos of the legends of R&B, from Wilson Pickett to Sam & Dave. You will be hard-pressed to dial in their modern-day successors with any measure of enthusiasm.

It's all good. The legends of R&B patiently await our return. When the pain is sufficiant, when the clownish efforts of the clone-meisters finally sends us running to the masters, they'll be there. Thank God for that.

Answer 2

The British obsession for nostalgia and the idea that “things were better back then” is one of the reasons for the rise of the tribute band. Listen to this radio 4 program SEND IN THE CLONES about tribute bands, it explains all.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/musicfeature/pip/3vuz3/
Andrew Collins explores how and why tribute bands have developed into a huge industry and investigates the legal, artistic and cultural ramifications.
Acts like Bjorn Again and the Bootleg Beatles play all over the world, supporting some of the biggest names in the music industry. Tribute bands have their own festival - Glastonbudget - while a network of venues around the country exist entirely on the back of a staple diet of tribute acts.

Answer 3

For some of you reading this you will not find this easy to accept.

There is more scope for tribute bands and tribute artists than original artists starting out. This is the backlash from the lack of interest in new and up and coming solo artists and groups.

The tribute bands play music which has never lost out in terms of popularity. The recordings produced by the original artists were top sellers unlike today the singles market is seriously fragmented and it is very difficult for solo artists and groups in there own right to get a top 20 hit in the charts.In addition to that tribute bands will often find work in modern musical pop productions again highly unlikely for an original artist taking there first steps on the music ladder.

Another topic for consideration is the rise of reality TV talent shows, this too has had a knock on effect on the music industry economy - as people who in previous years would have planned for a career in music, now rest on the success of the PR, Marketing machine, and the bringing of music closer to home via the TV screen. This has reduced the number of people buying tickets for theatres to see an act they like. Unless of course it is a tribute act.

Some forms of music has also been pushed underground, as with it being so very difficult for a new and original artist to get a foot on the ladder the only way forward being the internet, private CD sales and productions, busking, performing at gigs in pubs and clubs. At the other end there are always amateur societies and groups in need of members and of course church choirs.

It was a sad day for television when 'TOP OF THE POPS', ended as this programme had been the vehicle many wanabe pop artists held as a goal post in there efforts to become successful singers and musicians.

Not forgetting the technological revolution which has created alternative music industry jobs which in former decades did not exist. Hence the singer and musician is fast becoming a rare species.

The rise of tribute bands performing in Liverpool. Liverpool has placed its stamp on the world of music as being the birth place of the 'Beatles'", but also the city which has given a stage and a voice to other artists setting out in the world of showbiz. One could say on reflection that these tribute bands want to share in that musical experience, the desire is still there for them to become known in there own right.

Maybe music sales and original artists will rise again, on the death of reality TV talent shows and the revival of interest in those with real talent and a willingness to work hard.

In the light of so little talent around in the charts today and the saturation of all things American, is it any wonder that tribute bands are so popular. Let them rock is what I say.

Answer 4

Most of the Brititsh groups of the 60's performed in the Cavern in Liverpool. Maybe the tribute bands think the luck will rub off on them

Answer 5

There are two sorts of bands (not genres!). One type does it for the creativity and one type does it for the money. Generally if you play covers, you earn a lot more money. Also, last I heard it is difficult to get gigs at high profile venues in Liverpool unless you play covers. Personally I would rather see a band I like.

Answer 6

No, it's just the Liverpool phenomenon.

It seems you can't go there without taking something that doesn't belong to you.

If you think someone will actually get something out of the city past all those scousers you must be dreaming.

Answer 7

we people in our late 50's are the ones with the money to go to concerts and the sounds of the 60's were great and easy to duplicate for a good night out.

Answer 8

Society thinks the way to happiness is celebrity.
If you can't be a real one, be a fake one.
If you can't be a fake one, try and get on Big Brother.
If you can't get on Big Brother talk about it incessently and buy celebrity magazines.

Sorry.

Answer 9

Because no-one it seems has got an original thought left in their heads.xxx

Answer 10

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