As I get more exposure to the tribute band scene, I am seeing that it has developed into its own subculture. Most of my exposure to tribute bands in the past have been at concerts in the park at my local City Hall. Some are good and some should not quit their day jobs. With the baby boomers getting older and a lot of the bands from our youth have either stopped touring or are no longer alive to tour, we have moved over to tribute bands as a way to hang on to some part of our youth.
Each week I see a lot of the same people. One of the regulars, Manny has a dedicated Facebook page covering most of the tribute bands through out So Cal. He seems to be everywhere. Maybe there is more than one of him. Some are just fans and enjoy seeing some great performers. However, many of these baby boomers are not just fans of a particular band, they have become fans of specific tribute bands. Each week when I talk to the different people at the show, I will hear them talking about where they saw the particular tribute band in the past. This reminds me of people touring with the Grateful Dead or Jimmy Buffet and seeing every show on a tour.
This weeks Worlds Greatest Tribute Bands on AXS TV brought out Blaze of Glory, The Bon Jovi Experince from Dallas Texas. Being from Dallas, no body really knew who they were. They did not have the mass of fans to support them here in LA. Unlike last week when I felt like I was in a sardine can, the crowd was very light. there were some of the regulars who just want to see a good band perform. While it is human nature to go see and do the things you know, I kind of felt bad for the band. But by the time the show started the room was pretty full and the crowd was very much into the show. Those who attended were not disappointed.
Trae had the Bon Jovi look and sound down. He even has the same tattoos that Bon Jovi has on his arms. Roy Lee was able to deliver the Richie Sambora sound on the guitar and on vocals. Bassist Dave is every bit the rocker as his counter part Hugh McDonald is. On keyboards, Boris and as with many key board players is off in the corner and is not always seen. However, you could not miss his sound. He was able to easily fill the shoes of Bon Jovi keyboardist Dave Bryan. It was hard to see Wayne and even hard to get any good pictures with the drum kit he was playing on. Wayne brought the hard-hitting rhythm of drummer Tico Torres.
These guys deserved their spot on Worlds Greatest Tribute Bands and I am sure they pack the house in Dallas.
Go to my web site to see more pictures from last nights show, JM Photography. Or follow me on Twitter to get the latest updates
Dave |
Wayne & Dave |
Trae |
Boris, Trae, Wayne & Dave |
Trae & Dave |
Roy Lee & Trae |
Dave |
Trae |
Roy Lee |
Roy Lee |
Roy Lee |
Roy Lee, Trae & Dave |
Roy Lee, Trae & Dave |
Roy Lee |
Boris |
Boris & Trae |
Boris & Trae |
Trae |
Roy Lee |
Roy Lee, Trae, Wayne & Dave |
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