What's Your Take on Cover Bands?

[Spooner]

I saw a Dave Matthews cover band play at a local bar last night. The were extremely good and sounded just like Dave Matthews. Then, I got to thinking...... I'm labeling them as "good" because they sound exactly like someone else. Is this real talent? I mean, I know it takes plenty of talent to play instruments and sing, but isn't there a certain basis for judging a band on creativity and their own unique contribution to the music scene?

I don't know, maybe I'm loooking too far into this.

I enjoyed the show, I guess that's all that matters

 

[mpitts]

Cover bands can be talented. It takes talent to play in any kind of band, but they definitely lack originality. Cover bands are usually comprised of those who don't have the drive or want to create their own music.

 

[Jzero]

Hate 'em. No doubt they have whatever musical talent (unless they're covering a talentless band ), but it just seems lame to simply emulate someone else. Playing a few covers or doing a tribute is on the other side of a very fine line (Is "The Music Box" a Genesis cover band, or a continuous tribute to Genesis?) that I consider to be ok and sometimes even cool.....

 

[NutBucket]

What would say is the difference between a cover band and a tribute band?

 

[notfred]

Me First and the Gimme Gimme's is the best cover band ever.

NOTE: none of thier songs sound like the originals. Download a few of thier songs, you'll see what I mean

 

[punkrawket]

<< Me First and the Gimme Gimme's is the best cover band ever.

NOTE: none of thier songs sound like the originals. Download a few of thier songs, you'll see what I mean >>

definitely

they also make some of their own songs i do believe

 

[yakko]

<< Cover bands are usually comprised of those who don't have the drive or want to create their own music. >>

You left out that maybe they just can't make their own music. It is not always easy to make a good song.

 

[Harvey]

It's a fun job, but somebody's got to do it.

The first responsibility of the artist is survival. All those future stars out there need to eat and pay rent while getting their chops together and devoping whatever their talent will produce. That includes not only composing, singing and playing all those future hits, but the ability to put on a good show while performing them. The only way you get good at playing out in public is by doing it. There simply is no other way to learn how to work in front of an audience.

It has the side benefit of being much more fun than flipping burgers.

 

[Spooner]

I, frankly, have respect for anyone that can play in a band. I am very into music and always enjoys when a band puts on a good show, both with their music and crowd interaction