The Rise of Tribute Bands

Brit Floyd’s 2024 poster

Over many years, more and more people have gone to more and more tribute bands, instead of seeing those big mega-popular “real” bands. Why? How could a tribute band be getting more popular? They aren’t the real deal, right? Or are they?

A tribute band is in the name. A band, playing tribute to another. For example, one of these tribute bands, called “Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles,” is a tribute band for the Beatles. Or, the so-called “World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show,” AKA Brit Floyd, is a Pink Floyd tribute band. Many more tribute bands are around, and more are coming. 

So, what is with these tribute bands? One reason is that they know what the fans want. Say that your favorite band broke up years ago, and then you see tribute bands for your favorite band come up, and they have studied and perform just like the real people. These bands capture the same energy as the bands in order to give fans a similar or close to the same experience. The bands have a passion and appreciation for the artist, and they are determined. They give the people an opportunity to connect with their favorite artists like no other.

Similar to what I said, the bands give you a sense of nostalgia, too. Take Rain, the band I talked about earlier. They pay tribute to The Beatles. People who were kids and loved The Beatles when they were still together might want to see Rain, because it brings them back to their childhood. 

Also, tribute bands are for younger audiences who never got to see the artist while they were around. You can catch a grasp on what they were like with tribute bands, and it’s great. I am speaking from experience, because I actually saw Rain. My parents also went and saw Brit Floyd. It’s fun, and when you listen to the real songs after, there’s literally no difference.

So, what are the best tribute bands to see? I won’t just leave you hanging. Here is a list of some of the most well known tribute bands out there. (This is not a top 6 favorites list, just 5 good tribute bands to see anywhere)

1. Bohemian Queen (Tribute for Queen)
2. E5C4P3 (Tribute for Journey)
3. Britain’s Finest (Tribute for The Beatles)
4. Rain: A Tribute to The Beatles (Also a Beatles tribute)
5. Zep-La (Tribute for Led Zeppelin) 
6. Brit Floyd (Tribute for Pink Floyd)

I think that tribute bands are so nostalgic and capture the same feel of other bands, which is why they are so staggeringly popular. Have you ever seen a tribute band? They are everywhere, and they can only get better.