I just finished my last date with a cover band that had been playing for ten years. (I had played with then on and off over the last five years or so) I'm looking forward to a little time off, where I can get some things done on the weekends.
Saying that, I have another project in the works, a tribute band, that is looking very promising for the coming year. This will be a high end band, which means 90 minute shows tops (no more four hour club gigs) casinos, festivals, special events, etc. No more setting up or running foh from stage, or the hassles involved. We have been shopping promoters/agents and found a guy that we are pretty excited about. He is on the same page as we are with the vision, and manages a few high end tribute bands already. Good money. He has a deal with a local company, where the bands are set up with a tour bus for out of town gigs. Normally a show would involve two tribute bands, where they and their backline (we will have the exact backline set up as the artist) are transported togetherto the venue. Rooms and food are part of the writers as well. I see these bands as nothing more than glorified cover bands, but the perks are often better than when I was touring with a country artist. Go figure.
We are in rehearsals now, and have a time booked in May for us to make a video and recording for an EPK (electronic press kit, the new way of making a demo for all you old guys) in Minneapolis so we have a hard date to be ready for.
So this year should be a great ride and very excited that I can be on the ground floor on this project. The line up are all Pro's, two were in signed national acts, and the singer was inducted into my States Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a few years ago. (Yes they do have them) so I'm very humbled/gracious to be a part of this. It will be so much fun to get on stage, give it all I've got for an hour or so, and be done for the evening!
Cheers!
Let me clarify. There will be 6 bands at the one gig.. I am one of them.
