Speaking as a guy who has been in a successful tribute band (AC/DC) for 5 years, I know a little about the topic. It CAN be really fun and lucrative, but it really depends on the selection of band/artist you are tributing as much as the ability to look and sound like the band.
So as far as Rush, I've seen a couple of very good ones (sound, not looks). Very impressive. Unfortunately, they have a hard time getting bookings. Only uber-fans really want to see a show like that. And that won't fill up most places or get you great bookings at big venues or festivals, unfortunately.
The only tributes that seem to work consistently are those that done with iconic bands that had many many hits over a fairly long period of time and appeal to a wide wide audience (ages, genders, etc). And really looking the part helps too, no matter what people say. Saw an EXCELLENT Zep tribute a couple of weeks ago. I was so impressed by the look and the sound of that band.
And I've seen many very fine tributes that look and sound like the band, but the band they are doing just hasn't too narrow of appeal and it doesn't "work." Rush would fall into this category, unfortunately. And yeah I'm an uber-fan. For decades now.
So I guess it depends on what your goal is? Just to do a band you love, no matter where you're playing or for how much? Or for great bookings and good money? If you're in it for the former, go for it. For the latter? you're unlikely to get there. As popular as Rush is in a way, they are still an older-guy, niche band that had exactly one top ten hit in the US and that was more than 30 years ago.
On a different note, I just saw their current tour last saturday night. I have to say, i was a tad disappointed. Too long. Too much current stuff. Too much obscure stuff. Ignored a lot of their iconic songs. Impressive sound, light and video show however. but they are NOT the same band I first saw on the Permanent Waves tour. They are quite different.
So as far as Rush, I've seen a couple of very good ones (sound, not looks). Very impressive. Unfortunately, they have a hard time getting bookings. Only uber-fans really want to see a show like that. And that won't fill up most places or get you great bookings at big venues or festivals, unfortunately.
The only tributes that seem to work consistently are those that done with iconic bands that had many many hits over a fairly long period of time and appeal to a wide wide audience (ages, genders, etc). And really looking the part helps too, no matter what people say. Saw an EXCELLENT Zep tribute a couple of weeks ago. I was so impressed by the look and the sound of that band.
And I've seen many very fine tributes that look and sound like the band, but the band they are doing just hasn't too narrow of appeal and it doesn't "work." Rush would fall into this category, unfortunately. And yeah I'm an uber-fan. For decades now.
So I guess it depends on what your goal is? Just to do a band you love, no matter where you're playing or for how much? Or for great bookings and good money? If you're in it for the former, go for it. For the latter? you're unlikely to get there. As popular as Rush is in a way, they are still an older-guy, niche band that had exactly one top ten hit in the US and that was more than 30 years ago.
On a different note, I just saw their current tour last saturday night. I have to say, i was a tad disappointed. Too long. Too much current stuff. Too much obscure stuff. Ignored a lot of their iconic songs. Impressive sound, light and video show however. but they are NOT the same band I first saw on the Permanent Waves tour. They are quite different.
