The Real Reason Why Bands Play the Same Old Tired Covers

[Wolffgang]

Oooops, type-o. Sorry about that all.

Pfft everyone knows Bob Dylan songs don't count until someone covers them

 

[socialleper]

There are several types of cover bands. Hence the many varied responses to the Mustang Sally theory! LOL. I def don't expect a Metal crowd to know anything about Mustang Sally!

*** is there to know about Mustang Sally? Just because I like and play metal doesn't mean I haven't heard that song so many times its insane. Its time to Old Yeller that song and the chain of standards that go with it.

 

[lfmn16]

There are several types of cover bands. Hence the many varied responses to the Mustang Sally theory! LOL. I def don't expect a Metal crowd to know anything about Mustang Sally!

Good Point. I'm thinking typical bar band. Although when I played in a classic country band, we started playing Mustang Sally and the dance floor was packed with people singing along. This was in between Haggard, George Strait, George Jones and Hank, Sr.

 

[DWBass]

As an Australian having just listened to Wagon Wheel after seeing it mentioned here on TB for like a year, I would play the hell out of this song. Probably skip that half-time chorus and keep it to a lean 3:30.

Nice song but not a part of the demographic I've played for. That's some straight up country music

Who's top 40? That's the problem isn't it? These bands are playing "Top 40" from 40 years ago because they can't wrap their heads around anything on the radio now. They're buried themselves in nostalgia and are killing themselves in the long run. When that audience fades away, what's going to be left? My generation doesn't want to go see cover bands because we've been alienated by the selection of tired music, and my kids certainly won't care.
Short term gains for long term extinction is how I see it.

Well that's part of it. But Top40 Variety should include music from all eras. I personally subscribe to that model. But not all cover musicians get it. Or just can't. It certainly limits my desired opportunities. I'm not in a band now because of this. I'm very picky! I can't play with folks who will not give 100% to the band's direction. And if you can't mix it up, what's the point?!

 

[smogg]

Hence, know your demographic. I'm not playing Mustang Sally to a 35 and under audience. That's why a cover band has to learn 100's of songs both older and newer. Partner up with a DJ who knows what's hot. Do your homework! I think this is where the laziness comes in for many bands!

THIS... the set list in my "rock" cover band is dominated by rock tunes from the 90's on up. We do have some tunes from the 70's & 80's scattered through out. This bands target market is under 40 and we try to avoid the "standards". This band rehearses twice a month to bring in new tunes and the list slowly continues to grow.

I also do fill work for an old school country band. Their idea of rocking it up is Mustang Sally. The band members are older players enjoying their retirement. They do not play "bars" at all. They only do private lodges and club houses in adult only communities (over 55). This band does not rehearse and does not bring in new material that I can tell.

Both bands do well in their perspective markets but are not interchangeable by any means. I prefer the rock gig. The old school gig is courtesy to a friend and easy money if I have nothing else going on. So I whole heartedly agree with "know your demographic."

 

[DWBass]

*** is there to know about Mustang Sally? Just because I like and play metal doesn't mean I haven't heard that song so many times its insane. Its time to Old Yeller that song and the chain of standards that go with it.

You may know it. But is it a part of the metal demographic? That's my point. It is what it is. It's all good. I don't LOVE the song myself but I'll play it.

 

[Kmonk]

The real reason why bands play the same old tired covers? Lazy musicians. Over the years, I have been surprised at how many musicians cannot put in the time to learn a tune. It could be that they don't have time, don't have the ability, don't want to learn one for whatever reason, think they can wing it, etc. But, in the end, they don't learn the tune, so we have to punt and do a tired-old cover instead because everyone already knows it.

There's lots of older, experienced musicians who still play the same stuff that they played decades ago and think that Bon Jovi is modern rock. There's guys who think they can wing it, and it can work until you get the bridge that follows a different chord progression. There's guys who think a song is just 3 chords, so they don't bother to learn the harmonies, dynamic changes, etc. because they think it's easy. Yes, it's easy, but you can still suck at it. There's players who don't even touch their instrument outside of a practice or gig. And I can go on and on about the various issues, but it still comes down to effort, and there's lots of musicians who won't put in the effort.

Luckily, in my current band through some lineup changes, we have folks who will actually learn a tune. What I've learned is that there's lots of covers that aren't being played that go over well. It's just that you need to spend a little time listening to the tune and learning it. And it's usually not a tune you learned in the garage 20 years ago. No-one specifically requests Brown Eyed Girl, Mustang Sally, Sweet Home Alabama, and lots of other tired covers from my band. Although we could do those tunes, none of them go over as well as the songs that lots of cover bands don't do that we do such as 'Impression That I Get' by the Bosstones or Reel Big Fish's version of 'Take On Me'.

And outside of my band, I've seen several examples too. Although 'American Girl' and 'Free Falling' by Tom Petty go over well, so does 'Running Down a Dream', 'Don't Do Me Like That', and 'The Waiting'. The way bands cover Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, Skynyrd, and other iconic Classic Rock Bands, you'd think they only had 2-3 hit songs. But they actually had a bunch of them, but too many bands gravitate towards the 1-2 easiest songs they do. And even though Steely Dan had a bunch of radio hits, very few bands play their material because it takes some effort to learn. Actually, there's lots of hit songs that would go over well that are left on the table because people won't bother learning it.

Musicians put a lot of blame on the audiences, and sure they are part of the equation, but I don't buy it that it's the majority of the problem. The tired covers are like McDonalds, people eat there because it's convenient, cheap, and they know what to expect. But, it's rarely their favorite place to eat. I've heard plenty of musicians complain about apathetic audiences, but if you're being lazy and apathetic, they will pick up on that. Expecting audiences to be passionate about your apathy is pretty narcissistic and unrealistic, IMO. Although I've seen some non-tired covers clear a floor, I've seen so many of them work out well that I feel they are worthwhile doing. A song can be a hit, recognizable, and easy to dance to without being one that every band does.

In addition to lazy musicians, lazy and unimaginative promoters and booking agents contribute to the phenomena I call "same band, different name". Booking agents especially tend to be more conservative in their dealings and are loathe to take risks. For example, even though Modern Country has become mainstream and audiences are craving it, most booking agents will book another 80s-90s Rock cover band over a solid Country act.

Anyway, that's my rant.

I agree with much of what you said but not all. Cover bands playing the same tired songs has been a pet peeve of mine for many years. If a band does Aerosmith, they almost always play "Mam Kin", "Walk This Way" or "Sweet Emotion". Wouldn't be great to see a band do "Rats In The Cellar" , "No More, No More" or something else that is well known. If they play Bad Co, its usually "Can't Get Enough". There are plenty of other great songs such as "Movin' On". Lynyrd Skynyrd cover is always "Sweet Home Alabama". Why not play "That Smell" or "Workin' For MCA".

Where I disagree is that you believe it is due to laziness. It doesn't take any more time to learn the same tired songs as it does a new one (unless you have been playing that song forever, but even then, the band has learn to play it together). I think its more due to the false perception that they play what the audience wants to hear and are afraid to take risks. My friend is the lead signer of a band that does Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, Steve Miller and so on. They play Cheap Trick's version of "Don't Be Cruel", Aerosmith "Walkin' The Dog", Steve Miller "Jet Airliner". They even do Nick Gilder's "Hot Child In The City" and the audience loves it. I once saw a band do The Archies "Sugar Sugar". The dance floor was packed and they had the audience's attention all night. Another issue is that many musicians play songs that they like and falsely believe that if they like it, the audience will too. My band has a rule. We play a new song at three different venues, if it doesnt go over well, we drop it no matter how much we like it.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Again, I think we are WAY off OP. The point is not learning new songs. Whether or not you want to stick to more well-known songs, or shoot for B-side "nuggets" (I love to find songs that people don't remember, but love them when you play them), you should be learning more songs, both individually and as a band.

 

[marmadaddy]

Exactly, I'm not talking about obscure covers or overly technical songs, I'm talking about hit songs that are dance tunes. There's a lot of them, and a lot of them are left on the table. We treat iconic Rock bands as if they were one hit wonders.

I agree with Jive 100%. My last couple of bands have been pretty successful including songs that no other bands in the area play. It just requires some forethought and a little work. For me it also makes it a lot more fun. People that go to see cover bands don't necessarily want to hear the sames songs all of the time, they just want to hear songs they know, played well.

A good guideline is "Learn what you like, keep what they like". Also, don't be afraid to pick songs out of your usual genre and come up with your own arrangement. Coming up with a totally new arrangement for older songs can be musically rewarding and it's worked pretty well for me commercially.

 

[PullThePlug]

A local band covered Cheap Trick's take on "Ain't it a Shame," with the long drum intro, bass buildup, cheesy guitars and such. It filled the room and folks were certainly stoked to hear it over "I Want You to Want Me"

 

[pklima]

Sure, a lot of bands (and venue managers who want live music) are too lazy, risk-averse, and old-fashioned. Plus they just plain hate a whole lot of popular music, even old stuff like the Archies or MC Hammer. Once you eliminate stuff musicians hate, stuff too slow to dance to, stuff that's too obscure and stuff too far outside your genre there might not be much left. That's why so many bands learned "Get Lucky" - it was really the only big hit that year which was retro enough for them to recognize as "real music" and tolerate.

Laziness and "good taste" are a deadly combination.

This is why I like doing a few songs for the annual Christmas party - we end up with a lot of female singers in their 20s and do songs they want rather than the songs most of the musicians want. We might be lazy and not very good, but at least we get to do Spice Girls, Haddaway, La Bouche, Gusttavo Lima and other stuff that bands don't want. John Travolta and Olivia Newton John is probably the closest we're getting to a typical rock cover band this year.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

Next time you're out, and a cover band plays Yer Blues, I Know a Little, Rock and Roll Hoochie Coo, or Miss You, do me a favor and videotape it. I have never, in all my 51 years, heard any of these songs in a bar.

Those aren't the only ones you listed. I have either played or heard the following songs in clubs around my town. Sorry to tell you, Mr. Mellowinman, but the whole world doesn't revolve around you and your band.

Aerosmith- Ten Inch Record
Beatles - While my Guitar Gently Weeps, Don't Let me Down
Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
Pink Floyd - Money
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird, Sweet Home Alabama, Gimme Three Steps)
Rolling Stones - Miss You
Allman Brothers - Whipping Post
Foghat - Slow Ride
Rick Derringer - Rock and Roll Hoochie Coo

 

[mellowinman]

Sorry to tell you, Mr. Mellowinman, but the whole world doesn't revolve around you and your band.

I never said it did. What is it with you guys who read all this BS into my posts? Our set list largely has a good bunch of selections that are not played in this market. I don't need to get out more; in fact, I probably need to get out less, because the bar scene has nothing to offer me, as I do not drink, and have better things to do than hang out with people while they party.

So no need to apologize. I am fine, thank you.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

I never said it did. What is it with you guys who read all this BS into my posts? Our set list largely has a good bunch of selections that are not played in this market. I don't need to get out more; in fact, I probably need to get out less, because the bar scene has nothing to offer me, as I do not drink, and have better things to do than hang out with people while they party.

So no need to apologize. I am fine, thank you.

Maybe your know it all attitude has something to do with it. Sorry if the truth hurts.

 

[DavC]

In my current band we went out of our way to do really cool songs from the 70s that just aren't typically done, because they are way more work-
songs like "I am your Captain" by Grand Funk, Green Eyed Lady, The Seeker, My Wife, Bridge of Sighs, etc... these songs aren't 3 chord masterpieces.

Some people dig it but most do not. Particularly younger generation types.
IMHO- it has to be a popular song to work, or maybe these types of songs only work in small doses intermingled with the typical suspects.

I agree with throwing in some more different and cool older tunes ... as my bands always did ... but like any Retail/Sales type of situation , it boils down to a supply/demand issue ... gotta play what folks wanna hear and dance to , ... if they in a bar to hear a Cover band ... those ringing cash registers pay the bills ...

you really can play a lot of the same old crap and throw in more interesting things if you put your mind to it ... they need to be placed carefully in the setlist also ...

 

[mellowinman]

Maybe your know it all attitude has something to do with it. Sorry if the truth hurts.

I don't have a know it all attitude. Nothing I post has any "attitude" at all. I just share information, from my perspective. No "truth" today.

 

[ColonelZulu]

 

[DWBass]

I still say its because of tired old audiences. They won't give up on the old stuff. The Boomers still think they are relevant.

They will find a band that caters to them. But honestly, a GOOD variety band, that plays everything well, at a moderate volume level will win over any audience! I saw a band over the summer (Borderline Crazy, http://www.borderlinecrazyband.com/) that played mostly stuff I never listen to but the band was tight, entertaining with a killer lead vocalist. The band is so good, they are booked solid, almost nightly well into next year. Now if I liked them, imagine the folks they play to regularly.......

By the way, I'm not a Rush fan but I like Tom Sawyer and when they kicked into that, I was shocked at how well and authentic it sounded. Sung by the drummer in Geddy's vocal range.

 

[buldog5151bass]

The gentleman (Stealth Fighter) is certainly entitled to his opinion.

 

[Toolmybass]

Maybe your know it all attitude has something to do with it. Sorry if the truth hurts.

+1

"What song is it you wanna hear?".....
Not your band butchering a Skynyrd tune!