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Tribute bands - looks

Its been said, a successful tribute who actually "pays tribute to" said artist does it 100%. Look, sound, the whole recreation of the band, an era, a show, an event. To be successful, ie, good pay, good venues, good crowds and good feedback requires you to do it well.
The market is flooded with cover bands calling themselves tributes to make the money. Often theyre lazy or even fake about itcto begin with. I do it out of love and respect so its important to be as authentic as i can.
 
Hi,

Sorry I'm in late, just wanted to share this right quick.

I am auditioning for a couple of tribute bands from the 80s, but I admit I am kind of conservative looking. It's always been my thought that other than the lead vocalist and guitarist, no one really cares how closely you resembles the original members, as long as you dress the part. Thoughts?

If it's a "tribute" and not an "impersonation" then I've always been in the "look the part" school of thought. In my tribute act I sing the parts of Johnny Cash, Julio Iglesias, Merle Haggard, and Ray Charles. I don't look like any of these people but I wear nice stage clothes that fit the show.

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Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff
 
it's situational. For same bassists, no it doesn't matter. it depends how iconic the band AND the members. I don't think anyone cares if you look like Ross Vallory or not, but your singer should be able to cop Steve Perry. yes, in a U2 tribute, you DO need a Bono and The Edge to look the part. Hardly anyone but uber-fans care if you cop Larry Mullins and Adam Clayton look-wise. Other bands, everyone should look the part (Beatles, ACDC, Fleetwood Mac come to mind, among others). Again, it's so situational depending on the tribute

There is no one on this entire planet who looks like Mick Fleetwood.
 
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I am auditioning for a couple of tribute bands from the 80s, but I admit I am kind of conservative looking. It's always been my thought that other than the lead vocalist and guitarist, no one really cares how closely you resembles the original members, as long as you dress the part. Thoughts?
I would think that part of being in a tribute band is looking like the band. I mean, you don't have to wear silver spandex pants or anything like that, but I would definitely try to cop some of the artist's more conservative stage attire.

...Come to think of it, that's really the BL's call. If he wants you in spandex leggings for the gig, you should do it - assuming he's compensating you adequately for that kinds of humiliation.
 
I would think that part of being in a tribute band is looking like the band. I mean, you don't have to wear silver spandex pants or anything like that, but I would definitely try to cop some of the artist's more conservative stage attire.

...Come to think of it, that's really the BL's call. If he wants you in spandex leggings for the gig, you should do it - assuming he's compensating you adequately for that kinds of humiliation.
Theirs no humiliation when the crowd loves you, the band gets paid/treated well and they book you back.
 
I guess, for me, the question is, is it a tribute band, or a cover band that's focusing on nailing the sound and overall feel of one particular group? I may be in the minority here, but I don't care if a cover band looks like who they're covering. I just care how authentic they sound. And I think it's super cheesy - sometimes painful - when some guys really go all-out to "look the part". But that's just me.
 
I am auditioning for a couple of tribute bands from the 80s, but I admit I am kind of conservative looking. It's always been my thought that other than the lead vocalist and guitarist, no one really cares how closely you resembles the original members, as long as you dress the part. Thoughts?
I was in a Collective Soul tribute band a few years back. Made no effort to look like them as they have no distinguishable look.
 
In any case OP, don't sweat costumes or wigs. No sane bandleader is going to turn you down on based on whether or not you wear a costume to an audition.
Sound great and be a good person. If you happen to look a little like the guy, that's a bonus. And maybe you would lose out to a guy who has the same abilities but looks like a supermodel. But it wouldn't be over costumes and wigs.
 
Yeah as noted, this ALL depends on which band is being tribbed. If fans know all the players, and all those players' looks, then you have to at least try. I was in a successful Clapton trib for six years. Didn't matter what I looked like.

I never cared for Journey or Foreigner, so I have no idea who those guys are and whether fans know each members' looks.
 
In any case OP, don't sweat costumes or wigs. No sane bandleader is going to turn you down on based on whether or not you wear a costume to an audition.
Sound great and be a good person. If you happen to look a little like the guy, that's a bonus. And maybe you would lose out to a guy who has the same abilities but looks like a supermodel. But it wouldn't be over costumes and wigs.
Absolutely. As long as your willing to do what it takes i would show up and nail the parts thats it.
 
I'm in a Blondie tribute and you definitely want to look the part as much as possible. I don't wear a wig because getting a short tight perm on my head seems nearly impossible, but I try to wear clothes that reflect the band if not exactly the clothes he would wear.

Regarding matching instruments, Harrison played all kinds of different instruments; I think people just wanna see something cool that fits the era. I don't think there's a ton of people that know to look for a particular signature bass or whatever.
 
I'm in a Blondie tribute and you definitely want to look the part as much as possible. I don't wear a wig because getting a short tight perm on my head seems nearly impossible, but I try to wear clothes that reflect the band if not exactly the clothes he would wear.

Regarding matching instruments, Harrison played all kinds of different instruments; I think people just wanna see something cool that fits the era. I don't think there's a ton of people that know to look for a particular signature bass or whatever.
No, but those bookings agents and whomever is looking at your EPK and YouTube videos look at things like that.
 
If you deliver the goods, a conservative look should not disqualify you. Some of the very best studio and all purpose session men look like corporate accountants. Worst choice would be a poser.
Sorry but it makes a big difference in tribute bands its not about being a poser and all that, its about living up the expectations of ehat you've chosen to do. This is exactly why here in Detroit there are all kinds of trubute bands playing for the door or even selling tix. Its a whole different deal and the usual "integrity " doesn't apply