There seems to be a growing popularity in Celebrity tribute bands. I've certainly noticed it in the Portland music market. I think there are a couple reasons why tribute artists are on the rise.

One reason, the economy. Live music has dwindled dramatically over the years. It started with MADD, then karaoke and finally the recent economic crunch. People are staying home, being entertained (in various ways) on their computer, watching DVD's, TV or just unwilling to spend the money it costs to go out for the night. When they do go see live music, most want to stay in one place, be entertained or see a show. That's where tribute bands come into the picture. Gone are the days when the majority of people go out for the night bar hopping. You can go out and see a tribute artist or tribute band that is truly close to the original - for next to nothing and genuinely be entertained. If they're good, it's a well spent, modest investment. Don't we all have favorite musicians or bands we'd love to see resurrected?

I believe another reason for the growing popularity of tribute bands is the money they're paid. Over the last 20 years, I haven't seen much of a rise in prices paid to a regular rock, country or blues band. It's unbelieveable. With inflation, musicians are making LESS than they did a couple decades ago. It's unfair, but true. No longer can most musicians make a living without having a "day job." Gone are the 5 - 6 day a week music gigs that many Top 40 rock bands paid the bills with. In this day and age your band had better have a following, a website and be on facebook just to get a gig. Tribute bands have an edge. People feel they already "know" them.

The music business is fickle and musicians are the most critical audience. The public isn't. The average person knows very little about "great musicianship." If you're a band that "entertains," most of the time, you have a better chance at gaining popularity AND a following than a band that is musicially superior. I know this is going to tick off a few musicians but it's just the truth. I should know, I've been a booking agent for 25 years. This is where the tribute artist has the edge. If they're good, the audience can sit back and feel like they're at a private concert without the excessive hordes of people and limited parking. If they're not, you can just be glad you didn't spend a fortune to see them.