Tribute acts are better than the real thing

IN MY HUMBLE OPINION . . .:THE GUNS N' Roses at the O2 debacle was well documented: a petulant singer (the only remaining original member of the band) and outrageous time-keeping led the band to play a fractured gig that was almost 90 minutes late, followed by an interval of half an hour and finally, a half-hearted set to placate a dissatisfied crowd that had paid almost €80 each per ticket.

By contrast, tribute band Guns 2 Roses played that afternoon for free on a barge in Dublin. They played a generous selection of hits with passion, enthusiasm and precision. It’s easy to see which audience got the better deal.

The tribute versus real bands debate is especially relevant now that numerous acts are reforming and touring.

Thin Lizzy are playing early next year (February 17th), and The Bangles (October 4th), Supertramp (October 8th) and The Doobie Brothers (November 3rd) are playing soon. The Bangles, in fairness, have three of the four founding members, but Supertramp is missing two key players, Roger Hodgson on vocals and guitar and Bob Seibenberg (drums).

The Doobies have changed line-up so many times it’s hard to tell who will turn up. “Original” bands are often not much closer to the real thing than their cover bands.

The reasons for seeing tribute bands instead of their older equivalents are legion: they’re young and energetic; they’re motivated by love for the music and not by dwindling bank accounts; they’re generous with hits and don’t try to force new songs down your throat; and, of course, seeing them costs a fraction of the price – if there’s any cover charge.

Perhaps most importantly, tribute band gigs almost never end in disaster, which is more than one can say for Cat Stevens, The Nolans, Barbara Streisand or Guns N’ Roses.

There’s more than one way to hear your favourite songs live.