3 Great Elvis Presley Tributes!

The King is dead long live the King! Never has a phrase been uttered more truthfully than when referring to the master himself, Elvis Presley! Although popular when alive, the legend that is Elvis is now held in such high-esteem that he is quite possibly the most loved tribute act on the circuit today.

When looking at the UK there are at least 300 Elvis impersonators roaming the clubs and corporate circuit today. Then, multiply that by amount a gazillion (a genuine number!) in the USA... then triple a gazillion to give you 400 squibillion in Japan and you have an idea that, yep, he is still the King! In this case though, the king of tributes.

So, I thought that I'd knock up a quick top 3 list of the Elvis tribute singers I have stumbled across in my time that I view as the best that the UK currently has to offer. Feel free to agree, disagree or just put lots of spam and stuff in the comments box... anything would be nice though so I don't just feel that I am rambling inanely to myself :)

Right, onwards...

At number 3 I would like to say congratulations to.... Mark Keeley. Mark provides a show that will leave you safe in the knowledge that Elvis will be backed by "Good Rockin` Tonight", one of the most popular Rock`n`Roll bands on the circuit today, with the added feature of keyboards and backing singers. Check out Mark being The King here: http://www.markkeeley.com/elvis.php

Lee looks and sounds the part... the UKs best Elvis Tribute

At number 2..... It's our old friend Darren! I already talked quite a bit about Darren in an earlier blog, which you can find here, which also includes a video. Darren is truly awesome as an Elvis Presley tribute... but.... there can only be one number one... and, that place goes to.......

The Ultimate Elvis Presley Tribute... LEE! You have to watch Lee's videos, which you can by following this link: http://www.warble-entertainment.com/elvis-presley-tribute-lee

The best young Elvis Tribute act in the UK today, Lee has received awards on behalf of Elvis and modeled Elvis costumes for Elvis Presley Enterprises and appeared on many TV shows (such as 'Heartbeat') and toured the world in various Theatre Shows.

The King is dead, but long live Lee!

I thank you....

The Best Bands in Surrey

Anthem Band make number 2 for great bands in Surrey

Well, let's have a look at a specific region of the UK where there appears to be a huge amount of cover bands... Surrey! Why is Surrey such a popular haunt for musicians though? Well, proximity to London Town and also just how close it is to many venues, music colleges and general obvious things like that.

So, my particular penchant at the moment is towards cover bands that are around 3-4 piece (live drums for me is a MUST!) and in all honesty, male-fronted. Not sure why I prefer male, I think if I were to fully delve into it, it may just be that most of the bands and singers I listen to are male (The Beatles, Alice Cooper, Mott The Hoople etc....)... anyhoo, I digress...

So, the first band based in Surrey that I find particularly awesome is a band called The Daggers (www.thedaggersband.co.uk)! Wow! I mean for starters how can you not like a band with such a rock and fricking roll name!!! Anyhoo, the guys are based in Surrey and cover the whole of the South East for Weddings and Parties and any other kind of gathering where live music is required. The guys have a great set-list but focus on Brit-rock and Indie type tunes... thank the Lord... NO SUPERSTITION! YES! Here's a some tunes showing what the guys do best...


Next on my hitlist for great bands in Surrey is a band called Anthem (www.anthemband.co.uk). Anthem is another 4 piece male fronted band with live drums, guitar, bass and males vox. And, these are FUN, FUN, FUN!!! Anthem are young guys but don't let it fool you! I've seen them tearing it up with the best of them. They have bags of experience between them and can make the most hardened non-dancer crumble and bust the daftest of shapes. Ideal if you really want to get your guests interacting at a wedding or want to impress colleagues with the band you booked for your office Christmas party... yep, check Anthem out!

And, my final choice for awesome bands in Surrey is a 3 piece called The Hype (www.thehypeband.co.uk). This is one seriously talented band and you just have to read their past customer feedback to see just what they are all about. In addition, check the vids below to get an even better idea:

And there you have it. A few of my personal fave bands in Surrey... for more great options (not forgetting that these are all cover bands) check out this link:
http://www.warble-entertainment.com/live-music/function-bands/rock-and-pop-cover-bands-in-surrey

Until the next time my friends, keep rocking in the free world!

The Best Beatles Tribute Bands

Yep, the title of this blog deffo gives away what it is about :) But, what I can say, I'm a sucker for something easy and straightforward. So, anyway, yes... Beatles tribute bands. There are a lot out there, and when I say a lot I mean a lot. In fact, they must be one of the most covered tribute bands out there, which isn't bad considering how long ago it is that they called it a day!

I've looked around to see which Beatles bands I like the sound and look off and also watched videos, read reviews etc. and so thought I would pop up a list of the top 3 Beatles tribute bands that I came across. I shall start in reverse order and keep them to UK based acts only (I did actually stumble upon a fantastic one based in Argentina! But, figured it might not be easy to hire that band should you fall in love with them. In addition, I will also put value for money and price into the equation. For example, one Beatles band may be 'better' than another, but if their fee is worth taking into account it may mean they rank higher.

So, let us begin....

3. The Cheatles
Well, not only do these guys have a fantastic name for a tribute band to The Beatles but they also have the sound and look to back it up! Based in the North West UK (Rochdale if my memory serves me correctly) also places these guys at least in the right region(ish) to maintain an element of geo-authenticity.

The Cheatles have performed all over the UK and for lots and lots of corporate clients, festivals and private events, such as weddings etc. They definitely get my personal seal of approval as well because once upon a long ago they helped a friend out of a sticky situation who's band had let them down at the last minute. They were lovely, professional and genuinely nice blokes! So, great job The Cheatles! Check them out here...

2. Meet The Beatles
Meet the Beatles are one of my personal fave tributes to The Beatles. These guys have genuinely taken the time to get the right costumes, perfect the harmonies and also use all the original instruments that the guys used back in the day! In fact, such is their authenticity to the cause that the bassist who is right handed has even learnt to play the bass left-handed to get as close to aesthetically looking like Macca himself!

Another good thing about these guys is their fee! For the quality they are one of the most reasonably priced Beatles tribute bands out there. In fact, I have these guys booked for a charity event later this year as well :) Check the guys out here...

1. The Beatlez
The Beatlez are a London based tribute band and they have been my fave Beatles copycats for a good few years now! They used to have a video of them performing Revolution, that has since unfortuntaly disappeared, that was outstanding! But, just to give you a quick idea of their sound, check this out:

A truly professional outfit these guys have performed pretty much all over the world and are lovely to boot! They tribute, with startling detail every Beatles era - the early Rock 'n' Roll days right through to the'Let it Be' rooftop performance.

I would say that for a complete and authentic Beatles' tribute show, The Beatlez are world class and have even performed for high-profile celebrity parties (including Liam Gallagher of Oasis). Check the guys out here for more audio etc...

But, that's it! Just my opinion as always and of course I'm more than happy to hear from Beatles fans or bands with any further recommendations.

For any further tribute bands (Beatles or not) be sure to check out www.warble-entertainment.com

The King Amongst Cover Bands...

The Indie Killers

Good day! So, today I shall start to natter a little about cover bands and more slightly away from the tribute arena. Well, my fave cover band of the last few years is a Sussex based band called The Indie Killers.

Starting with basics, the band is an all male 3 piece group consisting of Drums, Bass/Vocals and Guitar/Vocals. Having seen these guys a few times I also know that there is a pretty good chance that you may also see one of the front men tinkling they keys a little every now and again. The band perform 2 amazing high energy sets of modern day classic Indie rock tracks and throw the odd one or 2 oldies per set as well (The Beatles, The Kinks, T-Rex, etc.). Besides performing contemproary dance floor fillers from bands like The Killers and Kings of Leon the guys also like to take a current pop hit and give it the Indie Killers treatment.

For example, check out their version of Firework by Katy Perry below:

>> Firework by The Indie Killers <<

What I particularly like about this cover band though is that they perform a show. It isn't just rattling through 2 sets and hoping the audience buy into it. They have a carefully structured set (don't get me wrong, that is open to change) and interact with guests quite literally by joining them on the dance floor or at their tables?! Yes, you read me right... the guys all use top-end wireless equipment and so at carefully chosen points of the night they leave the stage (whilst still playing) and take to the floor. Check out some of the piccies below to see just how interactive they can be :)

The other thing that the IKs have taken to doing lately is bringing audience members up on stage to form part of their backing singer entourage. It works a treat and the guests love to see people they know up on stage rocking the mic.

The band is based in Sussex but are more than happy to cover pretty much anywhere in the lower half of the UK. For the right event they will also travel to the ends of the earth :) They have already toured in Europe and performed as match day entertainment for some of rugby's biggest games... that means that they are officially a stadium performing cover band, and there aren't many that can claim that.

As an idea of the kind of things people who have seen The Indie Killers perform say, check out this feedback:

Chris and Chloe Gore, Wedding Event, Lancashire "Words can not express the love we have for this band! Having had some lovely emails and great communication from Damo, they traveled all the way from Brighton to play at our wedding yesterday in Chipping, Lancashire! Bang on time and so lively and chirpy after a long trip. We are so glad we chose them. WHAT A SHOW! So professional yet like best friends. We had the most wonderful evening and the lads made in complete. They didn't even mind me jumping up on stage! Cracking lads, do not hesitate to book them. I'm going to book again at any opportunity! Love to you all and best wishes and so many thanks xxxx"

And, this is just one of absolutely LOADS!

So, The Indie Killers are my recommendation of the day for a great covers band. If you like modern energetic songs, fun, a touch of cool and total and utter crowd interaction... check them out now :)

The Best Tribute Band Names

The Rolling Clones

Just as a quick little blog I thought I'd do a quick top 5 list of the best tribute band names I have come across over the years.... there are so many great ones to choose from that I am a little spoiled for choice, but here goes:

5. Are We Them? A Tribute to REM
It has to be said, I never thought I'd miss REM until they went away. They were just always there through my years as both a musician and a punter and I caught a good few tribute bands dedicated to them over the years (Stipe being the best). But, as far as names go, I think 'Are We Them?' is just great :)

4. Motorheadache - A Tribute to Motorhead
Still going strong and louder than ever this is one AWESOME tribute to the great Motorhead. Here's a link to their website: http://motorheadache.co.uk/ Motorheadache was the first UK based tribute to Lemmy and Motorhead. Set up in August 2003, Motorheadache played over 700 gigs across the UK and abroad until June 2010. A simply apt monicker and so I can't say anymore really :)

3. By Jovi - A Tribute to Bon Jovi
I'm pretty sure that these guys are no longer going - I think the lead singer is still in a Bon Jovi tribute but I wouldn't swear. I caught these guys a few times at a club in Crewe called The Limelight. Great band, great venue and great name purely by it's simplicity. (If anybody knows if the singer is still going let me know because he was awesome and I'd like to see any new BJ tribute he was fronting.)

2. The Rolling Clones - A Tribute to the Rolling Stones
How can you ignore the genius of this name! As far as tribute bands go it doesn't get much better than this. I mean, a tribute to the Rolling Stones and they are taking them off... hence Clones! I know, I know, you didn't need it explaining :) I just felt I needed to justify my choice for this at number 2 :) Great band, still going strong and very, very good live! Check them out here...

Drum Roll please.... so, is number one going to be the Thrash Metal ABBA tribute called Abbatoir? Is it going to be the AC/DC tribute AB/CD, or, will it be the all female Led Zeppelin tribute called Lez Zeppelin? Actually no... it's...

1. Ironically Maiden - A Tribute to Iron Maiden
It's my blog so it's my choice :) haha, I love this name though. I actually bought one of their T-shirts a fair few years ago after seeing them so much was I impressed with both the name and the performance. They were a great band (I don't think they are still going but feel free to let me know otherwise) and really blew the roof off one of my local venues... "Scream for me Crewe!" And how we screamed.

Anyway, that's your lot! Feel free to comment on any other great tribute band names you happen to have come across cos they do make me chuckle.

Also, and I only found this out today, if you are looking to find tribute bands Ticketmaster have a section you can look at. But, do let me know of any other great sites and anything else.

Mick Hucknall Meet Elvis Presley...!

OK, so I'm going to get this going somehow and here's the start... and, it's strange. Well, at least when you read it or write it down it does. Last year I was lucky enough to be invited to a Golf Club in Louth, Lincolnshire to watch a tribute called Darren Alboni. Now, Darren is a git... well, that's my term for him because he is just so talented that he goes above being just good.

A good few years ago Darren appeared on 'Stars in their Eyes' as Simply Red's Mick Hucknall. And just to show how long ago it was, Leslie Crowther was still  hosting the show!

Pretty impressive huh. Well, Darren really is a fantastic live singer and from the way he worked the limited performance space, a consummate professional. I'm not a big Simply Red fan, so the songs didn't really do anything for me, but Darren himself executes the songs in such a way that you can feel the emotion of the tracks and there really are some 'hairs standing up on your neck' moments at just the right times. Great stuff...

Songs performed included: A New Flame, Aint That A Lot Of Love, Every Time We Say Goodbye, Fairground, For Your Babies, Holding Back The Years, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Moneys Too Tight, Something Got Me Started, Stars, The Right Thing and a couple more I can't remember.

So, after 45 minutes of watching Darren perform a tribute to Mick Hucknall he took a short break before returning to the stage as... ELVIS! Yep, that's what I was wondering... how could a Mick Hucknall tribute singer come out and do a tribute to the King himself?

Well, I have to be honest, he pulled it off brilliantly. I love Elvis, Elvis really is the King to me and after growing up on a diet of everything from the early stuff to the Vegas years I do feel in a good position to pass a little judgement. Darren was great! Even now thinking back about it I can't get over that he could do such a great performance to Simply Red and then come out again clad in leather and pull off such a convincing Elvis tribute!

It was clear as well that it wasn't just me who was enjoying the show because everyone was singing dancing and showing all the signs of having a great time.

Songs that got everyone in the mood for a great time included: That's Alright Mama, Wonder of you, I Just Can't Help Believing, Suspicious Minds, Always On My Mind, Burning love, Devil in Disguise, Teddy Bear,  My Way, Can't Help Falling in Love, Viva Las Vegas, A Little Less Conversation, Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes.... and I think that was it :)

Here's a video of Darren performing as Mick Hucknall on 'Stars in their Eyes' and there is also one of Darren as Elvis below as well.

I didn't get any footage myself on the night as I was actually far too busy just enjoying myself and getting lost in the awesomeness of Darren as Elvis. Surprisingly enough, the Mick Hucknall part of the show proved a great warm-up so as odd as it may sound, it worked brilliantly.

Anyway, if anyone is interested on learning more about Darren, and I would heartily recommend you do becasue these 2 tributes are just the tip of the iceberg... again, I reiterate... GIT! check out his website here: www.theultimatetribute.co.uk

So, What's This All About?

Queen... always a very popular tribute act

First of all, hello! My name is Matt and I have recently got into this blogging thing. Why? Well, because I can basically prattle on and have a bit of a break from working. My job is pretty full-on and so it can be hard to find distractions. However, live music and live bands have always been a massive passion and so I figure that as I can't always get to actually go and see them (cash flow, time, other commitments etc.) I might as well write a bit about what I have seen, will be seeing and who has affected me in past years....

But....

I am only going to write about tribute bands and cover bands. Why? Well, there are a lot of reasons. First of all, these kind of bands and performers can be seen pretty inexpensively and also locally. I reckon that unless a massive effort to book accommodation (unless you live close to a venue) and travel a bit I could put money on the fact that the best nights out YOU have ever had that have involved live music have been with these kind of bands. Am I right?

It's pretty amazing to go and see a band like Bon Jovi or to witness the spectacle that is Lady Gaga, but the cost, normally pretty crappy seats, massively expensive drink prices, in-the-middle-of-nowhere locations, and queues to get in and out of the venue can make it all a bit of a buzz-killing experience.

Don't get me wrong, I love going to these kind of gigs. But, compared to a local venue where you can get to the venue on foot after having a couple of nice drinks locally, pay a reasonable price to help support live music and a local venue, buy competitively priced grog all night and then listen and watch a group of guys and girls who work really hard to give you a great night's entertainment. It can't be beat.

Specifically, I've seen some amazing tribute bands over the last few years and I've been witness to awesome cover bands* as well. And, whilst there have been some pretty dross ones I don't want to concentrate on them, positivity breeds positivity and so I will only be blogging about the good, the great and the colossal.

Now I don't claim to be a writer in any sense of the word so sometimes you may catch me rambling. I'll try to reign myself in as much as I can, but if I lose track, then I apologise now.

I want to support live music and live bands as much as I possibly can, and if I can do that by talking about it and encouraging you lovely folk to turn the X-Factor off, get up and get out I reckon we may just have a chance.

So, on with the show...

*Incidentally, by cover bands I mean bands that play other peoples songs and not their own compositions. A tribute band by comparison would be somebody who play a specific artist's music. For example, an Elvis tribute would perform only Elvis songs, whereas a cover band may play the odd Elvis song, but would also play tracks by The Beatles, The Killers etc. In addition, and more often than not, a band or performer dubbing themselves as a tribute band will also go that extra mile to try to look like the artist being mimicked and also do everything to sound as close to them as possible. Just to clarify :)