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Top 10 Fanatical Tribute Bands

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What’s the story with tribute bands anyways? Often the musicians playing in tribute bands are amazing musicians in their own right so why are they devoting their energy to copying someone else? Is it the ultimate compliment, a cash grab, or just a lack of original material? Playing in a tribute band takes more dedication than just being in a cover band; in fact, many tribute band members seem to have made the leap from fan over to fanatical.

The really good tribute bands celebrate their love for a specific musical group together with their audiences. They are motivated by love, not just money. They also have that little extra something that sets them apart from the many other tribute acts out there. Here are my top ten tribute bands:

Guidelines I used:

  1. 100% tribute band (not too many other covers, no original songs)
  2. Active (if I didn’t see recent activity, I disqualified them)
  3. Tribute to a band, not a single performer
  4. Musicianship (must actually sing and play instruments)
  5. Can not contain any members of the original band

2012 UPDATE:

People are still commenting on this list 4 years later, I loved writing this list so I thought I’d give it a facelift. I replaced 2 videos that were not working any more (Westend Girls and Bjorn Again) and I built a Tribute Band YouTube playlist where I will continue to collect videos of the fantastic talent you share in the comments. – Tanya.

10. Fan Halen (Van Halen)


So that’s what David Lee Roth is doing now… Just kidding! He sure looks like David Lee Roth, if David Lee Roth had a time machine. I bet he is trying to find one so he can go back to the old days. Hopefully Axel Rose finds it first.

9. Lez Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin)


(“All Girls All Zeppelin” www.myspace.com/lezzeppelin) They made the list because they are working their butts off touring like crazy right now and because I listened to their stuff and it’s very good. But most importantly, their name is hee-har-hilarious!

8. Pink Fraud (Pink Floyd)

They focus on Pink Floyd circa 1968-1979. According to their website, the use “authentic period clothing and equipment, and [stay] true to the bands arrangements and touring line-ups” to “create the suspension of belief for fans who were there at the time, and offer the original experience to new fans.” They wouldn’t normally make my list just for looking and sounding exactly like Pink Floyd but I’m including them because they’ve been kicking it pink style for over twenty years and also their band name is both funny and painfully honest.

7. BC/DC (AC/DC)

This band hailing from British Columbia (B.C.) Canada insists they are not a tribute band but the real thing and that AC/DC is actually a tribute band of BC/DC’s. Those wacky kids! Also, going by the video above, the guitar player wears a cow costume on stage. Weird. (www.bcdc.ca)

6. Gabba (ABBA/The Ramones)


They play Abba songs in the style of the Ramones. Or is it the other way around? Hard to tell from their song names: “Surfing Queen,” “The Pinhead Takes it All,” “Hej Ho Disco.” (www.gabba.co.uk)

5. Mini Kiss (Kiss)


At first I wasn’t going to include this one because their Wikipedia article said they didn’t play their own instruments but after watching a few videos I’m pretty sure that they are playing them. There is also apparently a rivalry between this band and another Kiss tribute band featuring little people, which makes them even more interesting. (www.minikissonline.com)

4. The West End Girls (Pet Shop Boys)

Two Swedish women covering Pet Shop Boys songs. Very euro-pop, funny, yet catchy. Hmmmm, kind of like the band they are emulating? (www.westendgirls.se)

3. Beatallica (Beatles/Metallica)

Songs such as “Hey Dude” and “…And Justice for all my loving” how could these guys not be on the list? Just look at them! (www.beatallica.org)

2. The Bootleg Beatles (The Beatles)


In 1982 the Bootleg Beatles became “the first western rock group to ever tour the USSR” (www.bootlegbeatles.com). There are a lot of Beatles tribute bands out there that go to a lot of trouble to look and sound just like the originals; however this is the only one that also made rock’n’roll history! And, in true crazy tribute style, the Bootleg Beatles arrived for their US tour from London exactly 20 years after their favorite group – on Pan Am flight 01A on February 7, 1984. Coincidence? I doubt it.

1. Bjorn Again (Abba)

Began as a tribute band in 1988 and is now, from what I understand, somewhat of a franchise with several versions performing all over the world simultaneously. According to their website www.bjornagain.com, their band is “not labeled a “tribute” or a “copy” but seen as a band in it’s own right”. Well, I’m going to go ahead and still call them a tribute since they perform Abba songs, dress like Abba and have names based on the original Abba members (Björn Volvo-us, Benny Anderwear, Frida Longstokin and Agnetha Falstart). They have earned the number one spot on this list for several reasons: their longevity (20 years and counting!), their arrival at Heathrow Airport dressed in full costume for their UK tour, one of their songs made the UK Charts, and the fact that band Nirvana had them added to the line up for the Reading Festival. Oh, and they have toured with the real versions of Cher and Shania Twain.

Honorable mentions (did not meet criteria)

Hayseed Dixie – AC/DC tribute to AC/DC songs with a country spin. They also have a lot of their own original material so not qualified.

Iron Maidens – All female tribute to Iron Maiden. Has not played a show since 2007 so disqualified.

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against the Machine – www.richardcheese.com He does a variety of rock covers (not just Rage Against the Machine) but all in a cheesy lounge style. Awesome.

No Way Sis (Oasis) – Hit UK charts with cover of “I’d like to teach the world to sing” in Oasis style. Signed a 5 album deal with EMI but could not find evidence they still exist.

Apocalyptica and Dread Zeppelin

Sources: Wikipedia and websites included in list, as well as: www.tribute-band.com, www.canadiantributebands.com

Check out our growing collection of tribute bands at our TopTenz YouTube Channel:

Tribute Band Playlist

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108 Comments

  1. Ricky M'coy on

    Re: Van Halen tributes, this is not even close. UNCHAINED ” The mighty Van Halen tribute” Is by far the best. compare any other V.H. tribute to UNCHAINED & IT’s a race for 2 nd Place. Ricky M’coy. ” the singer, has some it all in this buissness. see for yourself, www, unchainedvhtribute.com

  2. Rich on

    Florida used to have maybe 3 tribute bands based there in 2005 but since then over 40 have emerged led by Highway to Hell the amazing AC/DC Tribute show. They are the only AC/DC Tribute to share the stage with real members and were listed on the real AC/DC site last year.

    Check out the growing list of tributes in the south east at maximumbands.com/tribute

  4. DC/AC Tribute on

    I would not say we are fanatical, but…close to that. 🙂 Creating a good Tribute is a really hard work and great lesson. One should of course try to create their own original repertoire, but Tribute is a good way to get skills and inspiration. Salutes to all AC/DC Tributes!!! 🙂

  5. Barbara on

    We are an up and coming Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute band, White Winged Dove…really enjoyed your post and list, and everyone’s comments and band suggestions! Cool!

  7. Spencer C. on

    I like The Folsom Prison Gang (www.TheFolsomPrisonGang.com). They don’t claim to be an impersonation act but they do a pretty good tribtue to the Man in Black.

  8. Paul Cadinha on

    Hi there. Thought you should know about Mojo Child: A Tribute to The Doors. We recreate the studio sound of The Doors in a live concert recreation, and perform with a psychedelic 60’s style lightshow Circa Fillmore West 1969. Mojo Child is a 5 piece band using a bass player as the Doors did “in the studio” for most of the post first album………Thanks!

  9. peter8172 on

    Back in the 1990’s, I was living in the New England area and just down the road from me was a nightclub that would have live entertainment. There was an advertisement for a tribute rock band called Destroyer (a KISS tribute band). It was as close to a live KISS performance as one could get. (I have seen KISS on 5 different occasions). I had the chance to chat with them and it finally ended up with me backstage having a couple of drinks with them and them giving me the “tour” of their backstage preparations, right down to the fire breathing and stage blood antics of Gene Simmons and lets not forget the pyrotechnics that they used. They were really good guys to me and their show was a complete and pleasant surprise.

  11. jamie on

    This band does Crosby Stills Nash & Young – I have been to see the real thing live many times & this band Woodstock Mud keeps sounding like CSN did in the friggin 60’s. Today, CSN lags seriously, but I’ve been listening to the Woodstock Mud band for a few years now & they still sound clean & miraculous harmonies sound effortless. Love love love.

    • Tanya Bennett on

      Thanks for sharing Kevin – I found them on YouTube and added them to our playlist of tribute bands. I also found a Zee Zee Pop from Australia (also added).

  14. Johnny on

    The Roadhouse Doors
    I`ve seen this Irish Doors tribute band several times and of all The Doors tributes I`ve seen from around the world these guys are by far the best.
    The whole band doesn`t resemble the Doors but obviously the Jim Morrison is a bit of a doopleganger but they actually play the Doors songs spot on as the real Doors write the tunes and use similar if not the same equipment.its a total tribute which really does Jim Morrison and co proud,by far the most exciting Doors tribute I`ve seen`.I would even go as far to say maybe even better than The Doors of the last fourty odd years without their singer…. makes the Doors legacy live on.Friends of mine bought the Doors cds after seeing them live

  15. Peter Boucher on

    I would also like to add about a tribute band from England who does a Queen tribute. Go on to YOU TUBE and type in Gary Mullin. He is considered to be the greatest impersonator of Freddie Mercury in the world. I have seen him on YOU TUBE and everything is dead accurate. The Clothing, the Voice, the Stage Antics, even his face with the mustache and of course the flair for the dramatics. Its quite amazing

  16. Peter Boucher on

    I did see a tribute band called “The Musical Box” and we’re a tribute band to GENESIS when they had Peter Gabriel as the lead frontman. They performed the entire album “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” and a few other tunes like “The Knife” and “Watcher’s Of The Sky”. It was very convincing and a wonderful concert to watch

  17. Gary Washburn on

    Hey if you want to see and hear a tribute band that sounds just like Motley Crue you have to check out Decade of Decadence! The vocals are the absolute closest you will hear to Vince Neil without Vince himself singing! YOU HAVE TO CHECK THIS BAND OUT YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
    \m/ \m/

  19. Jorgen Ingmar on

    Hello everyone,

    We are L.A.vation – The World’s Greatest Tribute to U2.
    L.A.vation travels worldwide to bring the music of U2 to your next club, corporate event, concert in the park, fundraiser, private party, you name it, we do it!
    Check us out at http://www.u2lavation.com

    Thank you!

  22. VENICE on

    Hi there,

    We are a French tribute band to the DOORS.
    Our band’s name is VENICE. It comes from Venice beach California , the beach where it all started.
    Don’t hesitate to contact us for a live psychedelic show !

  26. joe on

    Anyone ever catch Breakdown Tribute to Tom Petty? They have been at it for quite a while. Caught them when I was down in Tucson. They Rocked, petty to a T and some of the nicest guys.

    • Tanya Bennett on

      Just checked them out, love them! They formed in October 2008 according to their Facebook page, so they didn't exist when I wrote this list. Thanks for letting me know about them!

  28. Jeremy on

    LOL The real obsessives are THE CUREHEADS they've been going for 20 years. based in the UK and have toured the world as a search through Youtube will tell you. They all have their own hair and even have Robert Smith's own guitar tech on lead guitar.

  29. JP on

    In my post, I mistakenly put MRSPEED's website in the wrong location. MRSPEED is not associated with me and I do not represent MRSPEED in any way, shape, or form. I'm simply a true fan of MRSPEED, posting these comments as my own personal opinion, and I personally believe that they deserve to be on your # 1 TOP spot. Here's a link to their website: http://www.mrspeedonline.com

    Thank you!

    JP

  30. JP on

    Being a fan of kiss since 1975, I am stunned to find that in your list of Top 10 Fanatical Tribute Bands, you don't have the TRUE, TOP # 1 –> MRSPEED ! Where have you been hiding? under a rock ? I have been to numerous live KISS concerts and have seen several KISS tribute bands play and in my books, there's NO ONE that can top MRSPEED! Last time I saw them play was on Friday, June11, 2010, and I was completely blown away AGAIN !!! They got everything down. Nothing is left to chance, and they always perform 125% !!!! Do yourself a huge favor, go to their website and see for yourself and check their tour dates and go see them LIVE. I guarantee you that once you see them, and even meet them after the show, they're very approachable, professionals and friendly, you will put "MRSPEED" as your # 1 TOP Fanatical Tribute Band !!!!

  31. Rod on

    As to the " chump's " opinion that the " Pet Shop Boys " " don't deserve a tribute band, i heard

    one song and it sucked..??

    Wow, what an ingnorant statement, if you were alive in the 80's and could draw on

    the fact that several songs, were expertly composed and performed by Lowe and Tenant

    who should go down in music history like George and Ira Gerswin have.. Ever heard of

    them???…

    Yeah, Listen to " Opportinities, rent, it's a sin, You only tell me you love me when your drunk…

    Jealousy, to name a few…then you open your mouth and make a stupid statement…

    Anyway… or so it seems to me…

    Rod Severson Seattle, Wa

  32. Rich Howell on

    Hi I reckon these guys should be on the list they were in the all time top 5 tribute bands list by The London Times!

    They are all great musicians & singers they do a 2 hour show and are endorsed by Mick Fleetwood Peter Green & The Nix Flix website!

    I've seen them about 8 times now!!

    http://www.fleetwoodbac.com

    • Tony Sargeant on

      Absolutely agree with Rich they are the best Mac tribute I've seen They really have the Rumours era Mac sorted! Even the Stevie & Lyndsey mannerisms! I think there John Mc Vie must be the real Johns long lost twin brother!

      • Tanya Bennett on

        Thanks for reading my list and for letting me know about this tribute band! I just checked out their website (link is in Rich's comment above): "endorsed by Mick Fleetwood himself, and raved about by Peter Green’s biographer, the only Mac tribute band to authentically replicate the classic Stevie/Lindsey/Christine/John/Mick 'Rumours' line-up." Pretty cool and they are currently doing shows so they would be eligible for this list. The only thing that doesn't impress me is the name – it's not unique enough to really catch my eye…

        • Tony Powell on

          Hi, Lisa who plays Stevie in Fleetwood Bac has just started a Heart tribute show called Reckless Heart They only started in December 2012 I have seen them twice and they are spot on! The band website is http://www.recklessheart.net The original Heart guitarist Roger Fisher has already complimented them on their demo performance on You Tube! http://youtu.be/5UcLXiCfdyc

  35. Tanya Bennett on

    Update re: Gabba. I just received an email from Gabba member Stig. "Sorry it's taken so long to get back to you. GABBA is currently dormant – we haven't played any live shows since 2007 when Bee Bee disappeared. We eventually found him in Berlin but by then Anneky had gone into seclusion in New Zealand. I wouldn't rule it out, but it's gonna take something pretty special to revive the monster! Thanks again for including us in your top ten list. We are truly honoured. All da beast and more… Stig x"

    • Lennie on

      Hey Tanya,

      I think, they will never play again. That reminds me to the real ABBA. Björn said once at German television: "It's just a break but we all don't know, how long this break would take".

      In fact: Many facts about the band on their website are similar to real facts about ABBA and Ramones.

      So never mind.

  36. Lennie on

    Is GABBA still on stage? I heard they didn't recorded anything since 2005. Their website wasn't uptodate since 2007.

    • Tanya Bennett on

      Hi Lennie, I must have been convinced they were together when I wrote this list in the summer of 2008 or I wouldn't have included them. I've sent an email to the band asking them to confirm so watch for (hopefully) a comment from a Gabba member…

      • Tanya Bennett on

        I just found an email from Stig, a member of Gabba. He emailed me after I made this list so they were together at that time definitely. On August 18 2008 he wrote: "Thank you for da listing. Mucho appreciado! Lots of L.O.V.E. Stig". They haven't responded to my recent query so I'm guessing they have disbanded.

        • Lennie on

          Thanks for the information, Tanya. That what I was thinking too. I found their MySpace-site, and the last time when a member was online, it was in Oktober 2009 and the last update there January 2009. So I think too, they aren't together anymore.

  37. Jerry C. on

    Chicago's Too White Crew is easily the most unique, one-of-a-kind tribute band out there. Completely live covers of hip hop classics — authentic as hell and wildly entertaining. They're playing stuff that was never even played live by the artists who wrote the music Too White Crew covers!

  39. The Wholigans on

    I might as well jump into the fray and toot my own horn.

    The Wholigans the worlds first tribute to THE WHO since 1982.

    See our 97 + video's and judge for yourself.

    On tour worldwide constantly.

  40. Trace on

    How about this band?

    A Who Tribute band called My Generation. They are all professional musicians. Also to boot they are all big Who fans. This band play for the love of the music, and do their best to give the audience a great musical experience. They don't pretend to be look a likes or soundalikes. They are more the Who of modern days.. It's well worth checking them out.. Their website is

    http://www.my-generation.biz

  41. Trace on

    Another one, worthy of this list is a great Midlands based (but will travel) Who tribute band. They are called My Generation, they don't go for trying to look like and completely sound like carbon copies of The Who, but I have been to a few of their gigs now, no matter how many people are there, they deliver each time. They are all professional musicians who have been on the circuit for a number of years now.. Too boot they are all genuinely big fans of The Who, which is evident when you see them playing.. They're all great at what they do, and genuinely honestly, Steve White the bass player is one of the best I've seen.. A band that does it for the love of the music rather than just the money.

    Should you want to check them out, their website is http://www.my-generation.biz

    Check out their Youtube channel too.
    http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWhoTributeTV

    Hope at least one person checks them out, and decides they like them.. 🙂

  43. John Stove on

    If you wanna hear a dead on tribute to Steely Dan…. check out Pretzel Logic out of Los Angeles!!

    They sound better than Steely Dan!!! These guys pay particular attention to detail and are all fine musicians. Seen them many many times… dont want to see Steely Dan anymore.

  44. Tanya Bennett on

    @ Geoff Searles – Platinum Rockstars sounds like a great show, but they don't meet the guidelines for this list…

    @Kristin – Yes, but their name isn't as good!

  46. Geoff Searles on

    Just saw these guys out in Oxnard a couple of weeks ago. They're not like most of the tribute bands I've seen before. They're more interesting because they do a bunch of different tributes in the same show

    http://www.platinumrockstars.com

    Best Eddie Van Halen impersonation I've ever seen too!

  47. Theresa on

    I would agree with Bjorn and Fan Halen being on the list. Following with Led Zepplica coming in strong and Back in Black, Kiss Army and American English (Beatles Tribute. Another band notlisted I would say deserves a lot of attention is Arrival. Only 1 1/2 yrs new, they are coming in strong performing in places Journey themselves have performed. Kudos from Steve Augeri as well. I've personal seen and heard the Ca. Journey Tributes as well as a few in other states. There is no comparison accept Journey themselves.

  49. Australian GNR Show on

    Great list!

    I saw these guys play in Australia and though they needed a mention, I'm A massive Gunners Fan and it was like watching the real thing!

  50. Tanya on

    @Magog – You’ve convinced me, they do belong on this list… I spent a lot of time researching tribute bands to make this list so I’m disappointed that I didn’t come across them. Just like Tragedy, the BeeGees metal band (thanks Beth)- should be on the list but discovered after the fact. I said I’d knock out the Westend Girls for Tragedy; who should we vote off for The Musical Box? Fan Halen maybe…

  51. Magog on

    @Tanya: Then by your standards I must nominate The Musical Box yet again. Their instruments are vintage duplicates. The light show and background curtains are spot-on perfect. They were given use (approved by Genesis) of the 1000+ actual background slides used for the 1974 “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” tour recreation. Every costume used by Peter Gabriel from 1972-1975 has been painstakingly copied using the actual props as models (again with Peter Gabriel’s permission). Every nuance of the shows are an exact recreation down to the smallest detail. If they are doing the 1973 “Black” show they play only the songs Genesis did in the order Genesis did for that segment of the tour. The same for the 1973 “White” show or the 1974 “Lamb” show. No variation is allowed. Don’t get me started on the music for it is absolutely perfect everytime. I am fortunate to have seen Genesis do these shows 36 years ago, trust me when I say seeing The Musical Box is like walking through a time tunnel and coming out back in 1973 on the other side.

  52. Tanya on

    @Magog: Actually, the 'fanatical' in the title refers to the band members not the fans. Had I seen the quote that Phil Collins watched The Musical Box perform and then told reporters afterwards that "they played it better than we did" I may have included them on the list (thanks sgtspeed for the info in comment above – quote found on Wikipedia).

    This list is not based on how much money the bands earn but on the guidelines listed at the top, plus that extra 'something' that made the band stand out to me. Like Lez Zeppelin, for example – that name rocks!

    Thanks for the info about the Musical Box and here is their website: http://themusicalbox.net/

  53. Magog on

    I'm sure most of these bands have fine followings. However, The Musical Box has been recreating early Genesis shows since 1993. Usually 20-25 shows per tour, 2 tours per year, in the US and Europe, selling out 2,000-3,000 seat venues at $30 a pop in the US and Canada and up to 5,000 seat venues in Europe at 30-40 Euros a ticket. I, and many others like me, have traveled hundreds of miles multiple times to see this incredible, note-perfect trip back in time. I saw Lez Zeppelin here in Detroit at a bar for $15 with about 300 other people. They were good. When they start pulling in almost a $100,000 a night in gate receipts like The Musical Box does let me know. You want fanatical, see The Musical Box and count the number of different state (and province) license plates in the parking lot. We're fanatical, bordering on nuts.

  55. Jodi on

    Keep The Faith is the Quintessential Bon Jovi tribute Band ( it says so on their website) Having been to almost everyone of their shows ( and consider I am not in the band I think that rocks)They put on a show that is as good as Bon Jovi. They sound just like a LIVE Bon Jovi concert and the lead sing looks JUST LIKE JON!!!!. Check them out they needed to be #1 on this list 🙂

  56. Michael in WI on

    I've seen American English three times, and they are FAB!

    The live show is amazing. Eric (Paul) learned how to play the bass left-handed just so the experience was more authentic. Tom sounds exactly like Ringo.

    See these guys live if you get a chance. While the recordings on their website are good, again, it's the live shows that put them at the top of my list.

    Authentic, dedicated, amazing, like a wonderful time machine that you never want to stop.

    http://www.americanenglishbeatles.com

    Michael

  57. Tanya on

    Sorry, Chasen, when I wrote the list I couldn't find any evidence that the Iron Maidens were still together – right now their website says they are auditioning for a new frontwoman: http://www.theironmaidens.com/ I'm jealous that you got to see them, they look amazing!

  60. Tanya on

    @XUSNLT – I never came across a Kinks tribute band when I was making the list but so many of their song titles would make great band names, if anyone out there wants to start one! How about: The X-Rays (double meaning there), A Rock N Roll Fantasy, Nothing Lasts Forever, Labour of Love, the Hot Potatoes, or the Dedicated Followers of Fashion. Of course there are variations like The Kink-ies (sexy version), The Stinx… and PS I love the Dead Milkmen!

  61. XUSNLT on

    This was a fun list. Dread Zeppelin is awesome, but I understand why they didn't exactly meet the criteria. Plus, they've been off the radar for quite some time. I enjoyed the fact that your tribute bands weren't all clones and that some of them had twists on the originals. Nicely done. (Plus, I got some good info on tributes to bands that I like!) BTW Are there any decent Kinks cover bands? Do you recall the fictitious Doors cover band Crystal Sh*t who were mentioned in "Bitchin' Camaro" by The Dead Milkmen. I'd give them an honorable mention on the basis of being an obscure, but funny, reference!

  62. Ferd Berful on

    There are sooo many good tribute bands out there!!

    I know that many have come to the fore front since this list was made. We just seen an incredible "The Cure" tribute band in Hollywood called The Cured. The guy looked and sounded JUST like Robert Smith.

    There is a booking agency http://www.musiczirconia.com in California that has some of the best Tribute Bands in the USA today. The name is funny, Music Zirconia Like "Cubic Zirconia"…..Just like the real thing but cheaper!! HA!!

  63. Bruno Casavegas on

    You forgot "Wild Child." They are an L.A. based Doors cover band. Look and sound like the real thing. Use same instruments, though not the exact same vintage. My wife and I saw them two days before we went to Paris France, where we then visited Morrison's grave.

  64. Tanya Bennett on

    @ Beth – I checked out Tragedy and have to admit they are great and they would be on this list, had I known about them when I made it. They meet all of the guidelines and their awesome website and funny merch gives them that extra something. Now that I've lived with this list for a while, I think I would have to say that I'd probably put the West End Girls in my honorable mentions or at #11 and then add this band- not sure in what position…

  65. Beth on

    I'm so critical of my cover bands, so many standards. I've got to say though, nobody has really caught my attention lately like Tragedy, a Metal Tribute to the Bee Gees. They are absolutely AMAZING. I swoon over their version of "Tragedy" and "How Deep Is Your Love" is just sweet. Check them out, I think they're more than worthy of a spot on your top ten (though I'm not sure who to knock off..)

    http://www.letsmaketragedyhappen.com/
    (and of course they are also on Myspace)

  67. Erin on

    I have seen Kiss Army and they were so much like the real deal, it was scary. I have seen Dread Zepplin also.

  68. Tanya Bennett on

    Dread Zeppelin is in the 'Honorable Mentions' list at the end of the article – they aren't eligible for the top ten list because they don't meet the guidelines.

  69. mishele` on

    What about Dread Zeppelin? They do raggae versions of Led Zeppelin songs, only their lead singer is an Elvis impersonator. Think about it. They sound great! They have at least 2 CD's out.

  70. Tanya Bennett on

    Hey, Who Fan- I checked out their website and they do look pretty cool. They meet all of my guidelines for the list, too, but they're missing that extra something necessary to bump anyone off my list of top ten. If their name was funny I might consider it…

    I am a Who fan as well, actually a pretty gigantic John Entwistle fan, so I'm glad to know about them, thank you for spreading the word!

  71. luke Pepper on

    The Original Achtung Baby were formed in 1993 by Luke Pepper and Dean Bush. The band were the second U2 tribute ever formed and quickly went on to over shadow The Dopplegangers, playing hundreds of sell-out shows all over the world. The original members were, Luke Pepper, Dean Bush, Steve Kean and Gary Kean. After the band were established, the band hired Wayne Taylor and made their way through massive European tours, culminating in a performance at Feyenoord Stadium, along side U2 on the 'Pop' tour. The band were even led into U2's changing room by mistake!

    In 1998, the seond singer was asked back and the band went onto play shows all over Britain, Ireland and even the middle east. At the start of 2000, the band had split and 'son of' Achtung Baby were formed, although never attaining the earlier success of the original band.

    After eight years, the original band are back, complete with the world's finest Bono 'soun-a-like' – B.B.Mitchell and they are ready to take back their position of finest and nearest thing to 'official U2 tribute' ever.

    Don't accept pale imitators – The original Achtung Baby are the originals!

    B.B.Mitchell – vocals, harmonica, guitar

    Luke Pepper – guitars, keyboards, vocals, programming

    Steve Kean – Bass, Taurus Moog pedals

    Dean Bush – Drums, backing vocals

  73. Tanya Bennett on

    I'm with you on that one, Brian – Dread Zeppelin should be on there: like the rest of the bands on the honorable mentions list, they don't meet the guidelines but they are damn funny. They also deserve recognition for their staying power, they've been around for a long time! I'll put a request in with the site to have them and Apocalyptica added. I'm standing firm on the Pet Shop Boys tribute, though- pop bands can be influential, too.

  74. Brian on

    O.K. it's not a "pure" tribute band, but Dread Zeppelin has to get an honorable mention for having an Elvis impersonator doing reggae styled remakes of Led Zeppelin songs. Don't they?

  75. Tanya Bennett on

    Sara – if you want to give me the name of a specific Motley Crue band that meets the guidelines the list is following, I'll check them out…

  76. Sara on

    I don't get it … The pet shop boys? Do they actually warrant a tribute band? I can only recall one hit song from the eighties and it sucked… there are so many more better bands to pay tribute too… you failed to mention an ozzy tribute… and abba? maybe they are good but who under 40 actually wants to see them…

    here's my bid… A Motley Crue tribute

    • stevie nicholl on

      This is one of the most narrow-minded comments (as well as completely ignorant) that I have ever come across! Are you serious Sara? 1 hit from the 80s? Know what you are talking about girl. PSB had 4 number 1's in the 80s not to mention a Christmas number 1 in 1987. The have been together now for 25 years, just won the outstanding achievement to music award, and have had nearly 30 top 20 hits. They have done so much for music from pop through to classical… so much more than your small brain can even comprehend. And who under 40 would want to see them???? LOL you are so funny… I am 33 and love the band… Just seen them for 8th time in London and 1/2 the audience were in their 20s.

  78. NICOLE FANBESE on

    I SAW MINIKISS AND THEY DO PLAY THERE OWN INSTRUMENTS AND I HAVE TO SAY I COULD'NT STOP TO GET A DRINK THEY HAD THE PEOPLE GOING CRAZY THE WHOLE WAY THEY PUT ON AN AWESOME STAGE SHOW….NON-STOP FUN…..BIG FAN

    MINIKISS ROCKS

    • Wikidkitty on

      Honestly, not all of Minikiss plays the instrument. In fact, only two former members have actually played. One was a Paul Stanley and the other was the recenlty departed Peter Criss. If you do not believe me, there is an interview with the owner, who also acts as Gene Simmons, on you tube stating no member who knows how to play the instrument accept for the singer. http://youtu.be/XEh_3FaoiT8

      • lin doak on

        I was Paul Stanley for 2 years and ace for 2 years in Minikiss. The owner Joey is actually quite talented. He plays guitar ok but can really play the hell out of the drums. I tried for the four years I was with him to convince him to quit being so damned lazy and play the stuff for real. I played guitar and actually sang. He is to lazt. He would rather fake it and rip people off including his own members. I left and created the first real live band featuring me on lead vocals. Its called Little Ozzy.For the 1st time ever there is a little person Ozzy
        Osbourne Tribute in the US! This act actually plays their instruments and is a
        killer Real band. Other midget acts lip
        synch to tracks…NOT LITTLE OZZY! The band has been
        hitting big stages all over and just played to thousands on the Jagermeister
        stage at Bike Week in Daytona Beach Fl. This is a huge draw, people love little people shows and you
        are in for a real treat with this one. Pro level musicians, a lead singer who
        has a BIG presence and voice! Little Ozzy is available to play anywhere in the USA!

        Visit the site: http://www.littleozzy.com <--added by Toptenz Master

  79. Tanya Bennett on

    Apocalyptica should be on my honorable mentions – the drummer in my band told me about them and then I forgot…

  80. Will on

    "They have actually been sanctioned by Genesis and all the members of the original Genesis have joined them on stage or watched them on their European tours and have said they do that era of Genesis better than Genesis did."

    LMAO.

  81. Topher on

    Tanya, I would love to see an all-girls Pixies tribute band. That would so rock! I saw the Pixies open for U2 many years ago.

    This is an incredible list. I love Beatallica and Lez Zeppelin, but the rest I had never heard of before today.

    Unfortunately my absolute two favorite tribute bands (both Metallica) couldn't make your list. So I'm sad panda. 🙁

    Harptallica (website's now gone)

    http://youtu.be/xppNIBGzxYs

    and my favorite Apocalyptica (done original music & other covers since their Metallica only early days)

  82. sgtspeed on

    The group I follow is called The Musical Box. They don't just cover the Peter Gabriel era Genesis, they completely re-enact the concerts given by Genesis, right down to the stage backdrop, the costumes used, and even the jokes and monologue used by Peter Gabriel between songs. They have actually been sanctioned by Genesis and all the members of the original Genesis have joined them on stage or watched them on their European tours and have said they do that era of Genesis better than Genesis did.

    They are currently touring Europe re-enacting the Trick of the Tail tour as seen from their URL at:
    http://www.themusicalbox.net/

    • Peter Boucher on

      Hi sgtspeed : I just saw Musical Box back in Oct. 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona as they performed “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” from the very first note to the last. I was blown away by the accuracy. Even Collins, Rutherford and Banks as well as Peter Gabriel have seen them and are incredibly impressed themselves. If you get the chance, GO SEE THEM !!!

  83. TopTenz Master on

    Okay, I'm a huuuuge Journey fan so I couldn't let this tribute bands list pass by without a nod to this excellent Journey tribute band. This guy is a dead ringer for Steve Perry in both voice and appearance.

    (video setting changed to private so unavailable)