Aerosmith, Kiss, Bon Jovi Tribute Shows and More

Many people don't hold that great of an opinion about celebrity impersonators and tribute bands and say things like: "Get your own identity." Yet being able to sing and perform like a well-known performer is a career in and of itself for many artists. Some groups devote themselves to one certain time period. For example, The Atomic Punks specialize in recreating the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen. Others, like Beatles' tribute, Paperback Writer, cover every stage of the Fab Four's career.

The Mars Talent Agency specializes in booking tribute acts. On the Beach Toys page, we learn that: "A tribute show is not the same as a cover band. A tribute show defines and sets itself apart by completely and accurately recreating the sights, vocals, instrumental sounds, exact costumes, equipment, look, height, mannerisms as well as the music of the original artists they portray."

The Beach Toys have made a real study of it and while I didn't notice any spot-on resemblance to any of the real Beach Boys, they do have the clothes, surfboards and music down and they even come with their own Ed Sullivan impersonator if you want. That's dedication!

Draw The Line is touted as "The Official Aerosmith Tribute Band," and their lead singer, Neill Byrnes looks hella like Steven Tyler. It's quite a thrill and honor for a tribute band when the group they are impersonating recognizes and approves their act. Draw the Line bills itself as the only tribute band ever featured on the Official Aerosmith Website and its Official Fan Club.

Bad Medicine also boasts a lead singer, Steve Sage, who bears a remarkable resemblance to Jon Bon Jovi. Their band consists of incredible musicians who have worked with Thin Lizzy, Dio, Great White and Bret Michaels. They are so good that they have been hired by Bon Jovi's Philly Soul organization, and also for fan club events (run by Bon Jovi's family).

Kissnation is another tribute group that has had the honor of meeting the real thing, courtesy of VH-1. In a documentary entitled "Mock Rock", they performed a show for Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer and Doc McGhee.

Bruce in the USA is a spectacular tribute to The Boss led by Matt Ryan, a dead ringer for Springsteen. Ryan played Springsteen in the Las Vegas Legends in Concert for eight years, which led to the development of the Bruce in the USA tribute. Backed up by his own version of the E Street Band, this show has won critical acclaim from the West Coast all the way back to Asbury Park's Stone Pony on the East Coast. Now you know if they're getting praise in Jersey, they're good!

Legends in Concert is a tribute show that runs in Las Vegas, Branson, Atlantic City and 5 other venues. The largest live celebrity tribute show in the world, their performers are nothing short of incredible. Rarely will you be disappointed by a Legends show. Many do more than one artist. Some of the singers I have had the pleasure to see live include: Brian McCullough, who plays Roy Orbison. Before the show, I was heard to say: "C'mon, nobody can sing like Roy!" I was soon to eat those words. Brian also does Conway Twitty. Mark Hinds is more like Kenny Roger's double than an impersonator. In fact, the real Kenny Rogers once took the stage in Las Vegas as Mark, and the audience didn't know the difference. Sheri Rae Parker first joined the Legends line-up as Janis Joplin. Her Bette Midler tribute is terrific and she is also a very charming lady if you're lucky enough to meet her after the show. Legends has the best line-up of Elvis tributes anywhere in the world.

Celebrity impersonators and tribute bands really do a great job of bringing music that you love closer to you and, very often, at a more affordable price (although that doesn't mean second-rate by a long shot). So if you have been skeptical about taking in a tribute show, put your misgivings on hold and give it a try. In most cases, you'll be very pleasantly surprised and thoroughly entertained.