We pay tribute to the best tribute bands in the area. E14
These cover bands have brought the art to a whole new level
The tribute act has long had a place in popular culture. Its origins stretch back decades — if not, perhaps, centuries — as celebrity impersonators delighted audiences with their chameleon-like talents. And, of course, the cover band has been an important staple of the neighborhood bar scene for ages. In more recent years, however, many acts have upped the ante — taking the tribute concept to heights that those old Elvis and Beatles impersonators probably could’ve never imagined.
Some have added gimmicks — such as, believe it or not, spicing up the greatest songbook in heavy metal history with fastfood friendly lyrics. Others have gotten interactive with the audience, inviting fans to join in on the fun. And some still concentrate primarily on being faithful to the original model (ditto).
Here are seven worthy tribute/cover acts, all of which have upcoming dates in the Bay Area.
Mac Sabbath
The short pitch (in five words or less): A heavy metal happy meal
CLOSER LOOK >> There is no shortage of Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne tribute bands, but none like this one. Indeed, we have no idea how someone came up with the idea. We’re just really glad that they did.
Mac Sabbath combines two of the greatest cultural forces of all time — McDonald’s and Black Sabbath — into one menu item that is even more satisfying than a 20-piece box of McNuggets.
The musicians dress up as the old McDonaldland characters, and go by the names Ronald Osbourne, Slayer MacCheeze, Grimalice and Catburglar. They play songs that sound like Sabbath classics, with lyrics tweaked in fast-food fashion. Some of our favorite parodies include “Frying Pan” (modeled after Sabbath’s “Iron Man”), “More Ribs” (“War Pigs”) and “Never Say Diet” (“Never Say Die”).
It’s the stuff of nightmares. But it’s also a whole lot of fun. See for yourself when the act brings its “I’ve Got a Bad Feeling About This” tour to the Bay Area, with the equally awesome Galactic Empire (see next item).
BAY AREA DATE >> 8 p.m. Feb. 26; Slim’s, San Francisco; $21-$26; www.slimspresents.com.
Galactic Empire The short pitch: Metal meets “Star Wars”
CLOSER LOOK >> This tribute band takes the “Star Wars” soundtrack to a galaxy far, far away as it delivers heavy metal versions of those classic John Williams compositions. Plus, the band members all dress like characters from the George Lucas films.
In other words, it’s your chance to bang your head to “The Imperial March” and hear Dark Vader shred on guitar.
Other characters in the band include drummer Boba Sett, Bass Commander and guitarists Shadow Ranger and Red Guard. BAY AREA DATE >> With Mac Sabbath; see previous item.
Punk Rock Karaoke The short pitch: You, too, can be Jello Biafra
CLOSER LOOK >> This is pretty much the greatest idea since, well, ever. Here’s how it works: You show up at the gig, pick a classic punk song you want to sing, wait for your name to be called and then you’re a punk rock star, performing live in front of an allstar band.
The band’s current lineup features Eric Melvin (NOFX), Greg Hetson (Bad Religion, Circle Jerks) and Stan Lee (the Dickies) on guitar; Edward Tater (D.I.) and Steve Soto (Adolescents, Agent Orange, 22 Jacks) on bass; and Darrin Pfeiffer (Goldfinger/Sum 41) on drums.
And, of course, it’s you on vocals. And we fully expect that you’re going to do an awesome version of the Buzzcocks’ “What Do I Get” or the Ramones’ “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker.” BAY AREA DATES >> 8:30 p.m. March 8; Bottom of the
Hill, San Francisco; $15; www.bottomofthehill.com; 8 p.m. March 10; The Ritz, San Jose; $10-$13.50; www. ticketfly.com.
Zepparella Short pitch: Heavy metal heroines
CLOSER LOOK >> There has been no shortage of Led Zeppelin tributes over the years, but we can’t imagine hearing one that’s any better
than the Bay Area’s own Zepparella.
The group is filled with four heavy hitters — vocalist Anna Kristina, guitarist Gretchen Menn, bassist Angeline Saris and drummer Clementine — who are more than just capable of properly handling the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act’s legendary catalog.
The band remains faithful to the original material, without going so far as to
being an exact copycat. You know when you are listening to Zepparella (in large part due to Kristina’s distinct vocal work). And you’ll likely want to do it again and again.
BAY AREA DATE >> 9 p.m. Feb. 3; Great American Music Hall, San Francisco; $19$22; www.slimspresents.com. Short pitch: These guys can shred!
CLOSER LOOK >> Yes, it’s yet another Grateful Dead tribute band. There are a lot of them out there. So why should you take the time to get to know these guys? Because they are really, really good. The players — all top Los Angeles studio session musicians — have chops for days. And they create set lists that should have Deadheads jumping for joy.
The core members of the group are bassist Dan Horne and vocalist-guitarists Austin McCutchen, Sam Blasucci and Clay Finch.
BAY AREA SHOWS >> 9 p.m. Feb. 2; The Independent, San Francisco; $18-$20; www.ticketfly.com; also 8 p.m. Feb. 3; The Ritz, San Jose; $13.50-$18.50; www. ticketfly.com.
Saved by the ’90s
Short pitch: Party like it’s 1990-99.
CLOSER LOOK >> Who knew so many people wanted to hear covers of Hootie and the Blowfish, Marcy Playground, Silverchair and Reel Big Fish? Yet, there’s apparently a huge market for the type of tunes pedaled by this ’90s nostalgia act — so much so that the band has actually multiplied over the years.
The party began some eight years ago in New York City, as night owls turned out regularly to hear fun renditions of “You Oughta Know,” “Say It Ain’t So” and other ’90s anthems. It has since spread the part to six other markets.
Saved by the ’90s NorCal is based in San Francisco and regularly performs throughout the Bay Area as well as in Sacramento, Tahoe and other spots.
BAY AREA DATE >> 9 p.m. Feb. 3; Slim’s, San Francisco; $12-$15; www.slimspresents.com.
New Doubt
Short pitch: The “Tragic Kingdom” beckons
CLOSER LOOK >> Fans of No Doubt and Gwen Stefani should definitely check out this fine tribute act, which hails from — of course — Orange County (also home to the original model). It’s the chance to hear such fan favorites as “Don’t Speak,” “Sunday Morning,” “Spiderwebs” and “Excuse Me Mr.” sung by one of the best Gwen-abes in the business — vocalist Angela Riccio.
The band also tosses some Sublime and other nostalgic tunes into the set list.
BAY AREA DATE >> 8 p.m. Feb. 8; The Ritz, San Jose; $10$13.50; www.ticketfly.com.