The first season of AXS TV's new show The World's Greatest Tribute Bands got off to a rousing start. The show is recorded live at The Roxy every Monday night at 8 p.m. for the next 12 weeks.
So what's the difference between a cover band and a tribute band? The best definition I've heard is that a tribute band is like a rock opera - it's not just about the songs - it's a musical experience, where actors portray the members of the band and recreate the excitement of being at an actual concert, conveying not just the songs, but the dress, mannerisms and character. (Thanks to Kenny Metcalf as Elton for this great description.)
With the amazing Katie Daryl as host, the show kicked off with Britain's Finest, a Beatles tribute, who took the stage replete in their "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" apparel. You can check out their ReverbNation page here.
From the first note of Sg. Pepper to the final chorus of Hey Jude, Britain's Finest had us believing that we were standing in a room with John, Paul, George and Ringo. They had perfected every nuance of each member of the band, and the effort paid off in a rich experience for all who attended the live performance and the approximately 38 million who watched on TV. They performed songs from several Beatles albums, including Rubber Soul, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Magical Mystery Tour, the White Album, Let it Be and Abbey Road.
Composed of members Luis Renteria (Ringo), Tyson Kelly (John), Benjamin Chadwick (Paul) and Robert Bielma (George), Britain's Finest has been culled from the best Beatles tribute bands in the world, including The Fab Four, Backbeat, Imagine and Abbey Road, to name a few. They are managed by Music Zirconia, which is the equivalent of CAA or ICM for mainstream artists.
All of the members of the band are LA natives who have always loved the Beatles and their British ways. They have spent hours watching YouTube video interviews of the Beatles so that they can make the audience believe that they are watching the Beatles. In fact, Chadwick had to teach himself to play left-handed (since Paul was left-handed).
You can find out more about Britain's Finest at their website.
Join us next Monday, March 11 at 8 p.m. for The Ultimate Stones, a Rolling Stones tribute.
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