2 years ago, AC/DC released their long-awaited 17th album. But their road was not without its upsets. Some members passed away. Others retired. There was even a petition in 2016 to stop their tour, as the lead singer couldn’t continue.
What can you do if you want a classic rock concert with all the band’s biggest hits from the past? That’s when you need to see one of these top tribute acts. A Beatles tribute act is the panacea to the loss of Beatlemania. A Queen tribute act is, well, yes, Queen still tours, but not often enough! Ditto the Eagles.
The fact is, these top tribute bands are so into the music and so well-rehearsed, they sometimes feel like the real thing. Occasionally, they may even sound better. But with so many cover bands out there, how can you know which is the best one to see live, or to book for your event?
We’ve got your back. Here are the top 10 most popular tributes in the US and Globally today.
#1 – BOHEMIAN QUEEN: THE BEST QUEEN TRIBUTE BAND
With so many Queen tribute bands out there, how can anyone pick the best Queen tribute band? Easy – the one that’s more than just another Freddie Show.
Bohemian Queen’s musicians are all world-class musicians and performers who sing live and have all fronted their own bands. This is top-notch musicianship married with a stellar frontman who is as comfortable channeling Freddie as he is in his own skin.
Lead vocalist Paulie Z has sung with the legendary SWEET and arguably even more challenging, as host and lead vocalist of empresario Chuck Wright’s ULTIMATE JAM NIGHT every Tuesday night at the world-famous Whiskey A-Go-Go in Hollywood.
Even though this LA-based Queen group was only formed three years ago, they already perform to audiences in sold-out theaters across the country with their letter-perfect tribute to Queen. They’re the perfect act for all events, from exclusive weddings, performing arts centers to huge festivals, and their performances are not to be missed.
#2 – THE BEST JOURNEY TRIBUTE BAND: E5C4P3 (“ESCAPE”)
Yes, there are many Journey tribute bands around. But E5C4P3, named after one of Journey’s most legendary albums, is, in the humble opinion of this very website, the best Journey tribute band ever.
Lead vocalist Jason Kelty is a spot-on Steve Perry impersonator, from the signature and so-very-hard-to-reproduce lead vocal sound, to the stage mannerisms and costuming.
Since 1993, this amazing tribute to the band Journey been bringing their A-game to private and public events across the country. Each year, they become more and more in demand.
E5C4P3 perform at festivals, theaters, and private events. Having already booked nearly 50 shows for 2023, we suggest you make your booking fast!
#3 – THE BEST BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND: BRITAIN’S FINEST
PTB’s choice is also America’s choice for the best Beatles Tribute Band: Britain’s Finest is a Beatles tribute band from California that pays homage to that amazing band. Robert J. Bielma as George Harrison, Luis Renteria as Ringo Starr, Benjamin Chadwick as Paul McCartney, and Tyson Kelly as John Lennon founded the band in 2011.
The band began by performing Beatles songs all over Southern California and have since performed in dozens of countries around the world, including the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Canada, Aruba, and Mexico. Naturally, they cover all of The Beatles’ greatest hits.
What makes this band so very special is the emphasis on the “innocent” era of the Beatles, with the uber-pop stylings, the bowl haircuts, the smiles, nods and winks to the audience.
It’s very difficult not to smile when witnessing a performance by Britain’s Finest.
In 2013, Britain’s Finest was asked to perform on AXS TV’s new show “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands”, making them the network’s first tribute band to appear on the tribute world’s most venerable television home.
If you need the perfect Beatles tribute band for your next corporate event, private party or high-end wedding, you will never do better than to book BRITAIN’S FINEST.
#4 – THE BEST PINK FLOYD TRIBUTE BAND: BRIT FLOYD
In our opinion, without question, Brit Floyd is the best Pink Floyd tribute band in the world. The world seems to agree.
Currently, this show is on a 2022 world tour, hitting 15 countries, performing at the largest venues, including the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.
Formed in 2011, this British band brings all the power you would expect of Pink Floyd themselves. Apparently, even Pink Floyd likes what they do. Sometimes, members that toured with Pink Floyd join them on stage!
If you’re lucky enough to snag them for a private event, it’ll cost you a pretty penny. But Brit Floyd will be worth it.
#5 – ZEP-LA: THE BEST LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE BAND
Zep-LA’s members are all seasoned veterans of the live music industry and this tribute brings the Led Zeppelin live experience like no other band. Fans of the legendary band will be pleased with the band’s musical deep-dives as well as smash hits including the pounding “Immigrant Song”, the ephemeral “Stairway to Heaven”, the acoustic workout of “Misty Mountain Hop” and the bluesy “Good Times, Bad Times”.
Guitarist Steve Zukowski channels Jimmy Page’s seemingly out-of-control-while-in-control technique, and versatile lead vocalist Paul Zablidowski delivers Robert Plant’s histrionic vocal stylings with ease. And pounder Glenn Jost delivers the extremely challenging drum technique of John Bonham.
Zep-LA’s band members have also worked with rock ‘n’ roll legends like Poison and KISS, and even produced music for major studios like Disney and Netflix.
Whether you’re looking for a festival headliner or the most rocking event ever, these guys will bring the perfect “Zep” energy you need.
#6 – THE BEST IRON MAIDEN TRIBUTE BAND: IRON MAIDENS
This is one of those bands whose popularity at times seems to rival the original band! An incredible deep-dive into the Iron Maiden catalog with a twist: an all-female Iron Maiden tribute: IRON MAIDENS.
The Iron Maidens were formed in 2001 and quickly established themselves as one of Southern California’s most popular tribute acts, as well as gaining international recognition. The band combines style with excellent musicianship, a lively stage presence, and a spectacular stage show that includes theatrical scenes interspersed throughout.
Make no mistake: these ladies are pros with diverse musical backgrounds that range from orchestral and musical theater to blues and rock. At events such as The Rock City News Awards, The LA Music Awards, and The All Access Magazine Award Show, the band and its members have won numerous awards, including best tribute band and best in category (guitar, bass, drums, voice).
#7 – THE BEST ABBA TRIBUTE ACT: ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN
Nearly 30 years old, this tribute band to ABBA has been recreating the magic since 1995. They’re so good at what they do, they even received permission to record an unreleased ABBA song.
Arrival from Sweden are currently touring the world. On special occasions, members that previously toured with ABBA even join them!
Even so, it might be possible to book them for a private event once their tour has come to a close. They’re the perfect way to take your wedding or corporate event to the next level.
#8 – THE BEST GRATEFUL DEAD TRIBUTE: CUBENSIS
The oldest band on this list, Cubensis have been bringing to life the Grateful Dead’s music since 1987.
They began as friends playing in backyards because the band didn’t tour enough near them. But now, they’ve evolved into their own phenomenon. They’ve been credited with bringing life back to the music and keeping it alive throughout the ages.
They may be a bit too heavy for most weddings. But they’re the right band to get the crowd going at private or public rock events!
#9 – THE BEST GUNS N ROSES TRIBUTE: THE ROCKET QUEENS
It’s still possible to see Axl Rose of Guns ‘n’ Roses on tour. But if you’re craving the stadium-filling rock of their early albums, a tribute band is the best way to go.
The Rocket Queens are a Guns ‘n’ Roses tribute band that blows people away with their all-female lineup. Their second twist is that they only play the Appetite for Destruction album, claiming it’s the best one by far.
Available for private bookings, they’re a great band to get your event rocking!
#10 – THE BEST BOSTON TRIBUTE BAND: DAVID VICTOR FORMERLY OF BOSTON
More than a tribute! Frontman and lead vocalist David Victor toured with BOSTON between 2012 to 2014, performing at the Boston Marathon bombing benefit, “Boston Strong” in 2013 for 20,000 at Boston Garden.
David played guitar and delivered stadium-filling vocals with the band, live and recorded. David even recorded BOSTON’s most recent #1 hit from 2014, “Heaven On Earth”. Before and after his stint with BOSTON, David had always created his own original music, and two of his own “greatest hits” are also now expertly woven into these tribute shows.
This BOSTON tribute band lineup is the nearest thing to hearing the original band. Whether you want to rock a private or corporate event, fair or festival, these are the guys to do it. They can also do an “unplugged” version of BOSTON’s greatest hits, something which must be heard to be believed!
THE BEST OF THE REST – WHERE ARE THEY?
Of course, there are tributes to just about any popular recording and touring artist from the 20th century and beyond. Yet, it’s hard to understand why some tribute “brands” are so staggeringly popular, while other brands never seem to rise to the top.
Of course, Elvis Presley impersonators have always been with us throughout history. But where are the rest of the classics, the mega-bands and superstars?
Artists such as the Rolling Stones, Guns ‘n Roses, Cream, ZZ Top, Aerosmith, The Doors, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Metallica, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Black Sabbath and David Bowie filled stadiums, yet as tributes, these brands don’t always garner the same number of bookings as other brands. Many of these bands are rarely seen as tributes, especially in the United States.
In some cases, the bands still tour, which certainly may hurt the interest in a tribute act. Perhaps it’s simply a lack of awareness that these acts even exist, but there are certain good tribute bands to all the most popular bands and artists.
Of course, if your party or event has a theme that fits with one of these acts, you’ll nevertheless want to book them, and you should.
HIRE A TRIBUTE BAND TODAY
If this countdown of our top tribute bands has got you buzzing to see your old favorites on stage again, we can help with that. Four of these acts can be booked directly through our website. Check out their videos to see just how close to the real thing they are.
Other than private bookings, many of these bands put on shows open to the public. Visit our upcoming shows page to get tickets to a tribute band concert near you. Make sure you keep up to date so you can grab the tickets as soon as they’re released.
TRIBUTE TRIVIA!
- Tribute bands are musical acts that specialize in performing the songs of a particular artist or group.
- Tribute bands typically cover songs from a specific era or album of the original artist, rather than playing a full discography.
- The most popular tribute bands often have a dedicated fan base, and some even tour internationally.
- Tribute bands are often made up of professional musicians who have a deep understanding of the original artist’s music.
- Tribute bands are not to be confused with cover bands, which play a variety of songs from different artists.
- The most popular tribute bands often have a unique look and sound that is similar to the original artist.
- Tribute bands often play at festivals, clubs, and other live music venues.
- Tribute bands are often hired for corporate events, private parties, and other special occasions.
