Melbourne, a city known for its vibrant and diverse music scene, has been a breeding ground for musical talent and innovation . From the bustling pubs of St Kilda to the hidden laneway venues of the CBD, the city has witnessed the evolution of various musical genres and trends. Among these, the rise of cover bands and tribute bands holds a unique place in Melbourne’s musical history. This article delves into the fascinating journey of cover bands in Melbourne, tracing their origins in the 1970s, their impact on the music scene, and the emergence of tribute bands as a distinct phenomenon.
A History of Live Music in Melbourne
Before diving into the world of cover bands, it’s essential to understand the historical context of Melbourne’s live music scene. Melbourne’s love affair with live music dates back to the early 20th century. The Esplanade Hotel, built in 1878, became an important venue for jazz and dance music in the 1920s . In the mid-1960s, venues like Berties, an unlicensed club filled with teenagers, became hubs for local live music . The Beatles’ tour of Australia in 1964 further ignited the city’s passion for live music, inspiring local bands and shaping the city’s musical landscape .
The 1970s saw the rise of iconic venues like the Crystal Ballroom, which became a central part of Melbourne’s thriving music scene . Pub rock flourished, with bands like Zoot, The Masters Apprentices, Hunters & Collectors, and Men at Work gaining popularity . At the same time, an underground punk movement was emerging, with bands like The Saints and Crime & the City Solution playing their first shows in St. Kilda .
The 1970s: A Decade of Change and Experimentation
The 1970s were a pivotal period in Melbourne’s music scene, a time of experimentation and innovation . Bands like Skyhooks pushed the boundaries of Australian rock and roll, reflecting the reality of 1970s Melbourne . While original music thrived, cover bands also began to emerge, playing a crucial role in entertaining audiences and shaping the city’s nightlife . Pubs and clubs became hubs for live music, with bands competing to stand out and develop a unique identity .
Interestingly, the rise of cover bands in Melbourne was partly influenced by events happening in Sydney. The introduction of poker machines in Sydney led to many live music venues being replaced, causing musicians to migrate to Melbourne in search of opportunities . The Vietnam War and the presence of American soldiers in Sydney also contributed to this migration, as many venues that had been popular with teenagers were taken over by soldiers . This influx of musicians from Sydney further enriched Melbourne’s music scene, with cover bands playing a significant role in filling the void left by original bands.
Furthermore, the 1970s was the decade that Australian rock asserted itself as a formidable global presence in music . Developments in recording and broadcast technology allowed local acts to share their music on the world stage, leading to the rise of legendary bands like AC/DC and Billy Thorpe. This broader context of musical growth and experimentation provided fertile ground for the development of cover bands in Melbourne.
The Evolution of Tribute Bands
While cover bands continued to be a staple of Melbourne’s music scene, a new type of act emerged in the late 1980s that would further shape the city’s musical landscape: tribute bands. Unlike cover bands that played a variety of popular songs from different artists, tribute bands focused solely on recreating the music and performance of a single iconic band or artist . One of the earliest examples of a successful tribute band in Melbourne was Björn Again, an ABBA tribute band formed in 1989 .
Tribute bands offer a niche performance, appealing to superfans of a particular artist . They often meticulously research the artists they cover, becoming “historians” of their music, studying their history, style, and stage presence . This dedication to authenticity allows tribute bands to recreate the full concert experience, down to the costumes, stage presence, and mannerisms of the original artists .
The rise of tribute bands is also connected to the increasing nostalgia for classic rock and pop music in the late 1980s and beyond . As original bands disbanded or became less active, tribute bands provided a way for fans to relive the music of their youth and for younger generations to experience the magic of these iconic artists.
Voices from the Stage: Interviews with Melbourne Cover Band Members
To gain a deeper understanding of the cover band experience in Melbourne, it’s valuable to hear from the musicians themselves. In an interview with Groovy Tunes Magazine, members of the Melbourne punk band CLAMM discussed their experiences playing in cover bands . They highlighted the challenges of achieving the same level of success as underground bands like Eddy Current Suppression Ring, who wrote honest music without focusing on commercial appeal.
Another interview, featured in Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips’s YouTube channel, provides insights from Nick Barker, a Melbourne rock stalwart . Barker, who formed Nick Barker and The Reptiles in 1988, described the band’s experience playing raucous rock ‘n’ roll in pubs across Australia in the late ’80s and early ’90s. These interviews offer a glimpse into the dedication, challenges, and rewards of being a cover band musician in Melbourne.
Popular Cover Bands and Tribute Bands in Melbourne
Over the decades, Melbourne has witnessed the rise of numerous popular cover bands and tribute bands. Here’s a glimpse into some of these acts:
| Band Name | Description | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Reverend FUNK & The Horns of Salvation | This funk band plays old-school classics from the 1960s to the 2000s, covering artists like The Jacksons, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Sam Cooke. | https://reverendfunk.com/ |
| All Fired Up | This rock cover band performs songs by Pat Benatar, Divinyls, Pink, and other female rock icons. | https://www.facebook.com/allfiredupgroup/ |
| DOWN FOR THE COUNT | This band specializes in 70s and 80s party hits, playing classics from 1974 to 1987. | https://www.downforthecount.rocks/ |
| The Australian Beatles | This band is considered Australia’s premier Beatles tribute show, performing all the hits of the Fab Four. | https://australianbeatles.com.au/ |
| Bjorn Again | An ABBA tribute band formed in 1989. | https://www.bjornagain.com.au/ |
| Killer Queen Experience | This band performs all of Queen’s iconic hits, delivering a faithful tribute to the legendary rock band. | https://www.killerqueenexperience.com/ |
| Zeppelin Live | https://zeppelinlive.com.au/ | |
| Australian Fleetwood Mac | https://theaustralianfleetwoodmacshow.com/home | |
| Creedence Clearwater Survival | This band recreates the atmosphere and energy of a real ‘LIVE’ John Fogerty/CCR concert. | https://tasmantalent.com.au/creedence_clearwater_survival.html |
| Thunderstruck – AC/DC Tribute Show | This band has been wowing audiences as a collective for more than 30 years. | https://www.thunderstrucklive.com/ |
| The U2 Show – Achtung Baby | This band brings their high-intensity celebration of Ireland’s greatest rock stars to all events. | https://www.u2ab.com.au/ |
| Rumours of Fleetwood Mac | https://dreamstherumoursoffleetwoodmac.au/ | |
| The Eagles Tribute Show | This band delivers the country’s most authentic reproduction of the recorded works of the legendary multi-platinum selling US group The Eagles. | https://theaustralianeaglestributeshow.com.au/ |
| Bloom – Adele and Amy Winehouse Songbook | A popular act that is a tribute to two artists. | https://bloomofficial.com.au/ |
| The Michael Jackson HIStory Show | A touring Michael Jackson tribute that often visits Melbourne. | https://mjhistoryshow.com/ |
| The Robbie Williams Experience | An established Robbie Williams tribute act. | https://www.therobbiewilliamsexperience.com.au/ |
| Totally 80s | While they cover a broad range of 80s music, they are a very popular act that’s close to a tribute concept. | https://totally80s.com.au/ |
| Back to the 70s | Similar to Totally 80s but focused on the 70s, they’re almost like a genre tribute band. | |
| Chunky Jam | A popular Melbourne party/cover band but they do play heavy sets of specific artists so they boarder on tribute territory. | https://instinctmusic.com.au/live-entertainment/chunky-jam-melbourne-cover-band/ |
| Fabba | Another popular ABBA tribute. | https://fabba.com.au/ |
| Forever 80s | Another 80s tribute band in Melbourne. | https://forever80s.com.au/ |
| Idolize – The Billy Idol Show | ||
| The Australian Pearl Jam Show | A tribute to the legendary grunge band, Pearl Jam. | |
| INXSIVE | https://www.inxstributeshow.com.au/ | |
| Into the Groove – The Ultimate Madonna Tribute | ||
| The Elton John Experience | https://www.eltonjohnexperience.com.au/ | |
| The Bowie Unzipped Band | https://bowieunzipped.com.au/ | |
| Purple Revolution – A Tribute to Prince | https://www.vogueentertainment.com.au/entertainment/prince-tribute-show-purple-revolution/ | |
| The Doors Show | A Doors tribute act that has performed in Melbourne in the past. | https://thedoorsexperience.com.au/ |
| Eagles & Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show | A two-for-one tribute show. | |
| Jaded – Aerosmith Tribute | An Aerosmith tribute. | https://jadedaerosmithtribute.com/ |
| Respect – The Aretha Franklin Story | An Aretha Franklin tribute that tours to Melbourne occasionally. | |
| The Adele Show | https://adeleshow-site-dsgugef2hzashcd6.australiasoutheast-01.azurewebsites.net/ [43] | |
| Zygomatics | This bands plays a lot of Frank Zappa music and comes close to being a tribute band. | |
| Popcorn | This band plays many pop hits from the 70’s and 80’s. | |
| Elevation U2 | Another U2 tribute | |
| Gold Chisel | A Cold Chisel tribute band. | |
| The Rod Stewart Show | A Rod Stewart tribute. | |
| The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show – Cash & Co | ||
| Leaving Jackson: The Johnny Cash & June Carter Show | ||
| The Australian Bee Gees Show | ||
| Planet Janet | ||
| Chocolate Starfish (playing ‘Meat Loaf’) |
The Adele Show: A Premier Tribute to Adele
The Adele Show, fronted by the captivating Michelle Morrison, is Australia’s premier Adele tribute experience [44]. The show takes audiences on an unforgettable journey through Adele’s iconic music, spanning her entire discography from her debut album “19” to the latest “30” [45]. Michelle’s powerful vocals, complemented by two skilled backup singers, authentically capture the essence of Adele’s artistry, delivering a deeply moving and soul-stirring experience [46].
The Adele Show Band features a talented lineup of musicians:
- Michelle Morrison (Vocals): A seasoned performer with extensive national tours, Michelle embodies Adele’s spirit with every note [47].
- Justine (Vocals): With a background in singing and music, Justine brings her passion for Adele’s music to the stage [48].
- Marcelina (Vocals): A versatile vocalist with a smooth, passionate timbre, Marcelina adds depth and richness to the show’s vocal harmonies [48].
- Mike Dupp (Keyboards): A skilled keyboardist with a diverse musical background, Mike provides the essential foundation for the band’s sound [48].
- Carlin (Drums): A master drummer with experience in successful touring bands, Carlin brings energy and precision to the rhythm section [48].
- Simon (Guitar/Bass): A multi-instrumentalist with extensive band experience, Simon adds versatility and musicality to the band [48].
- Michael (Bass/Media): A talented bassist and media manager, Michael provides a solid rhythmic foundation and manages the band’s online presence [48].
The Adele Show has garnered rave reviews and continues to captivate audiences with its authentic and emotionally charged performances. You can find more information about the band, upcoming shows, and tickets on their website: https://adeleshow-site-dsgugef2hzashcd6.australiasoutheast-01.azurewebsites.net/ [43]. You can also find them on Oztix [50] and FeverUp [51].
The Impact of Cover Bands and Tribute Bands on the Melbourne Music Scene
Cover bands and tribute bands have had a significant impact on the Melbourne music scene. They have contributed to the city’s vibrant nightlife, providing entertainment for diverse audiences and supporting local venues . Cover bands often act as a stepping stone for aspiring musicians, allowing them to gain experience performing live and build a following before launching their original music careers . They also provide a platform for musicians to explore different genres and styles, honing their skills and expanding their musical repertoire.
Tribute bands, on the other hand, have helped to keep the music of legendary artists alive, introducing new generations to classic songs and performances . They have also created economic opportunities for musicians and venues, attracting larger crowds and generating revenue for the local music industry . By offering high-quality performances that capture the essence of the original artists, tribute bands provide a valuable service to music lovers and contribute to the cultural richness of the city.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges faced by live music venues in Melbourne. Factors like densification and gentrification have put pressure on these spaces, making it more difficult for them to operate and thrive . Despite these challenges, cover bands and tribute bands continue to play a vital role in supporting local venues and ensuring that live music remains an integral part of Melbourne’s cultural landscape.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Music and Nostalgia
The rise of cover bands and tribute bands in Melbourne reflects the city’s deep appreciation for music and its enduring power to connect people across generations. Cover bands have provided a platform for musicians to hone their skills and entertain audiences, while tribute bands have kept the legacy of iconic artists alive. As Melbourne’s music scene continues to evolve, cover bands and tribute bands will undoubtedly remain an integral part of its vibrant cultural landscape.
In the digital age, where access to music is easier than ever before, the appeal of cover bands and tribute bands might seem paradoxical. However, these bands offer something unique that cannot be replicated by streaming services or recordings: the energy and excitement of a live performance. The shared experience of singing along to familiar songs, witnessing talented musicians recreate iconic performances, and connecting with fellow music lovers creates a sense of community and nostalgia that transcends generations.
Looking ahead, cover bands and tribute bands in Melbourne may face new challenges and opportunities. The rising costs of operating live music venues, the increasing competition from other forms of entertainment, and the evolving tastes of audiences will require these bands to adapt and innovate. However, their enduring appeal and their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level suggest that they will continue to thrive in Melbourne’s dynamic music scene.
This is a fascinating and well-researched piece that captures the essence of Melbourne’s live music culture. I love how it traces the evolution from cover bands to tribute acts while highlighting the city’s historical venues and musical milestones. It really showcases how Melbourne’s passion for live performance continues to shape its vibrant music identity.
Well written piece.