A flood of tribute bands

Some bars in Houston have gathered regular patrons by having cover bands playing for years now. While that trend is still present at bars like Sherlock’s and Baker St. Pub, we’ve noticed over the past few months the insurgence of “tribute bands,” cover bands that focus on one artist.

A couple of months ago, we were treated to a U2 cover band called Vertigo at Sam’s Concert Pub on Richmond. Actually, we were impressed by how much their music sounded just like the Irish boys’ music, and the lead vocalist did such a good job at acting like Bono (without the political rants) that we think Bono may put a restraining order on him if they ever meet face-to-face.

While searching online for tribute bands, we came across a website devoted to the craze. Some of the cover bands listed surprised us: Air Supply (No-Doze anyone?); Evanescence (a little too early for a tribute, don’t you think?); PJ Harvey (probably too obscure for Houston); and Roxette (the original band is bad enough).

If you don’t want to spend the money for the real thing, or if the real thing isn’t around anymore, here’s some upcoming tribute band shows you can check out:

Sam’s Concert Pub: Beach Boys, The Beatles, Elton John, The Cure, Van Halen.

Forgetta-Bout-It #2: The Beatles and The Eagles

Also, you can catch the B-52’s tribute band Aqua Velva at the Fashionably Loud event at High Fashion Home on August 17th. Plus, every Thursday night, the Continental Club plays host to a great cover band Beetle. Look closely, you’ll recognize some band members from other tribute bands.