What Is a Tribute Act, and What Does It Offer to an Event?
Tribute acts recreate the performances or sounds of popular bands and solo acts that audiences love. They will normally sound very similar to the original performer(s) and they may also focus on using iconic costuming and instruments to appear as close to the “real thing” as they can. There are different types of tribute acts, for example:
Solo Tribute Acts – where one person represents a popular act
Kate Bush Tribute
Multi-Artist Acts – where one person represents multiple popular artists
Tribute Madonna meets Cher
Duo Tribute Acts – where two people work as a duo to serve as a tribute act
Bullet Blues Brothers duo
Multi-member Tribute Bands – where a band plays (and usually looks) like the original act
Queen 2 Tribute Band
The nice thing about a tribute act is that it’s possible to get a tribute to come to your event at a very cost-effective price – far, far less than it would cost if you wanted to bring in the real thing! of course, If the original band or artist is no longer alive, a tribute act allows for the recreation of that artist’s work today, despite the original no longer being with us.
What’s the Difference Between a Tribute Band, a Cover Band & a Function Band?
Tribute bands, cover bands, and function bands are not the same. While they all perform other artists’ music, not all of them attempt to portray the other artists or try to sound like them.
Tribute Bands
Tribute bands represent themselves as the authentic act. They will use similar costumes and instruments, sets, and playlists to be as authentic as possible when playing events. Tribute bands only play music from one artist or act, in most cases.
Cover Bands
Cover bands are not attempting to represent themselves as the original band. Instead, they play many popular songs from a broad range of artists while performing as their own original band.
Function Bands
Function bands are those that focus on performing at functions. This is a professional band and usually represents itself in its own right, while covering a wide range of songs from the charts of various eras.
Sound-alike and Look-alike Tribute Acts – How Are They Different?
There is a difference between sound-alike and look-alike tribute bands. As it seems, a sound-alike band sounds as close to the original artists as possible. A look-alike tribute band will try to appear as close to the original as possible, but it won’t necessarily sound identical. The difference between these bands is the focus on looks versus sound. Depending on what you’re going for at your event, you may want a band that looks the part or might prefer one that sounds like the original act.
Do Tribute Acts and/or Performance Venues Need to Pay Royalties?
Tribute acts are asked to pay PRS fees for sound clips used on their websites or social accounts because they are hosting them. The venue is responsible for PRS fees when a live performance occurs. If you are bringing a tribute act to your event, the venue should cover the cost as a part of the rental fee, but this is something to discuss with your supplying agency.
Is a Contract With a Tribute Act With Their Agency or the Act?
In the United Kingdom, with A1 Star Tributes, artists take on contracts, not the agency. The artists are bound to perform based on the contract that you have with them.
How Do You Book a Tribute Act?
The best way to book a tribute act is through an agency that provides you with vetted and trusted acts to choose from. A1 Star Tributes can help you book a tribute act that is available on the date of your event, whether the event is large or small.
When you book a tribute act, be prepared with the budget you have in mind. You should also know the date and times that you will need the act. If you have a preferred act, you may ask the agency if it can help you with booking that specific group.
A1 Star Tributes specialises in providing the best Tribute acts and bands – contact us to make a booking.
How Much Will It Cost Me to Book a Tribute Performer?
The cost of hiring a tribute performer will depend on which act you hire, the quality of the act, and how big of a show is needed. Factors such as the size of the band, the number of dancers, and even the lighting and production will play a role in the overall cost. In the UK, the majority of tribute acts can be booked for anywhere between a few hundred pounds to thousands of pounds based on the specific requirements.
How Much Does It Cost to Book a Solo Tribute Act?
Prices can vary depending on the quality, popularity and travelling distance of an individual act. Prices can begin around £500 for a single performance of several sets but can reach several thousand pounds for the very best or complicated setup acts. It’s always best to discuss requirements, including the budget available, with your supplier agency.
How Much Does a Tribute Band Cost?
In the UK Tribute bands cost from around £800 to over £5000 for a single performance. Discussing costs is part of the original contact with an agency and the agency follow-up will help you decide what is possible with the budget you have available.
What Are The Steps In Booking A Tribute Band Or Performer?
If you are ready to make a booking for a performer then generally the following steps are involved (they certainly are for those of us here at A1 Star tributes). Here is a simple guide to the process of making a booking.
Step 1
After contacting your agency (for this example, A1 Star tributes) we will discuss your requirements and cover the availability of a requested act or options for acts if you are unsure.
Step 2
Once we have ascertained the availability of your chosen act, we will send promotional material to include, photos, bio and YouTube clips, plus a quote. From here you can decide to book or not.
Step 3
A small deposit is then paid to secure the act (final balance by bank transfer 14 days before the event or payment to the act on the night).
Step 4
The act will be confirmed on receipt of the deposit and a confirmation note will be sent to you with information on follow-up details required. You then send all details of the event (date, address, preferred arrival time, on stage time, and wanted show duration (for example, 1 x 60 mins or 2 x 45 mins or 1 x 90 mins))
Step 5
On receipt of your event details, two electronic contracts will be set up for you and are made between yourself and the act. As an agency, our role is to set up the contracts so both parties are legally covered. After both contracts are signed by yourself and the act, the contract is binding.
Step 6
We will confirm the act’s requirements (for example, access, parking, a changing room, stage space, available power etc). We can assist with any advice at this point if needed.
Step 7
The contract/event will be reconfirmed to your act one week before the date by our automated management system.
Step 8
You will normally not hear from the artist in advance. However, you can contact us one week before the performance and we can provide act contact details. This is to discuss any points about the event with the act if wanted.
Step 9
the act will arrive and perform as agreed.
Note: If there is a late problem with the act (very rare but, for example, illness) the act will contact us and we will work on a replacement for you of a similar type.
Note: All deposits are non-refundable on cancellation once all contracts have been signed However we offer another date package whereby you can book another date/artist or same artist at another time using your deposit. You will not lose your deposit.
That’s Pretty Much It!
Not quite ‘3 Steps To Heaven’ but certainly 9 steps in getting you a great act for your event.
What Are the Most Popular Tribute Acts
Some of the most popular original acts portrayed by tribute artists in the UK are:
- Queen (band tribute)/Freddy Mercury (Solo act). While Queen still plays and tours around the world, their shows are few and far between. Freddy Mercury passed away in the 1990s, so there is no chance of seeing him live. For those who love Queen, a tribute may be as close as they’ll be able to get.
- ABBA. Because ABBA no longer tours, a tribute is the only way for people to see a live act.
- Rolling Stones. With a unique blues and rock mix, the band is at the forefront of pop culture. The band does still tour, but it is often in the United States.
- Led Zeppelin. Led Zeppelin did not tour for many years, but with a new album, the band will be touring in 2021 and beyond. The tribute acts are popular since there are only three surviving band members of the original act.
- Bon Jovi. Bon Jovi is a popular rock artist. He had stopped touring, and when he does tour is often in America. This makes tributes particularly popular in the UK.
- Fleetwood Mac. Fleetwood Mac does tour and is expected to go on tour in 2022, however, the band is getting older. Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham have had a falling out that impacts the band’s balance, too.
- Michael Buble. Michael Buble is touring in 2022, but many of his UK tour dates have passed. His time is spent between four countries and 19 concerts in 2022, so tribute acts may help audiences see an act that is otherwise difficult to get to.
- George Michael. George Michael passed away in 2016, so tribute acts are a great way to see a performer who is no longer available.
- Chas & Dave. An ‘Old East-end of London’ duo, Chas & Dave are immensely popular. However, they did have a falling out and split up, which makes it hard to see the real act so a tribute could be the answer.
Popular Tribute Acts (based on agency stats)
- George Michael
- Chas & Dave
- Freddie Mercury (solo)
Popular Tribute Bands (based on agency stats)
- Abba
- Queen
- Bon Jovi
What Types of Events are Tribute Acts Best For?
Festivals
Tribute acts are amazing for festivals. People love good music, and when they see a band or performer who they have an interest in, like Queen or Bon Jovi, they’ll be sure to stick around for the music on top of the games, food, and anything else going on. A good tribute act improves the mood of a festival and sets the tone for the entire day. Find out more about festival music options.
Theatre Events
Tribute acts often perform in theatres. They have the space to perform much like the authentic act would have done. Good lighting, pyrotechnics, and other effects are possible in a theatre. There is also excellent seating for guests, and tickets can easily be sold based on the quality of the seat.
Corporate Events
Corporate events can feel like another day in the office. To make sure employees and guests have a good time and make positive connections, it’s smart to hire in a tribute act. They keep the mood light while entertaining people and giving them something to talk about.
Weddings
Unless you know someone in a mainline band, it’s unlikely that most star performers would come to a private event like a wedding. Tribute acts allow you to hear the music you want and to see the act you’re interested in having without the price tag of an original group. Find out more about wedding live music options.
Private Parties
Thanks to being inexpensive, tribute bands are ideal for private parties. They put on a show similar, if not equal to, the original, and you get to sit back and enjoy it without the hefty price.
What Makes a Great Tribute Act/Band and How Do You Choose One?
A great tribute band will make for a fantastic event, but a poor one can leave you scratching your head and asking what went wrong. How do you find a good tribute band? Here are some things you should ask for.
- First, ask for a great demo and promotional materials (Video, MP3, band history).
- Next, look at high-quality images of the artist performing live (not at home or in a studio). This will give you a better idea of what their performances are really like.
- After that, take a look at reviews and testimonials from genuine promoters and audience members who have seen the act.
- Look for a group with a stable lineup and many years of experience. Groups with experience touring abroad should be at the top of your list.
- Find a tribute act that is as self-contained as possible. A good tribute act will have its own equipment and technical support if needed.
- Take a few minutes to have a phone conversation with the artist or agency. This conversation should be professional and help you build confidence in the act. If you don’t feel comfortable with the act following this conversation, it may be best to find another.
- A quality tribute act should be supported by an experienced and specialised tribute act agency. If the act isn’t represented, ask why not.
- Finally, remember that it’s often the case that the cost of the act reflects the quality. While two acts costing close to the same amount may vary in quality a little bit, there is normally a huge difference between an act asking for thousands compared to one asking for only a few hundred pounds.
What Happens If I Need To Reschedule Or Cancel My Tribute Performer?
Rescheduling
When booking through an agency such as A1 Star Tributes, we always aim to work with event managers should rescheduling of the performance be necessary. However, there is limited scope for rescheduling the closer to the performance date that the need arises. Tribute acts generally have very tight schedules and commitments many months in advance so rescheduling a performance at late notice can be difficult. However, clients can rest assured that they will never lose their deposits. We will always aim to reschedule where possible and the deposit will be carried forward to the new performance date.
Cancellation
if rescheduling is impossible or performance has to be cancelled then again, a promoter would not expect to lose their deposit for the act. If there is a cancellation then the deposit can be carried forward to a future, different performance.
Promoters should always rest assured that with a good agency supplying an act, it is part of their commitment to making sure that the show will eventually go back on at a date that suits everyone.
Can A Supporting act, DJ and/or MC Also Be Provided With My Tribute Act?
Yes, this can normally be done. Experienced tribute act agencies can arrange supporting acts such as a DJ or Master of ceremonies (MC). An agency like A1 Star Tributes is well versed in putting together bespoke performance packages for venues of any size. We advise event managers and promoters to raise their needs with us early on and we are then able to work with them to ensure they get a tailored performance package for their event.
How Much Space Will A Tribute Act Require?
This depends on the size of the act and where the performer or performers will be appearing. In smaller venues, a typical performance area will be 3 metres x 3 metres but it isn’t unusual for a solo performer to appear in a much smaller space. For a solo act however 3 m x 3 m is a good rule of thumb but the larger the number of performers appearing at the same time, the larger the area that is required.
As noted above, with larger acts it is a good idea for the promoter to contact the act and establish what space requirements are needed. Alternatively, the tribute act agency supplying the artist can always give good advice on the amount of space required.
It is also the case that if an act has a lively, energetic show with a lot of visual props, lighting and so on, they will contact the promoter or the event venue well in advance to discuss space (and often other performance-related requirements).
Example band stage layout provided to promoters/event managers
How Long Will A Performance Last And Is This Negotiable?
There are substandard performance lengths these are, typically:
2 x 45-minute slots
1 x 60-minute slot
there are variations to these timings, for example in some cases (they aren’t that common):
2 x 60-minute slots
1 x 90-minute slot
the best time for an event manager or promoter to consider negotiating performance timings is when initially engaging with a tribute act’s agency. Most acts will be happy to be flexible in their performance times to some extent but the sooner these are agreed in advance the better. Agreeing at an early stage helps plan the event and ensure that all parties know not only the duration of the performances but also when they’re likely to happen during the evening or in the day.
What Does My Venue Need To Provide To Performers On The NIght Or Before?
The most important thing for an act is that the event manager or promoter supply an adequate stage area with plentiful power supply, a private area with a toilet for the act to change a relax and an area for any vehicles carrying equipment to park near or access the stage and remain for the performance. An act will normally provide the rest (PA equipment, stage clothes, lighting and other props, equipment and accessories to support the performance). In many cases, event management is also happy to ensure that the act as an offer of a drink and sometimes food. While this is not in any way compulsory, it is always appreciated by any visiting acts.
There are exceptions where additional support from the event management is needed. For example, at a large festival, it’s very likely the act will wish to use the festival stage PA. If an act has travelled a long way, then sometimes overnight accommodation is requested from the event venue. These are generally particular occasions however and the norm is the requirement covered above. Again, this is a question that is best raised after an initial booking has been agreed for a particular tribute act. As always, the tribute act agency will be very helpful in filling in any knowledge gaps regarding what venue may need to have available on the night of the performance.
For example, a typical run-through of requirements could look like this:
The agent would work out the acts/bands itinerary and any requirements with the client/promoter as follows:-
Step 1
The Arrival time for a solo act should be at least one hour to set up PA & Lighting equipment. Is access readily available and will the act be met on arrival?
For a live band, 2 hour arrival before the show is needed as it entails instrument soundchecks & there is more equipment to place on stage.
Step 2
A start of performance time would be needed eg: an 8:30 pm start on stage.
Performance duration times – 1 x 60 mins, 1 x 90 mins or 2 x 45 mins – would already have been agreed on initial hire.
Agree on a finish time and confirm the latest time by which the act needs to clear the venue.
Step 3
Arrange car parking facilities at the Venue – or would the performer(s) need to offload equipment at the venue and then find a car park?
Step 4
The artist will either need a private dressing room or somewhere to change with a mirror and toilet facilities
Step 5
Will a drink and meal be available or is there a handy venue nearby for the artist(s)?
Is That All?
This, of course, is an illustration and individual acts and venues may well have additional needs and these can be discussed with the supplying agency at the time of hiring.
Do Tribute Acts Supply Their Own Sound And Lighting Gear
Yes, it is very much normal practice for the act in question to provide their own sound and lighting. Performers generally prefer to work with equipment with which they’re familiar, can operate (or have operated by a member of their crew) and can be used to match the performer’s song schedule, dance routines and so on. As always, it depends on the act and the size of the act together with the complexity of the performance.
Equipment can range from quite simple (a small PA with Mic and speakers) to a fully almost professional setup with a large array of equipment, lighting, special effects and more. However complicated to set up, the act will normally supply all that is required. On occasion, if the event venue is large and has its in-house PA, then the performer or performers may ask for their equipment to be plugged into the house PA system. However, for most events, an event manager or promoter can expect an act to come fully equipped with all that they need.
Do Tribute Bands Supply Stage Setups For their Equipment In Advance?
No, tribute acts don’t normally supply stage setups for the performance. In the case of some of the larger tribute acts and bands, they will supply a diagram of a typical stage layout (for example, where the drums will be located, or the backing singers and dancers etc). This is especially common with large groups of five or more performers that will be appearing in a larger venue such as a theatre or a festival stage.
If a promoter or event manager is arranging a large performance, it is a good move to contact the band or troupe and ask for their preferred stage layout. This will give the promoter some idea of the amount of stage space, power supply, lighting coverage and more that will allow the performance to be delivered to the highest standard.
Often, if a large group of artists or a complex setup is involved the tribute act agency supplying the performer will contact the event promoter and discuss stage set up that the performers will hope to achieve.
Is Tribute Act Sound and Lighting Gear Required To Be PAT Tested?
In the UK it is a strict requirement that any electrical equipment (sound and lighting equipment generally) is PAT tested. All agencies supplying and entertainment act with equipment will hold a PAT test for that act equipment and a performer, band or group will normally carry a PAT test with them.
it is also the case that any venue putting on live performances that use logical equipment are legally required to meet electricity at work regulations (EWR). Venues will need a local authority entertainment licence within which they will be requirements fire and electrical safety.
A valid PAT testing certificate is normally a requirement of Public Liability Insurance. Note that venues and an artist appearing at them are liable to a spot check at any point.
What COVID Considerations Should I Have AND How Do I Get Advice?
While Covid regulations in the UK have been relaxed (they may vary from nation to nation), Covid is still an issue with live performances potentially. An agency such as A1 Srat Tributes is well versed in the requirements for a Covid safe performance and we are very happy to advise potential entertainment managers or promoters on the Covid requirements but are likely to apply to their event.
For advice, there is a very helpful (Canadian but relevant to the UK) government website covering in great detail (but easy to understand) what an event should do to operate safely in the current Covid situation.
The downloadable guide covering guidelines for vocalists and instrumentalists can be found here:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/covid/restoring-vocalists-instrumentalists.pdf
The Musicians Union also offers a useful and regularly updated summary
The UK Government advice website can be found here
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19/events-and-attractions
We recommend that all event promoters familiarise themselves with the advice given in the above document and then discuss any follow-up questions with their supplying agency.
Final Comments
Phew!! ok, this really is the end of our epic guide to booking a UK Tribute Act. We hope you’ve found the above guide useful and it has helped answer some or many of the questions you may have about booking Tribute entertainment.
At A1 Star Tributes we pride ourselves in the quality of support we provide to promoters and acts to ensure that performances go off without a hitch and leave the audience wanting more. Remember – given all the above, a good tribute Agency is there to make sure your questions are answered and the act you’ve hired delivers as expected. never hesitate to get in touch and ask any questions you may have – we’ve very happy to answer them.