The Tribute band circuit

[okusman]

I’m looking at finding a bass chair in a tribute act. 
I have:
Kit ✅ 

Chops ✅ 

Huge gigging experience ✅ 

Learn fast/read tab fluently ✅ 

Is there a password/inter-sanctum initiation that has to be overcome before the opportunities become apparent?

The ‘usual’ musicians wanted sites seem to yield close to nothing…

Anyone with advice/knowledge/password, willing to share wisdom?

Mark

[Geek99]

@police squad

[police squad]

Hi there

actually I have no idea.

There is facebook sites dedicated to tribut acts, they probably advertise on there

Probably start following a few bands online and maybe message them that you would be interested if the opportunity came up

I joined U2 Tribe after a support slot with The Policed in Southend. I saw their bassist had announced his departure and so I contacted their singer

Job was mine immediately as they had already seen me and loved my bass sound

[Sean]

5 hours ago, okusman said:

I’m looking at finding a bass chair in a tribute act. 
I have:
Kit ✅ 

Chops ✅ 

Huge gigging experience ✅ 

Learn fast/read tab fluently ✅ 

Is there a password/inter-sanctum initiation that has to be overcome before the opportunities become apparent?

The ‘usual’ musicians wanted sites seem to yield close to nothing…

Anyone with advice/knowledge/password, willing to share wisdom?

Mark

There's a lot of bassists here that have done or do tribute at quite a serious level and might be able to comment. 

 

I think the answer depends on the situation, the particular tribute. The last time I did it, I was approached because the band leader knew me and knew that I'm generally up for playing anything within my technical capacity. 

 

If you're looking at being in a touring tribute I'm sure kit, ability and being gig savvy are givens.  There's one big touring UK tribute band that I've seen a few times where the bassist (IMO) hasn't got the chops and some of the iconic parts are simplified or sketched over but he's solid, does BVs as per the original, has replica gear and is a really good lookalike. He seems to be a really nice guy too. I'm sure that what he lacks in technical ability is made up for in all the other things he is and brings. 

 

I don't think think there's a cheat code for this, I think you just have to knock on a lot of doors, put yourself about and network. 

[jazzyvee]

Any particular tribute you are seeking?

[okusman]

1 hour ago, jazzyvee said:

Any particular tribute you are seeking?

Really open-minded, just nothing too heavy. 

[JapanAxe]

It’s about who you know really. I dep on rhythm guitar (mostly) and bass (occasionally) in a Dire Straits tribute that plays theatres and arts centres all over the UK. I met the BL through a mutual friend who was putting together a scratch band for a wedding - not something I recommend btw!