Tribute Shows
The Market
With one third of Australian live music venues closing, streaming numbers for mid level original artists down by 40% and ticket sales for mid level original artist shows down by 65%, it is clear that Australian audiences are not getting what they want.
On the other hand, demand for good quality Tribute Shows is up by 57%.
Post COVID, people are seeking the familiar - a safe and comforting soundtrack. A good quality Tribute Show fills this need. And with a global cost of living crisis on our hands, tribute shows are becoming more appealing as they offer a much cheaper, more accessible experience than the original artist.
Choosing the Artist to pay Tribute to
The days of the tacky Elvis impersonators are over (apologies to any Elvis shows reading this) where it was about impersonation and mimicking as opposed to creating a show experience through the audience’s soundtrack. Tribute Shows - especially high quality music, production and entertainment shows - are in great demand.
So how do you choose which Artist to pay Tribute to?
If you are gigging every week in local venues, you will have a large convenient lens to view the current trend cycle in terms of Artists who are heavily featured on Audience’s own Soundtrack. Tune in to live audiences. Research streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. There are plenty of data sites across the web to tap into in regards to current music consumption trends.
Telling the Story
There is incredible artistry in being able to tell the story of one artist across its catalogue and history through your production, costumes, curated set lists, video screens and special lighting effects.
Once you find that Artist whose story you can pay tribute to, then the show and all its elements can fall into place.
Live Show Delivery
Paying homage to a fan’s beloved Artist is no mean feat. Production levels need to be high in order to preserve the integrity of the fan’s soundtrack.
2 x 1 Hour Sets with a possible support slot if required by the promoter.
Professional Show Sound and Lighting Production
Consider working with a Production Technician so you can focus on performance
Using visual elements like stage backdrops, screen graphics and specific lighting can transport audiences back into the soundtrack.
Lighting – no less than 16 cans and spots.
Research the fashion elements of the Artist and replicate live on stage - consider a costume change in each set.
Laying out the stage and instruments like the original Artist helps to recreate that magic
Many performers speak and perform in character
Curating the show with songs and stories helps to recreate the original artist live vibe.
Your Legal Obligation
Make sure you have all your legal ducks in a row. The words “ This is a show in Tribute to an original Artist.” must be displayed on all advertising and promotional material to avoid confusion.
You, as the Show Manager must provide a legal guarantee to the Venue and Show Promoter that the name of your show does not infringe on copyright or original Artist Trademark. So run several compliance checks on the show name before you begin.
You, as the Show Manager, are legally obligated to guarantee that all marketing material does not infringe on copyright or trademark.
You, as the Show Manager, are legally obligated to ensure that your Show is compliant with International Trademark laws.
Image Courtesy of Killer Queen Experience
Ticking Off
Show Trademark
License for the Show from the Original Artist
The Original Artist name cannot be in the Show Name
Names of Songs by the Original Artist cannot be in the Show Name
All Show Marketing must clearly state THIS IS A TRIBUTE SHOW
The Show Logo must be unique and different to all Original Artist Logos
The Show Logo font must be unique and different to all Original Artist Logo fonts
The following text must be noted on the Show website and Social Media sites THIS BAND IS NOT AFFILIATED, SPONSORED OR ASSOCIATED WITH THE ORIGINAL ARTIST THAT IT PAYS TRIBUTE TO
Show Digital Asset Package
High Res Publicity Photo (2 x Portrait 1 x Landscape) for your tribute show – different to a standard cover show
Link to Show Specific Social Pages (Not your personal or cover band)
Spotify Playlist of the show songs - make sure that link is shared in your Press Pack.
Show Press Release
Show On Sheet
Show Marketing Plan
Show Generic Promo Video - 5-40 seconds
Show Shout Out Promo Video - 5-40 seconds
Poster and Advertising Check List
Show Name
Directly under Show Name, THIS IS A TRIBUTE TO ORIGINAL ARTIST NAME
Your Show Name must stand out in lieu of the Original Artist Name
Advertising Disclaimer: This Tribute Show is not affiliated, sponsored or associated with ORIGINAL ARTIST
Digital Asset Check List (per Show)
Facebook Event
Instagram Tile (1080 x 1080 px)
Professional High Res Digital Posters - A2, A3, A4
Ticketing Tile (600 x 300 px)
Competition Promo Tile (1080 x 1080 px)
Point of Sale Tile (1024 x 768 px)
Venue Website Banner (2000 x 1000 px)
Venue Website Tile (600 x 700 px)
Marketing Check List (per Show)
Digital to Agent 8 Weeks Prior
Facebook Targeted Boost Posts over 6 weeks prior
Ticket Giveaways – arrange with your Agent to obtain tickets from the venue to giveaway for ticketed shows
Local Radio/Print/Social Interviews to target Local Catchment of Show Location
6 Weeks Lead In Bi weekly Digital Poster Post on all Socials tagging Venue and Agent
Competition Winner Announce 1 week prior
Social Media Check List (per Show)
Show Vibe
Behind the Scenes
Fan Moment
Ticket Giveaway
Ask Me Anything
Venue Spotlight
Countdown
Bringing a tribute show to life isn’t for the faint hearted. However, it most certainly paves the way for fans to connect with a live show in their local area at a price they can afford creating magic in a few hours on one night - the reason why we all become musicians in the first place.
Quality musicianship, performance and entertainment are the three pillars in determining success for tribute bands but key to this success is the decision making, the planning, the execution and the marketing of the show - all in a manner that echoes the spirit of the original artist.
The bottom line are engaged and happy fans at the end of every show. :-)
Written by Nichola Burton. I work in partnership with Agents, Artist Managers and Event Producers, who juggle a diverse range of relationships in the Musoverse, to curate, manage and measure data in systems, experience, creative and content to support the entire Musoverse operation in my enterprise A Little Pitchy Copyright 2024
