Because Tribute Bands Rock!
Why we built the world's best site for tribute acts and artists
Tributes.live is the world's most comprehensive and authoritative platform for discovering tribute bands and tribute acts playing your favorite songs live in your local area. We exist to help music fans find the tribute artists performing the music they love—right in their own backyard.
Search for your favorite artist, or sync your music streaming service, and we'll automatically match you to local tribute bands covering your favorite songs. See them live locally for a fraction of the cost of arena shows, while supporting your local music scene and the musicians who keep live music alive.
Where It All Began
The idea for Tributes.live was born when I saw a Pearl Jam tribute band called Corduroy at the HopMonk Tavern in Marin County, California.
I was blown away—not just because the band was incredible (though they were), but because of the entire experience. They played all the best songs. The crowd was packed with real fans who knew every word. I could get right up close and personal with the band, grab a drink easily, and chat with the musicians after the show. The whole thing cost a tenth of what I'd pay to see the real band from half a mile away in a massive arena.
I found this gig completely by accident. I'd been searching for any live music that night when I stumbled across this tribute show. It hit me—how long has this been going on? How many amazing tribute band performances have I been missing out on?
On the drive home, I told my friend: "Wouldn't it be cool if there was an app or site where you could sync your favorite music, and it would show you tribute bands to the artists you love best?"
That's where Tributes.live was born.
Why Tribute Bands Matter
Tribute bands are the hidden hero of the live music industry. They're quietly the fastest-growing sector in live music, and for good reason. After talking to venue owners, musicians, and fans, we discovered something most people don't realise.
Tribute Bands Keep Venues Alive
One small venue owner told me that tribute bands were critical to his venue's survival.
"If I book a new up-and-coming band that nobody's heard of playing originals, I might only have a few dozen people turn up. And quite often they're younger kids who don't spend any money at the venue. But if I book a Rolling Stones tribute band, I sell out the venue a week in advance, and every person through the door buys five cocktails each."
His conclusion:
"If it weren't for tribute bands, we wouldn't be able to open our doors to new music."
Tribute Acts Support Original Musicians
Take Tomas from Sunhunter —an excellent musician in his own right. Like many talented artists, Tomas also formed a tribute act (Toolbox, an incredible tribute to Tool) as an additional source of income and audience growth. The revenue from tribute performances helps fund their original music. It also gives them a platform to connect with fans, build a following, and share their own songs with people who are already there for the love of live music.
Tribute Artists Reconnect Fans With Live Music
The appeal of hearing your favorite songs performed live is a powerful motivator. It gets people—particularly middle-aged and older music lovers—off the sofa and back into live music venues. They rediscover and reconnect with their love for live performance many lost while parenting and workiong. These fans don't just stick with tribute bands. They start listening to the original artists more, and they venture out to see more original live music as well.
Music Builds Community
Since the beginning of time, music has been the bedrock of community. In a world where most people are sick of social media, where loneliness and depression are at record levels, community and genuine relationships are the best way to rebuild our collective mental health. And there's no better way to build that community than through a shared love of quality live music.
Our Contrarian Belief
Tribute bands and tribute artists are the lifeblood—if not the savior—of local music, and counterintuitively, of new music as well.
That's why we created Tributes.live.
Get Started Today
Search for your favorite bands, discover the tribute acts performing near you, and sign up to follow them so you'll be notified when they have upcoming shows. Your local live music scene is waiting for you.
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to add your band or venue? Contact us – we'd love to hear from you!