Tribute bands are the hottest thing on the live club touring circuit. And for good reason. They bring iconic music to life, fuel festival lineups, and give fans the next-best thing to seeing the real deal (sometimes… even better?).
But even with popular shows and die-hard fans, some of the best tribute acts in the game are flying under the radar. And it’s time for that to change. So, being as though we love and work with tribute bands, we decided to create a list of five amazing tribute bands you need to know now.
But, before we just dive into the list, let’s have a refresher for those out there who may not know exactly what a tribute band is and why they are so popular right now.
What is a Tribute Band, Anyway?
Tribute bands are professional musical acts that perform the songs of one specific, usually legendary, artist or band. Unlike cover bands, which play music from a wide range of artists, tribute bands go all-in on one act.
Tribute bands also emulate not just the music itself, but the look, feel, and stage presence of the original band. It’s part musical homage, part performance art, and for fans, the next-best thing to the real deal.
Okay, now that we have defined tribute bands, here’s our carefully curated list of 5 amazing artists you need to know:
1. ABBA Tribute Band – Dancing Dream (New York, USA)
ABBA tribute band Dancing Dream brings the infectious energy of Swedish pop supergroup ABBA’s golden era to stages across the United States. Based in New York City, the group takes you on a nostalgic trip back to the glitz and glamour of peak 70s pop with their soaring harmonies, elaborate costumes and captivating choreography.
Founded by Halina Ulatowski in 2009, what sets Dancing Dream apart is their authenticity, not just in sound, but in spirit. Their performances are celebratory and theatrical, electrifying audiences of all ages with ABBA hits like "Mamma Mia", "Dancing Queen", "Take a Chance", "Fernando", and many more.
Dancing Dream has appeared on national TV, including The Colbert Report, which had placed them on the map of top tribute acts in their country. Whether you're a lifelong ABBA fan or a Mamma Mia! convert, Dancing Dream turns every show into a glittering, feel-good disco revival to remember.
Learn more about Dancing Dream.
2. Led Zeppelin Tribute Band – Zepparella (San Francisco, USA)
Zepparella is more than just a Led Zeppelin tribute band; they’re a reinvention of Led Zeppelin’s music through the lens of four virtuosic women. And each member of the group brings something fierce and unique to the stage.
Based in San Francisco, Zepparella has been touring relentlessly across the U.S., delivering hard-hitting renditions of Zep’s mythic classics like “Immigrant Song,” “Whole Lotta Love,” and “Moby Dick” with incredible precision and smoldering passion.
Zepparella founder and drummer Clementine leads the charge, channeling John Bonham’s Motown-influenced thunder of the gods. While guitarist Gretchen Menn’s technical prowess rivals the power of Jimmy Page himself in versatility and lead guitar excellence.
Lead vocalist (and harmonica player!) Anna Kristina breathes fresh life into Plant’s soaring melodies. And the self-taught Holly West drives it all with thick and groovy, powerful bass lines. Not mimicking the past, Zepparella’s shows are dynamic reinterpretations that stay true to the spirit of Zeppelin while pushing it forward for longtime and new Zeppelin fans alike.
Learn more about Zepparella.
3. Queen Tribute Band – Bohemian Queen (Los Angeles, USA)
Queen tribute band Bohemian Queen is the kind of act that makes you believe, if only for a night, that Freddie Mercury has returned. Frontman and vocalist Paulie Z’s vocal range, flamboyant energy, and on-stage charisma rival that of Mercury himself. This L.A. based group delivers Queen’s theatricality in full Technicolor.
Bohemian Queen’s shows are massive: with multiple costume changes, layered harmonies, and guitar solos that echo Brian May’s original tone. The band is composed of elite touring and session musicians with serious credentials. Whether it's the iconic drum hits and percussive claps of “We Will Rock You,” the driving melodies of “Somebody to Love,” or the operatic, stadium-closing epic “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Bohemian Queen’s performances are tight, passionate, and bursting with fun. It’s classic arena rock for the tribute age.
Learn more about Bohemian Queen.
4. Pink Floyd Tribute Band – Floydium (Toronto, Canada)
Floydium has been captivating Canadian audiences with their richly immersive performances of Pink Floyd’s iconic, psychedelic discography. Based in Toronto, the band isn’t interested in gimmicks. They’re committed to musical fidelity, moody visuals, and a fully transportive Floyd experience that spans the entire breadth of the band’s career from the days of Syd Barrett to the eventual breakup.
Floydium combines pristine musicianship with stunning projections and lighting effects. Every member of Floydium is a seasoned pro, but they approach the material with reverence, never ego. They’ve become a mainstay of Ontario’s theater circuit and a favorite among both casual and diehard Floyd fans looking for the full sonic trip.
Learn more about Floydium.
5. Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band – Fleetwood Macked (New York, USA)
Fleetwood Macked channels the mystique, drama, and raw musicality of one of rock’s most emotionally charged bands. Based in New York they are hailed as the most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute band in the United States. This tribute group leans into the golden years of Fleetwood Mac, delivering all the Stevie Nicks shawl-twirling, Lindsey Buckingham guitar wizardry, and Christine McVie keyboard soul you could want.
From “Go Your Own Way” to “Rhiannon,” and “Don’t Stop,” Fleetwood Macked’s renditions are both faithful and alive. The band’s chemistry is palpable on stage, with performers who clearly know and love the complex interplay that made the real Fleetwood Mac so magnetic. Complete with costume changes, dialogue and video backdrops it a Fleetwood Mac tribute show not to be missed.
Learn more about Fleetwood Macked.
6. Beatles Tribute Band – 1964 The Tribute (USA Touring)
If you want to experience what it was like to see the Beatles in their early prime, Beatles tribute band 1964 The Tribute is as close as you’ll get. This band doesn’t cover the whole Beatles catalog. They specialize in recreating the band’s early 1960s live era with incredible authenticity, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles, and onstage banter. For those that never saw The Beatles LIVE and always wanted to know what it must have been like...this is as close as anyone could possibly get to feeling the magic.
What makes 1964 The Tribute special is their commitment to the vibe of a real 1964 Beatles concert experience. They even caught the attention of Rolling Stone, who called them the “best Beatles tribute on Earth.” It’s a deeply nostalgic, high-energy experience that reminds you why Beatlemania happened in the first place.
Learn more about 1964 The Tribute.
7. U2 Tribute Band – Hollywood U2 (Los Angeles, USA)
U2 tribut band Hollywood U2 isn’t just a tribute, they’re a full-scale award-winning U2 experience. Fronted by Joe (“Hollywood Bono”) Hier, whose uncanny resemblance to Bono landed him on stage with the real U2 in front of 20,000 people, this L.A.-based band delivers soaring anthems and dramatic arena energy with total commitment.
While Hollywood U2 can bring any era of U2 to fans they specialize in bringing the iconic Zoo TV tour, Vertigo tour, Elevation tour, Joshua Tree 2017 30th Anniversary tour and up to the current Innocence and Experience tour. The shows also come complete with costume changes, props and video content. Hollywood U2 has appeared on Mark Cuban’s show The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands and earned accolades from both fans and industry pros alike. Whether your favorite U2 song is “Beautiful Day, “ Elevation,” or “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” “Sunday Bloody Sunday” or “Beautiful Day,” this band delivers the true U2 experience with heart and style.
Learn more about Hollywood U2.
8. Metallica Tribute Band – The Four Horsemen (Ohio, USA)
Metallica tribute band The Four Horsemen are pure thrash energy with no gimmicks, just high-octane, album-quality Metallica played with relentless authenticity. The band is dedicated to excellence and thrill fans with their speed, precision, signature Metallica riffs, and their look. Based in Ohio but touring nationally, this band focuses on the early years of Metallica’s career, from Kill ‘Em All through …And Justice for All, delivering raw riffs and tight rhythms that hit like a metal fan’s dream freight train.
Guitarist/vocalist Sean Perry explains; "Fans deserve the highest quality reproduction of Metallica's records and shows. That's why we're here." Perry guides the band with his vision and grit. The Four Horsemen have become heroes to their rapidly growing fan base. If you're a fan of headbanging, double-kick drums, and blistering solos, The Four Horsemen are the real deal.
Learn more about The Four Horsemen.
9. Rolling Stones Tribute Band – Jumping Jack Flash (California, USA)
Rolling Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash has been bringing Mick-and-Keith swagger to life for over two decades. Hailing from Southern California, this Stones tribute covers the entire arc of the band’s career, from bluesy rock and roll beginnings to arena rock superstardom. Lead singer Joey “Jagger” Infante embodies Mick’s moves and vocal inflections with uncanny flair.
Since 2005, Jumping Jack Flash have electrified audiences across the globe, headlining at world-class theaters, amphitheaters, festivals, and casinos, as well as corporate and private events. Their high-energy shows capture the authentic spirit of the Stones’ 60+ year legacy with classic renditions of songs like Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Woman, and, of course, Jumping Jack Flash.
Learn more about Jumping Jack Flash.
10. Dave Matthews Tribute Band – Big Eyed Phish (Rochester, NY, USA)
Dave Matthews Band tribute Big Eyed Phish is one of the most musically accomplished Dave Matthews Band tributes on the circuit. The only 8-piece Dave Matthews Band tribute act touring the country, the band includes violin, sax, keyboards, lead guitar, and more. They perfectly capture the polyrhythmic complexity and deep groove of DMB’s live sound better than just about anyone.
Hailing from Rochester, NY, Big Eyed Phish has become a festival favorite and a mainstay at theaters and outdoor stages throughout the Northeast. Their performances stretch and jam just like the real thing, and no two shows are the same. That’s part of the magic. From the jazzy interplay on “#41” to the romantic swoon of “Crash Into Me,” and the haunting vibe of “The Dreaming Tree,” Big Eyed Phish nails the feel, the flow, and the vibe of DMB at their live best.
Learn more about Big Eyed Phish.
Let’s Get These Amazing Tribute Band the Spotlight They Deserve
Tribute bands aren’t just keeping legendary music alive, they’re evolving it, performing it, and connecting with fans in powerful, personal ways. Every band on this list brings something special to the stage; whether it's note-perfect musicality, theatrical flair, or just pure love and passion for the music. If you're a fan, show these artists some love and help spread the word!
We’ll be featuring more amazing tribute acts in the future. So, if you think your band deserves a spot, get in touch with us and tell us your story. You can contact us via [email protected]
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