back-up band for hire

[smopo24]

does it make anyone else feel kinda odd that these bands of the past are going on tour and making records under the band's origional name without some (or in the who's case, most) of the origional/key members? i just got started on this because alice in chains are doing a reunion tour, and possible new album with another singer; why? the cars are doing it now (ric ocasek and the dead ben orr are not along for the ride), queen and paul rogers (featuring 2 members of queen) have scammed the fans, the doors (2 origional members with a bass player and extra guitarist in tow, retch!) are just greedy, and a hundred others (the supremes, INXS, beach boys, etc.) have toured/are touring. how do you feel about this? does this diminish their legacy any? would you buy a new record of these bands? aren't they just glorified cover bands/tribute acts? have any of these cash grabs ever been justified?

[lukedavo]

Well look at the names we have there....
All gigantic pop bands, whose main focus is money! Most of the fans who would go see remade bands, wouldnt even know the names of the people missing, nor care. All they say is "man I hope they play that song, you know the one that goes like.....".
The people that would know, and care, usually miss those remade tours. One, they've seen them in their heyday, or two they realize the key members are not there and rightfully dont care about seeing a half assed pop band.
I dont think we should think any less of these bands, they've done what they've done, and they're around for a reason, whether you buy into the BS thats up to you.

[Nubus]

Alice in Chains should really just change their name. I mean c'mon, the flyer could still say "X-members of Alice in Chains". Isn't that enough?

[Bellringer]

A lot of bands that do this probably signed bad deals and know the name will give them a free ride. Musicians who can't get playing out of their system so they cover their most famous work. If they didn't, no one would come see them. Creedence, Skynard, Journey etc. Even the Wailers are out there without Marley. You know John and George have kids who play and look like young versions of them.... I'm just saying!
Hey this can be a fun game. Who should hook up with the bassist and drummer to reform a band. Here's a start: Adam Levine singing lead in the Wham reunion. Maxwell and the Family Stone?

[smopo24]

Originally Posted by Bellringer

A lot of bands that do this probably signed bad deals and know the name will give them a free ride. Musicians who can't get playing out of their system so they cover their most famous work. If they didn't, no one would come see them. Creedence, Skynard, Journey etc. Even the Wailers are out there without Marley. You know John and George have kids who play and look like young versions of them.... I'm just saying!
Hey this can be a fun game. Who should hook up with the bassist and drummer to reform a band. Here's a start: Adam Levine singing lead in the Wham reunion. Maxwell and the Family Stone?

i guess if the fans are willing to pay the money for these glorified cover bands, then fine.....but i think that it diminishes the artists' legacy. i understand you need to make money, but use a different name!

[johnS]

I think it's fine as long as you put "2000" behind the name. You know, like Blues Brothers 2000.

[smopo24]

update: the new cars are on another tour, this time headlining (initally they were supposed to support blondie, but i think that ran into problems on blondie's end....i totally forgot what). their chicago date is $48.00, but that is not including service fees. alice in chanis have had good reviews from the press and hard-core fans alike; and i hear rumors that after this next round of dates that they may be heading into the studio to record another record with their new singer. tickets to the sold-out chicago show are going for over a hundred dollars a pair right now on ebay.....so this may become another ac/dc or van hagar sort of switcharoo that will split fans; or not.

[dolivas]

does the Who count as well? death took away their whole rhythm section and they're putting out an album and new tour soon.

[GearJunkie]

Originally Posted by dolivas

does the Who count as well? death took away their whole rhythm section and they're putting out an album and new tour soon.

See, originally I thought "why not just call it Daltry and Townshend" but then realized they're still the members of the Who, so why not? They're not dragging up some random drummer and some random bass player. Granted, they did a few years back, but for the sake of recording an album, I give them kudos for it just being those two.

[smopo24]

Originally Posted by GearJunkie

See, originally I thought "why not just call it Daltry and Townshend" but then realized they're still the members of the Who, so why not? They're not dragging up some random drummer and some random bass player. Granted, they did a few years back, but for the sake of recording an album, I give them kudos for it just being those two.

i don't know, i think it's another cash grab. they were a band of great musicians, each having their own unique skill. but keith moon was such a gifted drummer, and the bass lines that john entwhistle played almost made him their real lead instrument. i think like page and plant had the right idea.....yes, daltry and townshend play the who would be much more accurate to me.