Tribute Band Reviews

Bad Animals NY Heart Tribute

2007-04-11T12:05:00.000-05:00

Bad Animals Tribute to Heart, Long Island, New York
Bad Animals Tribute to Heart is definitely a must see if you get the chance. I was very impressed! They are the closest thing to seeing Heart, playing all of the classic tunes like Barracuda & Crazy on You to more recent songs from Bad Animals & beyond. First of all, the line up of musicians are all top rate, and you know it from the first song. Gina Stiles (a la Nancy) who plays a mean guitar with kick-ass solos has played guitar for “Vixen” and “Poison Dollies” and also had an album out on Atlantic with “Envy”. Deana Cooke, whos powerful vocals would make anyone believe they were listening to Ann Wilson perform, has been singing many years with popular original projects such as “Flight 19” and “Atrium.” Mark Mendoza who keeps a solid bass line for Bad Animals has played for great bands like “Twisted Sister” and “The Dicators”. Teddy Cooke who does an amazing job multi-tasking, fillling in on both guitar and keyboards is the founder of “Bad Animals” and also former bassist for “Great White” and “Dio”. John Barlowe who keeps a steady beat on the drums has also been playing around the Long Island area many years and for the original project
“Atrium”. With a group of talented musicians like this, you know you are in for a night of music that will leave you in awe. I personally has a chance to see them at a large venue in Farmingdale, N.Y. called the Downtown. They were opening for well-known Atlantic recording artist’s “Zebra”. Before the show, at the club, and even weeks prior, there was a buzz going around about what an awesome Heart Tribute “Bad Animals” was going to be and it definitely proved true. They covered all of Hearts songs flawlessly
without even flinching. The two front girls Gina & Deana looked the part as well, keeping everyone’s attention with their magnetic stage prescence and energy. Check out their website www.bad-animals.com for their upcoming shows or check their page out here.
“Bad Animals” Rock! You blew me away!
But don’t take my word for it....check it out for yourself!
Kimmy

Long Island Journey Tribute

2007-04-11T12:04:00.000-05:00

Evolution, Tribute to Journey, Long Island, New York
First of all, I have no idea how Hugo the lead singer of this band can walk down the street or into a store, or anywhere public without someone mistaking him for Steve Perry. He must get hassled on a daily basis by people asking him for autographs! Basically what i'm saying is if hugo sang with Journey, the fans would never know that it wasn't Steve! Oh, did I mention he sounds exactly like him, has the same mannerisms and gestures as him! You have to see this guy to believe it! Anyway, it was an awesome Long Island night March 22, 2003. FInally the essence of spring decided to break through after a long, cold winter. The place, the legendary Dublin Pub of New Hyde Park. I have seen many bands here, and have played this venue a few times myself. Although the club was not filled to capacity, there was a good amount of people who came out to see the band. From the first note of the nite, the audience was captivated and responsive to a very well polished band featuring musicians that were obviously accomplished and knew what they were doing. Journey is one of those bands that if your going to play it, you better play it right. The songs are complex, melodic and dynamic. Evolution seemed to have no problem at all kicking out tunes like "Separate Ways", "Send Her My Love", "Anyway You Want it", and "Faithfully" to name a few. They played for over 2 hours straight with amazing energy, tone, and you could tell how much they all enjoyed what they were doing. Hugo had the lead singer thing down, and interacted with the crowed like a pro. What was most impressive to me was everyone in the band sang! The vocal parts and harmonies were flawless! It sounded like a record (or should I say CD). These guys really did their homework when it came to the vocals. Guitarist Eddie Jelly, who also fronts Cold Shot a stevie Ray tribute band played exceptionally. He had great tone (what do you expect a Les Paul through a Marshall!), great chops and played with an obvious passion for the instrument. Joseph Cumia Bass Guitarist who also plays in Joshua Tree a U2 Tribute band, did an amazing job holding down the low end and rhythm parts. Mike Morales on drums who hit the skins consistently and had an excellent meter! Lance Millard on keyboards who did a great job of playing, as well as matching the keyboard patches to the original recordings. To sum it up in a nutshell these guys kick ass, and I recommend you checking them out if you get the chance. Here is there tribute-band page. Here is there official website.

Amazing Kiss Tribute

2007-04-11T12:02:00.000-05:00

KIST, Tribute to KISS, Indiana, Indianapolis
My review of the band KIST from Indiana. I have seen them several times and most recently at the Pepsi Coliseum in Indianapolis. They do an excellent tribute to KISS! The authenticity of their show and performance is amazing! The costumes, the makeup, the music , the equipment , and the pyro are perfect. When I see KIST, I feel as though I have traveled back in time to the 70's when KISS was at the height of their popularity during the Alive era! They do a two hour set packed full of all the best KISS tunes and lots of amazing pyro! The members of KIST do a fantastic job portraying Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter. Paul does an excellent job with vocals, and guitar and knows how to work the crowd into a frenzy just like the Starchild himself! Ace does a fantastic job on guitar and vocals and blows me away when he performs Shock Me and plays the smokin guitar!! Perfect job on New York Groove as well! Gene spits blood and breathes fire just like the Demon and does a great job on God of Thunder!
Peter does an excellent tribute to the Catman, he's great on the drums and does an awesome drum solo! Knows how to get the crowd into it! Take it from me, a diehard KISS fan of 27 years who's seen many KISS concerts...KIST is the best! Go check them out and be prepared to be blown away!
Keep Rockin' & Keep the spirit of KISS Alive!
Stephanie >:)~~~~