Toughest Artist to Cover

Motorhead

I gigged for 30 years and vocals are the biggest hurdle for a cover band, because even the non-musicians notice if your singer can or can't cut it.

And it's made worse by the fact that a cover band's musicians are often hired for their walking jukebox and/or skill level on their instruments and not their ability to generate solid or versatile vocals as needed (I'm guilty as charged).

Outside of tribute bands, who focus on a specific sound and recruit players accordingly ... the toughest for bar band vocalist to cover - off the top of my head - are Robert Plant, Brian Johnson, Freddie Mercury and Nancy Wilson from Heart. All have not only range and power but such distinct timbre that is simply sole source IMHO.

Old radio DJ friend of mine from back when has now been hosting karaoke for many years in Florida. He tells me it's Led Zeppelin. He's said in the past 20 years of so, only a handful of people have even tried and he only recalls one who did it well.

quote:

---

Robert Plant


Pat Monahan from Train did a good job.

---

Not a fan of Train, but your post made me look up some videos. Not a bad job, and the band is tight.

Ramble On

Steely Dan
Tower of Power
Sting

quote:

---

Old radio DJ friend of mine from back when has now been hosting karaoke for many years in Florida. He tells me it's Led Zeppelin. He's said in the past 20 years of so, only a handful of people have even tried and he only recalls one who did it well.

---

I walked into a bar one time and Great White's "Rock Me" was playing on what I thought was the jukebox. Only after I grabbed a beer at the bar and settled in at a table did I realize that karaoke was going on. The dude on stage singing Great White was spot on perfect. I've never heard a better karaoke rendition of any artist since.

Beach Boys

Young David Byrne. Between the voice and the funky movements I just don't see anyone nailing that.

You have to bring talent to do those Beach Boys harmonies.