How to Choose a tribute Band

Deciding on a band for your event.

So you have the venue and the rough event details planned out with an idea to have a GREAT tribute band, or maybe a few bands.
But what are the factors involved in how to choose a tribute band?

Perhaps the best way is to work backwards in your planning like this.

Ask yourself these questions:

What is the final outcome or product you want from your event or party?

If its a ticketed event you may want the audience to feel so well entertained that they wouldn’t hesitate to buy your tickets again for your next event – and you should probably catch them in this state on the night and have them pay for your next amazing event.
Perhaps during the band break – spruik and announce the next show  or event and mention a ticket deal.

If it’s free show you’re putting on, you may simply want the audience to just feel really really well entertained and trust your venue and want to come back and spend more money on your services again.

Who has your money?

Any smart business promoter asks them self this question.
Meaning who are the people that will hand over money for your tickets for your events or if its a free show in your venue, who comes there and spends money on your services, drinks, food, gaming etc.

They are the people that keep your business afloat.

Target them.

What tribute band will make them hand over ticket money? This is how to choose a Tribute.
What tribute band will make them feel so awesome they’ll happily spend more money at your venue?

How could you find this out?

Choose Your Tribute band wisely.

The dumbest thing I’ve seen is a manager randomly asking his staff which tribute show do you think we should get, The Angels Show or the Foo Fighters show?
The staff do not have your money.

You could actually survey (just verbally ask) your customers.
Have staff ask people at the bar – “We’re going to put on some tribute bands – what do you reckon, Rolling Stones our INXS show”?

Or a great way would be to make use of your email or social media database and shoot them a message asking which band would you like?

Choosing A Live Band.
Give your customers the band the want.

They will obviously be happy with the choice and will respect the fact you consulted them.
And will have a good time and come back and spend more again as they trust your judgement on great bands. 

Ask – get some options then deliver what they want.

This reminds me of a great story a guy told of setting up a restaurant in Taiwan.
Of all the possible food they could make and try to sell to the business workers at lunch time – the options were endless.
So they simply asked hundreds of local businesses by way a of a flyer – what would you like to eat for lunch – what would you buy, then they made and sold that and did very well.

These things are important to consider if you don’t choose to survey or ask people.

Does the band match the era or demographic of who you think will attend your event.
IS the band REALLY GOOD, their fee may be an indication but unless you can see live clips – I would only book them if you have a strong recommendation from another venue you trust.
Clips are VITAL to see.
You are the one spending the dough on marketing, you want to get it right.

LIVE clips are best – they don’t lie – studio clips are not a true version of what you are buying.

If it’s recorded in a rehearsal room or if you cannot see or hear a live audience – beware.

So in summary……This is how to choose a tribute band.

* Sus out who is your target audience – who has your money, who keeps you venue alive or will spend the most at your event on other services.

* Ask then what bands they’d like to see.

* Deliver that!

Author
Tim Pringle – The Crowdies Show