THE BLUE BUS, IS CALLING US.

Last Friday night spun me into rock n' roll overdrive again. I think I got distracted along the way by work suits, fake smiles, lost kittens, fatty foods and all the things that are thrown at you in everyday life situations. But I know I will always go back to rock n' roll. One night is enough to make you remember what you've been missing out on, and I want more. It's so hard, living in a small English village, gigs are limited, and so are bands. There is unfortunately not a very large audience for rock music around here unless you are 50 years old and were a 'part' of that time. It's so rare to find other people in their 20's who are interested in classic rock. I'm sure many of you agree, it's an era and an industry that slowly died out. These days, you cannot go to a rock concert without being pushed back by security, without being accused of being on drugs for dancing too hard, without being thoroughly searched on the way in, without paying ridiculous amounts of money to just get through the door... there are so many restrictions which completely go against the natural unwritten 'rules' of rock n' roll. As quoted by Lester Bangs in Almost Famous ''...they will ruin rock n' roll and strangle everything we love about it.'' It's an era that's completely missed by thousands of people, and there are those who try and re-create it. This is where tribute bands come in - musicians who get together and impersonate iconic bands, imitating their looks, vocal style, musical style and singing their original songs. What are everyone's views on tribute bands?! Do you think they are trying hard to recreate a subculture or more rightly way of life that has completely died out and failing terribly at it? Or do you think they have passion & ability and just want to keep it all going? It would be interesting to hear people's thoughts on this because I have heard so many mixed opinions. If you want to chat about it I am always open for discussion - email luciatarrant@hotmail.co.uk.

Personally, I admire tribute bands. I admire them for having the passion, the ability and most of all the guts to impersonate such famous rockstars, such as Jim Morrison, Robert Plant, The Beatles etc. Because to be honest, it could all go very wrong. I've witnessed abuse being shouted at tribute bands for being 'fake' and 'not writing their own material' and 'not being themselves'... These are men (mostly) who idolise a fantastic musician who has perhaps either died or quit the music industry alltogether, they want to show tribute & respect to musicians so influential and iconic, and most of all they just want to make the audience happy. It's a high paid industry. People will pay good money just to experience a real life Doors concert, or see Mick Jagger dance again, and if it isn't going to be an option to go back in time, then why not re-create a sixties concert and all these people like me & you will be satisfied. I see no harm... but as I said, there are those who will accept that era is over & done with and rock n' roll has died forever and then there are those who will try and preserve it. I know which team I'm on. What do you think?!

Also, if any of you have seen the Bootleg Beatles or the Rollin' Stoned, please let me know as I am thinking of getting tickets and want to hear good things!