The bands I've been in have been cover bands with a few original songs thrown in but mostly covers. Success level of the band in question was mostly determined by the pop and top 40 radio stuff we either played or didn't play.

Cover bands can become quite good. One of the best bands I was in was a house band with really good musicians and singers. Lasted 2.5 years and kept the place packed every weekend.

Some of the higher paying cover bands are tribute bands that play the music note perfect and have a great stage show. Eagles, Heart, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac..... Iconic bands and replicating their shows are lucrative.

I recall seeing one band in a club..... They were booked for 5 nights in a row. 3 top 40 sets of the latest hits and done exceptionally well. The last set was a tribute band set with each night being a different tribute Kiss, Alice Cooper, Stix, Nugent..... And all well done stage productions. Alice Cooper show had a hanging and kiss had the fire eating ... They packed every show.

We did a short ZZ Top tribute in the house band.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.