Gosh, Cleveland.com really likes to give you multiple pop-up advertisements that you must cancel out before you can view a topic.
Reminds me when Elvis Presley's band did a tour back in the 80s. They had a limousine with blackout windows drive into the show palace while the announcer said Elvis was in the house. Then videos of Elvis singing specific songs played on the big screens while the band played the backing tracks in real time. When the concert finished, the limousine drove out of the show palace. Just about every show sold out.
I can't believe Palmer is doing this. With a net worth of $10 million and at 74 years of age, he clearly doesn't need the money. I found it interesting that the article made a point of mentioning that this project has the blessing of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake's estates.
Money doesn't necessarily drive everyone. Some are driven by the passion, the love of the music they play and the thrill of being on stage ; maybe Carl is one. Funny thing is, this very passion can keep one strong, vital and potent when others of the same chronological age (or younger) are crippled with disease and depression.
Rock on Carl, you guys were one of my favorite bands!
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Hence the popularity of tribute bands and those endless "last tour before retirement" tours.......some of them tour that "last time" thing multiple times. All with extraordinarily expensive tickets. The "nose-bleed seats" are almost affordable and how does one justify the cost of those front row ticket prices?
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.
some of them tour that "last time" thing multiple times.
I think The Who did 5 of them. With 2 dead members.
The Eagles? Vince Gill? Seriously? Tribute band to themselves. Same with Journey.
People are obviously free to do what they choose. I'll stop short of using the word "hate" to describe my feelings, but I will say they will never see my money. Not for "used to be" "bands" like a drummer playing along with videos. Drum Karaoke?
Emmy Lou Harris is coming to a local indoor concert theater venue later this year. My wife said something about it so I decided to look at the tickets. The better seats are several hundred dollars each and if you want the best seats in what they call the orchestra section, those are over a thousand each with the front rows going for close to $2k each.
I checked a Bob Seeger concert tickets show last year. The cheapest ones were $250 with crazy town prices for the best seats. I can listen to his old vinyl at home and be totally fine.
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.
A year or so ago, a friend of mine paid big money to see “The Kingston Trio”. I didn't have the heart to tell her that all 3 members of the Kingston Trio were long in the grave, and what she spent her money on was an official tribute band. She told me that she had a great time at the concert, and I'm glad I didn't spoil it for her.
When I was very young, there were a lot of my parents' generation bands doing the same thing. Glenn Miller, Dorsey Brothers, and others. Ghost bands, where the band went on, after the leader was gone and most of the players were way too young to be originals. I did get to see the Count Basie Orchestra before he died in the 1980s, and the Orchestra is still playing under that name today, led by Scotty Barnhart.
In the early 1980s, I was in a house band at a show club in Miami, Florida. On Saturday nights, 'has-been' acts came and did two sets. People like The Shirelles, Blue Notes (without Harold Melvin), Little Anthony (great singer) and The Ink Spots.
Like The Kingston Trio, there were no original members of the Ink Spots, as the record label owned the name. One of the singers said that his uncle was one of the original members of The Ink Spots, and that seemed to justify it to him.
When I was gigging for Motown, there were multiple Temptations, Four Tops, Miracles, Marvalettes, and other groups touring the country. The fans didn't know the difference, but that was way before MTV, so we didn't recognize the singers faces.
When I gigged on the cruise ships in the late 1980s, one of the headliners came on with a billing 'formerly with The Patters'. No, he wasn't Tony Williams, the lead singer on the records, but the lead singer in the “Herb Reed Platters”, one of four groups known as “The Platters” touring the country in the 60s and 70s.
Now have the official Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eagles, Kingston Trio, and other ghost bands.
When I was gigging for Motown, there were multiple Temptations, Four Tops, Miracles, Marvalettes, and other groups touring the country. The fans didn't know the difference, but that was way before MTV, so we didn't recognize the singers faces.
When I gigged on the cruise ships in the late 1980s, one of the headliners came on with a billing 'formerly with The Patters'. No, he wasn't Tony Williams, the lead singer on the records, but the lead singer in the “Herb Reed Platters”, one of four groups known as “The Platters” touring the country in the 60s and 70s.
Now have the official Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eagles, Kingston Trio, and other ghost bands.
So what's new?
I was going to mention the Platters and the Zombies. Motown.... absolutely. If there's a dollar to be made, someone's going to use the band name and hit the road. And..... practically every beach music band also fits this category. Very few have any of the original members. Some have one degree of separation but others? Who knows? One of my customers was the bass player for one of the big NC based beach music bands, the Embers. I never asked him much about the band but I don't think he was the original bass player.
When you look at the wikipedia member line up on many bands it's like a game of musical chairs switching out and replacing members.
Even ZZ Top is now touring with replacement members. What kind of travesty is THAT?
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.
I recently saw Facebook posts for The Guess Who and...no Burton...no Randy! In fact only the drummer was original and when I looked them up he rarely plays but owns the band name
I guess a band name becomes a product. Just when do they become a tribute band? I guess that's hard to say.
Jay and the Americans lost the original Jay after some chart success.
Dave Black (Blatt) changed his name to Jay, and replaced him. They had quite a few hits with the faux Jay. Eventually, Jay (David) Black (Blatt) was the only one left touring as Jay And The Americans, and he was not an original member.
Dave went bankrupt, sold the name to an original member, recruited a coupe of other originals, hired a new Jay (John "Jay" Reincke) and started touring again.
. So which was the real Jay And The Americans?
Is Earth, Wind & Fire the same band without Maurice White? They sold out our local theater a few years ago.
Historically, look at The Clovers, The Coasters, The Drifters, and so many others, and they changed members continuously. The Clovers had 30 or so, The Coasters, over 20, The Temptations, close to 30, The Buckinghams about 20, and so on. And that doesn't count any touring groups traveling under the same name.
So is it fraud? Deceptive? Or just business as usual?
Is a never-changing unit, or a brand name? Is it any different from a symphony orchestra, most of which haven't had original members for a century or more?
So is it fraud? Deceptive? Or just business as usual?
Is a never-changing unit, or a brand name? Is it any different from a symphony orchestra, most of which haven't had original members for a century or more?
I can't say. Can you?
Yes, it is very different from a symphony orchestra which is more like session musicians playing someone else's music. When a band like the Guess Who does not have Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman they are obviously NOT the Guess Who.
] Yes, it is very different from a symphony orchestra which is more like session musicians playing someone else's music. ..........................
A symphony orchestra is a cover band with a very limited repertoire.
And sadly, anything new or not one of the old war horses isn't played.
It's different in Europe. I heard a few symphonies that never get played in the USA. When we planned a vacation in Prague, we checked the Czech Philharmonic's schedule and chose the dates so we could hear Josef Suk's "Asrael" symphony. I've never seen this one played in the USA. This is it and we were there -
♫♫♫
And I agree, the Guess Who without Burton Cummings and Randy Bach man are obviously NOT the Guess Who.
To me Earth Wind and Fire without Maurice White, Van Halen without David Lee Roth, Yes without Jon Anderson, and so many more are cover bands. I wouldn't pay to see them.
But I can't blame them, either. I was in a touring band, and we had some success, opening for major acts. We had a problem with our lead guitarist. He had grown too fond of alcohol, and became undependable. When it became clear the bottle was more important than the gig, we replaced him.
He was one of the lead singers, and the new guy played and sang well, but it was different. But we were still the same band with the same name.
I've played in some very good cover bands, and I'll go to a local bar to hear one, but I won't pay concert priced tickets to hear an 'official' cover band. But the world doesn't revolve about me. As long as they can still make money, they are going to do it.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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