This is Not Just a Tribute

With rock echoing from the back patio and a seemingly endless line of cars parked on Beck Street, it seemed a lot like any normal concert night at Salt Lake’s secluded, friendly bar, known for its take on funeral potatoes, Garage on Beck.

Of course, nothing this summer has been normal.

On Friday, Aug. 21 2020, groups of patrons largely kept to their own spaces, whether at tables or the steps and benches facing the stage, as servers delivered drinks while wearing masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While Garage customers may be used to some haze from nearby smoke stacks, it came courtesy of far-off California wildfires this time. Despite the altered scene, one thing definitely felt normal though: songs by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Billy Idol and David Bowie, performed by Major Tom & The Moonboys, one of the most popular Utah tribute bands.

Tribute bands like Major Tom & the Moonboys, best known for playing songs from Bowie’s vast back catalogue, give us a sense of nostalgia during troubling times

And that might be exactly what we all need. In a world with an overburdened healthcare system, a weakened economy and new rules for social scenes, “Let’s Dance” is still a damn good song.

In a world with an overburdened healthcare system, a weakened economy and new rules for social scenes, “Let’s Dance” is still a damn good song.

We sent questions to three of our favorite local tribute bands to help you get to know them better. As concerts become a thing again, look for them on stage. Recalling the past with their music might help you make it through the present.

Major Tom & The Moonboys (David Bowie)

Questions answered by singer “Major” Tom Larsen

In what year did Major Tom & The Moonboys form?
“The day after David Bowie died, sold out show, invited by my son’s band, Westward The Tide, to sing ‘Heroes’ with them at Velour Live Music Gallery in Provo, 1/11/2016.”

How did the band end up together?
“I had already intended to put together a Bowie ‘tribute’ band the prior summer. David’s passing and my son’s invitation sealed the deal re my intentions.”

Who is in Major Tom & The Moonboys?
“Major Tom & The Moonboys has a rotating cast of characters. Great musicians all! I’m the staple, but always looking for Bowiephiles in Utah if I can find them!”

Do you play music from other artists as well, or music that you write?
“I do a proper Jagger (Major Tom & The Pirates) and have been writing and recording my own original music since age 7 and through the years (The Vistanauts). Also, The Ramones, The Beatles and Prince.”

What should fans expect from one of your shows?
“I love to perform. I love people who love music and who want to escape the madness of ‘the man.’ Hence… I’m a bit of a live rockin’ relic.”

I love people who love music and who want to escape the madness of ‘the man.’ Hence… I’m a bit of a live rockin’ relic.”

What makes a good tribute band?
“Loving music and the artists that inspired you.”

What other local bands or artists would you recommend?
“The Poppees, Static Replica, Az-Iz.”

To learn more about Major Tom & the Moonboys, visit their website at majortomandthemoonboys.com, or check them out on facebook. Major Tom & the Moonboys are also reviewed in our story on the S&S Concert Cruise.

Dirt Cheap (AC/DC)

Questions answered by rhythm guitarist Randy Moller

In what year did Dirt Cheap form?
“2014.”

How did the band end up together?
“Vinny (lead singer) and I decided to start a new original project in November 2013. We spent a few months scouting the right members, and, one day in March, we got together to see how we gelled . . . It was a horrible attempt. None of us could wait to end the session! So, as a ‘last attempt’ at being able to put together something decent, I suggested ‘Let’s just do something we know. How about ‘Have a Drink on Me?’ Vinny knocked it out of the park, and Dirt Cheap was born. It took a few more months to find the right members and rehearse, and we opened at Liquid Joe’s on Aug. 28, 2014.”

Who is in Dirt Cheap?
Vince Deuel, lead singer (affectionately known as Bon Johnson!)
Rees Moore, lead guitar (our Angus Young)
Randy Moller, rhythm guitar (Malcolm Young)
Roger Knox, bass guitar (Cliff Williams)
Ted Townsend, drums (Phil Rudd)

What is it about AC/DC music that you think still resonates with fans?
“AC/DC is straight ahead rock ‘n’ roll. That will never die! While so many of their tunes are memorable, feeling the energy and intensity of a live performance makes their music the perfect fit for tributes like Dirt Cheap and local music venues, and it’s sure to promote good times for all that come and experience the show.”

While so many of their (AC/DC) tunes are memorable, feeling the energy and intensity of a live performance makes their music the perfect fit for tributes like Dirt Cheap….

What should fans expect from one of your shows?
“A great show, great music and, most likely, a lot of rabble-rousing. Hard to sit in the back of the room when DC is on stage!”

What makes a good tribute band?
“Depends on the original band that’s being impersonated I think. What you would expect from a KISS tribute, for example, would probably be slightly different than a less ‘visual’ act. Fewer listeners care much what a Pink Floyd tribute looks like. They’re more likely to have their eyes closed. On the other hand, to be a competent AC/DC tribute, we have to be both visually recognizable and musically genuine. And I suppose if anyone wants to impersonate Milli Vanilli, they just need a turntable and an extra mic.”

What other local bands or artists would you recommend?
“Wow! That’s going to require a long-winded list. SLC has some incredibly talented musicians. On the original side, American Hitmen, Ginger & The Gents, Berlin Breaks, Advent Horizon, Black Sheep Brothers. Tributes: Machine Guns N’ Roses (Guns N’ Roses), Roll the Bones (Rush), Dam That Rooster (Alice in Chains).  So many I can’t think of at the moment.”

To learn more about Dirt Cheap, check them out on facebook.

Toast (Bread)

Questions answered by Sam Cottrell, lead guitar, vocals and synths

In what year did Toast form?
“Toast formed in 2017 to do a one-off concert at the Kenley Amphitheater in Layton.”

How did the band end up together?
“Jeff Clark (vocals, guitar, piano) was in a band called Runway with Troy Jolley (piano, keyboards, vocals). Through Troy, Jeff knew Brett Hart (drums, percussion, vocals) who is in a band with Troy, Sam Cottrell (lead guitar, vocals, synths) and John Hanson (sound engineer, guitar) called Vision. Jeff grew up with John Uibel (bass, vocals, keyboards) and had a high opinion of his singing ability as well as his bass playing.”

What is it about Bread music that you think still resonates with fans?
“There are many people who have fond memories of the ’70s and Bread was certainly a big part of the sound of that era. Many people fell in love to the songs of Bread, as we’ve discovered. Earlier this year, we had an on-stage proposal with two high school sweethearts who found each other again a few years later.”

What should fans expect from one of your shows?
“Puns, puns and more puns. We fit a few songs in there along the way. We try to give you an immersive experience, a little nostalgia and a lot of fun. Did I mention puns?”

What makes a good tribute band?
“Playing the music of a band like Bread, the vocals become a major focal point. Not just Jeff’s uncanny resemblance to Gates, but faithful re-creations of the harmonies. We worked very hard to not only re-create those vocals but get as close to the record as we possibly can get with the music. A certain amount of respect needs to be shown to the original artist, trying to understand their vision and their creativity and do that justice.”

What other local bands or artists would you recommend?
“Vision (okay, that’s a bit self-serving). We certainly support the local scene and wish the locals here would be more active supporters of local bands and musicians. We’re a bit old for the bar scene, but have all been through the rigors of trying to get good gigs. Club owners and promoters want your business, so showing up to support local music makes a huge difference.”

We certainly support the local scene and wish the locals here would be more active supporters of local bands and musicians.

Any upcoming releases or shows you’d like to mention?
“With the pandemic on, everything is on hold, but our cruise ship tour is still on, rescheduled for February of 2022. It is the Rock & Romance Cruise.”

To learn more about Toast, visit the website at toasttribute.com, or check out their facebook page.

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While they differ from original bands, Utah tribute bands play an important purpose in the local music scene. If you get the chance, check out all three of the Utah tribute bands in this story.