The faces behind Adelaide’s best tribute bands: Zep Boys, Fluorescent Adolescents and The Beatles Experience
It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock’n’roll. Meet the people who brought 12 of South Australia’s most popular and longest running tribute bands to life.
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It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock’n’roll – and sometimes the best path is to recreate the music of a band which has already left its mark and has a ready-made audience.
At first, so-called tribute acts evolved to fill the void left by international bands which had either broken up, stopped touring or visited Australia so infrequently that fans were hungry to see the next-best-thing live.
However, today there are also many shows dedicated to younger artists who are still active, as well as many veteran tribute bands which have far outlived the original acts that inspired them.
Here are the people behind some of Adelaide’s most popular and longest running tribute bands – as well as some of the newest additions – and their upcoming gigs.
Zep Boys
Playing the music of: Led Zeppelin
With nearly 38 years on stage, Zep Boys is Adelaide’s – and arguably Australia’s – longest running and greatest “tribute” band … although singer Vince Contarino says he still bristles at that term.
“When we started the Zep Boys there were no ‘tribute’ bands. When the Zep Boys play, it’s not like dressing up … in fact, we celebrate being Australian. In England, the reviews say ‘Wow – we were treated to this Aussie pub band … but behind them was a symphony orchestra and we were in a theatre’.”
Zep Boys was one of the first bands – and certainly first heavy rock act – to perform with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and has subsequently performed with other orchestral ensembles around the country and overseas.
Before Zep Boys, Contarino performed with legendary local bands like Mickey Finn and the Mega Boys, and he also continues to write and perform original music.
“You mention Led Zeppelin to me and I will go: ‘The greatest rock band ever’. It was the greatest challenge I was ever presented … and nothing has changed.”
Contarino, who has been Zep Boys’ only consistent member, says it brings its own personality, edge and energy to Led Zeppelin’s music and does not try to emulate the original UK band’s look on stage.
“Having done theatre, when you’ve got a script, you cannot move from that script because you’ll stuff up the whole play. The beautiful thing about playing in a band is you’ve got a song, which is a story, but you can deliver it in your way.”
Today, the Zep Boys line-up also features guitarists Tzan Niko and Jack Stevenson, drummer Julian Perotta and bass/keyboard player Stuart Day, and generally plays one Adelaide show each year.
Upcoming shows: Rock the Boat cruise, Sydney, November 24 to December 1.
Billy Joel Tribute Concert Australia
Playing the music of: Billy Joel
Anthony Mara still performs occasionally with radio hits cover band Keep The Change, which has been going since 1994, but says his Billy Joel show has “taken over, right around the country”.
“Because I was playing keyboard and singing (in Keep The Change), a lot of people used to say I looked like Billy Joel – and the thing is, I am a massive Billy Joel fan,” he says.
About eight years ago, a theatre was looking to fill a cancellation and asked Mara if he had any ideas: “The first thing that came to mind was Billy Joel”.
He put together a show, which toured Adelaide’s suburban theatres as part of their Out of the Square series in 2016.
“I put together the story of Billy Joel – I called it My Life. It went from strength to strength, I got a full big band and we’ve taken it right around the country to major theatres, so it’s been fantastic.
“Ever since I was a kid, I just really loved singer-songwriters that told stories … Billy really resonated with me with his storytelling and diverse music. He’s not gimmicky … he’s just going up there, playing his music and being himself.”
As well as his own five-piece band shows, which feature saxophone player Dave Zee (Zanchetta), Mara has now paired with Brisbane performer Greg Andrew to perform as Joel and Elton John in a recreation of the originals’ Face To Face concert concept around Australia, sometimes with orchestras.
Upcoming shows: Elton & Billy – Face To Face, Barossa Arts Centre, October 7; Billy Joel Tribute Concert, Australian Masters Games closing ceremony, October 14.
The Beatles Experience/The Fab Four/Australian Beatles Tribute Show
Playing the music of: The Beatles
It’s been a long and winding road for Adelaide’s most successful and long-running Beatles tribute band, as its changing names and line-ups may suggest.
Originally started in 1994 by Monty Ruggiero, who occupied Ringo Starr’s spot on the drums and at one time ran his own version of the Cavern Club in Station Arcade, for many years the Fab Four also featured Paul McCartney lookalike Peter Martin on bass and keys.
“We were just in talks a couple of weeks ago to revive the Fab Four name again,” says current drummer and band leader Jordan Lennon (no relation to John).
“With the name Jordan Lennon, I can’t really escape the Beatles. All the records were playing in my house and I always loved the music.
“The Beatles are such a timeless band. I look back as a musician now and have even more of an appreciation for it. These guys were around for nine years … the progression in look, the fashion, the music, the innovation, it’s incredible. It’s like they spanned four or five decades.”
When performing overseas, the Fab Four was billed as the Australian Beatles Tribute Show, and once was the headline act at the Liverpool Beatles convention, playing in front of 80,000 people.
The band took a break from 2015 to 2019, after which a new line-up was formed with Ruggiero as manager.
In isolation during 2020, its members recorded an online Covid parody version of I Am The Walrus – which literally went viral – before the Fab Four was wound up in 2022.
However its current line-up – Jordan Lennon on drums, Marcus Ryan as McCartney, Daniel Matejcic as George Harrison and David Pagano (from long-running ’80s cover band the New Romantics) as John Lennon – has continued to perform as The Beatles Experience.
Lennon says this version of the band has concentrated on themed concerts, based on particular Beatles albums, recreating the 1964 Adelaide concerts, playing the Old Lion tunnels as a Cavern Club show, and even performing on a rooftop in Pirie Street.
The band will even throw in some of the Beatles’ solo Christmas-themed songs for its end-of-year show.
Upcoming shows: The Beatles Christmas Experience, Bridgeway Hotel, Pooraka, December 23.
Fluorescent Adolescents
Playing the music of: Arctic Monkeys
It was the musical authenticity of English rock band Arctic Monkeys that inspired the 2020 formation of Fluorescent Adolescents, which takes its name from one of the group’s songs.
“Modern music is so incredibly lacking in the ‘real band’ sound,” says band member Chris Kelly.
“The Arctic Monkeys have managed to buck that trend and become one of, if not, the biggest artists of the last decade. With seven albums released and each album distinct from the last, the Arctic Monkeys provide an incredible mix of scummy Brit rock to modern classics.”
Fluorescent Adolescents recreates both the sound and look of their inspiration.
“The Arctic Monkeys are all about style and we look to recreate that fully, from the hair to the designer clothes to the guitars,” Kelly says.
“Zak (vocalist Alex Turner) grew up just a stone’s throw from the Arctic Monkey’s hometown of Sheffield, so his accent is as close as you can get to hearing Alex Turner in the flesh.”
Upcoming show: Venue pending but look out for Fluorescent Adolescents covering the entirety of AM and Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I’m Not in a huge double show later this year.
The Machine Rages On
Playing the music of: Rage Against The Machine
Musicians often play in more than one band, both as outlets for their passion and to make ends meet.
Such is the case with Fluorescent Adolescents’ Chris Kelly, who also performs in The Machine Rages On, a tribute to Californian rap metal rockers Rage Against The Machine, formed just this year.
“In the immortal words of (Rage vocalist) Zach De La Rocha: ‘What better place than here? What better place than now?’ Trust in politicians is at an all time low. Faith in the system is almost non-existent,” Kelly says.
“If anything, the violent protest of Rage Against the Machine’s music is more relevant than ever. We’re just four passionate fans who want to see their music rage on.”
The Machine Rages On also goes full-on with its tribute.
“We recreate the sound and the look. From the stage presence, to Zach’s dreadlocks, to Tom’s custom ‘Arm the Homeless’ guitar, to Timmy C’s tattoos, we match it all.”
Upcoming show: Enigma Bar, September 23, with iAlone (Tribute to Live) and Mid Life Crisis (Tribute to Faith No More).
BON FIRE
Playing the music of: AC/DC – Bon Scott era
Dean McFadyen is a massive KISS fan – but for the past six years has found himself playing rhythm guitar in AC/DC cover band BON FIRE, which concentrates on that group’s 1970s repertoire with its original singer Bon Scott.
“I’m the guy that wears the kilt in the band,” McFadyen says. “The previous singer, in passing, asked one day if I knew anyone who wanted to be Malcolm Young in an AC/DC tribute … my ears pricked up and I said I’ll take it on.
“Since then, I’m the only original member left.”
BON FIRE was previously called Bon 4 All, but changed its name to avoid confusion with other bands.
Its current singer is Johnny Johnson, who has 35 years experience in another AC/DC tribute band, High Voltage, which still plays on rare occasions. The band, which includes Nick Broster on lead guitar, James Corbet on bass and John Gurney on drums, doesn’t dress like the ’70s line-up but concentrates on the music.
“We would consider ourselves to be the premier AC/DC act in Adelaide these days,” McFadyen says.
Upcoming shows: Ceduna Oysterfest, September 30-October 1; Port Adelaide navy Club, November 3 (with Angels tribute Beyond Salvation).
Australian Alice Cooper Show
Playing the music of: Alice Cooper
Performing as 1970s US shock rock originator Alice Cooper is a role that Dave Hudson says he “just kind of fell into”.
The singer was looking for work through an agent who booked acts into several pubs and venues. The agent said Hudson would have to be under 30 and play music from the 1990s onward – neither of which criteria fitted him – or have a tribute act.
Even more unlikely was that Hudson usually performed music by Van Morrison, the Beatles and their ilk – but they’d all been done dozens of times before
“A massive childhood superhero of mine was Alice Cooper … so I said give me a week. It was one of those ‘Mission from God’ things for us, getting it together.”
Far from just recreating the music and Cooper’s trademark eye makeup, the tribute band goes for a full stage spectacular with a 150kg stainless steel guillotine, a 2.5m high Cyclops, an electric chair and other gory props on stage, as well as dancers.
“We wanted to raise the bar a little,” Hudson says. “I’m a fan of progressive rock … I really love the idea of concept albums. We kind of make a story out of the songs that we want to do – our show is probably more theatrical than pub rock.”
Upcoming show: Bridgeway Hotel, October 28 with Australian Motley Crue Show.
Midlife Crisis
Playing the music of: Faith No More
Bass player Clinton Ash performs in two tribute acts, one of which, Midlife Crisis, formed just last year.
“Faith No More is a band that transformed alternative music from as far back as the 1980s and refused to buckle to the music industry’s conventions along the way,” Ash says.
“Their blending of genres and intelligent songcraft made the band difficult to pigeonhole, and that alienated critics and consumers alike.
“The true fans however realised there was immense reward in their music which combined elements of rock, metal, lounge-jazz, rap and new wave.
“The live shows were next level with their combative, anti-Establishment attitude against both the press and other bands (most infamously during a stadium tour of North America supporting Guns ‘n’ Roses) meant that you never knew what to expect at a live show!”
Midlife Crisis – which also includes singer Shane Reynolds, Rodrigo Barbosa (guitar), Brett Williams (keyboards) and Mike Field/James O’Hanlon on drums – recreates both the sound and later-era look of Faith No More.
“The complexity of the music warrants a focus on recreating the sound. Faith No More’s look has transformed dramatically over the years, therefore it’s easier for us to mimic their more dressy formal look from their latter years, rather than old street clothes from the ’90s!”
Upcoming show: Enigma Bar, September 23, with iAlone (tribute to Live) and The Machine Rages On (Rage Against The Machine).
Teenagers From Mars
Playing the music of: The Misfits
Passion for US punk band The Misfits inspired Clinton Ash to help form his earlier tribute band, Teenagers From Mars, in 2019.
“The Misfits felt like a secret underground club, and once you are accepted then you’re in for some classic punk,” the bassist says.
“From catchy midtempo, four-chord tunes to flat-out early hardcore belters, they certainly influenced a ton of bands and are just enjoyable to play live,” he says.
“Music wise, we try to play the songs a bit tighter than the recordings. They are credited for starting the Horror Punk genre but our look is not exact. We do put in a bit of effort, though, probably looking more like their hardcore fans at one of their concerts.”
The band also features Matt Landorf on vocals, Joe Samuel (guitar), and Hayden Wackerman/James O’Hanlon on drums.
Upcoming show: Enigma Bar (downstairs), October 28.
Devine Alls
Playing the music of: Divinyls
Just as Divinyls was a play on words, so singer Iris Montanari came up with her own sound-alike spelling, Devine Alls, for her tribute to the group’s late Australian frontwoman Chrissie Amphlett.
“We started nearly 11 years ago – I reckon Chrissie was still alive at that time,” Montanari says.
“I was in a band called Iris at the time, and doing a couple of Divinyls covers. Fans and friends said I should do a Divinyls show, that I did a really good Chrissie … she was always my idol.”
After Amphlett’s death in 2013, Devine Alls “just took off”.
Just as Amphlett paired with guitarist Mark McEntee in Divinyls, Montanari interacts and plays off Devine Alls guitarist Jeff Oldfield – of Planet Square fame – on stage.
“It was always lying in the back of my head: I was a real big Divinyls fan. I’d started singing when I was 14 and I’d been doing Boys in Town since I was 15 or 16 years old.”
Devine Alls often partners with other tribute acts on “Australian Made” concert line-ups.
The same band members have also formed a broader ’70s and ’80s cover band called Countdown Generation, which often plays a set with Devine Alls to create their own double-bill.
“It surprises me when I’m up there and you’ve got all different ages on the dancefloor, getting right into it. It’s just wonderful to see.”
Upcoming show: Somerset Hotel, Para Hills, October 28.
Australian Motley Crue Show
Playing the music of: Motley Crue
Bass player Rhett Hogan and singer Justin Griffin started their tribute show in 2018, after fans attending their previous cover band kept telling them that they resembled Motley Crue original members Nikki Sixx and Vince Neil.
“I’d been in a tribute band previously – the INXS Show – and that had split up, so I was looking for something else,” Hogan said. “At that time, Motley Crue had been retired for a couple of years.”
Drummer Allan “Potsy” Battersby and guitarist Richard Poray complete the tribute line-up, which emulates the Crue’s iconic costumes and make-up on stage.
Motley Crue has since reformed a couple of times and is now touring without original guitarist Mick Mars, to some negative fan response, particularly over the use of backing tracks.
“We do get a lot of comments when we play … that we do a good job of what Motley Crue were in their heyday,” Hogan said.
“We use one small backing track for Home Sweet Home on the piano … the rest of it is all live.”
Upcoming show: Bridgeway Hotel, October 28 – Halloween gig with Australian Alice Cooper Show
Satisfaction – The Stones Show
Playing the music of: The Rolling Stones
Rolling Stones gather no moss, and Adelaide’s tribute band Satisfaction is celebrating its own 25th anniversary with a new line-up, led by its only continuous member, drummer Paul “Jim” Sharman.
Joining the band at The Gov this weekend are guitarists Steve Williams (from Wa Wa Nee) and Billy Bob Rankine, as well as returning vocalist and former The Voice contestant Darren Constable.
“All the musicians now are full-time players,” says Sharman, who estimates that 20 players have passed through the band’s ranks.
Sharman co-founded the Stones tribute band in 1998, at what he said was a very low point in his life, both personally and professionally.
“I was really depressed … we started in my garage as a four-piece, and that got me on my feet again,” he says.
“We’ve played The Gov probably 100 times, which I think is a record.”
Sharman has even contributed to a thesis by a music professor in Vienna on the Stones’ late drummer Charlie Watts and his performance style.
“I’m self-taught … but I explained how Charlie plays behind the beat. That’s what we do – my bass player and I are just rock solid, and it allows the other guys to surf. It’s all about the roll and the rock.”
Sharman says playing the songs of the UK’s original bad-boy answer to the Beatles was always about getting big gigs and attracting audiences.
“I’ve never got sick of it … it’s been an obsession. I just like the variety: You are playing about 12 different styles. It’s simply the joy of playing with great people, looking across and seeing a smile or the audience dancing.”
Upcoming show: 25th Anniversary Show, The Gov, September 16.
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