Tribute Band Sessions

Mike Gendler
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Weekly

Tribute Band Sessions takes you behind the curtain of the billion-dollar tribute industry—where legendary music is reborn every night. Hosted by creator, music producer, musician, and talent manager Mike Gendler, along with rotating celebrity co-hosts, each episode features unfiltered conversations with tribute performers, booking agents, and insiders. From tour life and gear to sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks, this is your all-access pass. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

  1. Aug 12

    Bruno Mars Tribute ; Can Anyone Really Perform Like Bruno Mars? Ep:46

    Bruno Mars isn't just a singer. He's a vocalist, dancer, entertainer, bandleader, and one of the most dynamic performers in modern music. So what does it take to recreate that level of energy night after night? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Evan Saucedo, the frontman behind 24K Magic – The Ultimate Bruno Mars Tribute, to uncover what goes into delivering one of the most demanding tribute shows in live entertainment. From mastering Bruno's incredible vocals and signature dance moves to building a world-class band capable of recreating the sound, style, and excitement of a real Bruno Mars concert, Evan shares the hard work that audiences never get to see. We also dive into the business of tribute bands, building a successful touring act, social media, musicianship, and why tribute entertainment has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the live music industry. If you've ever wondered what it takes to become one of today's biggest pop superstars—even for one night—this episode pulls back the curtain. 24K Magic - #1 Bruno Mars Tribute Band & Evan Saucedo https://1brunomarstribute.com/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:05 – Meet Evan Saucedo 06:20 – Why Bruno Mars Is One of the Hardest Artists to Tribute 12:10 – Building the 24K Magic Band 18:35 – Learning the Vocals, Dance Moves & Stage Presence 25:15 – Recreating a Bruno Mars Concert Experience 31:40 – The Pressure of Meeting Fan Expectations 38:05 – Touring and Growing the Band 44:10 – The Business of Tribute Entertainment 50:20 – Advice for Tribute Musicians 56:10 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#BrunoMars#24KMagicBand#TributeBands#LiveMusic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Aug 5

    Wait... That's NOT Tom Petty?! | Dan Grennes' Unbelievable Transformation

    Wait... That's NOT Tom Petty?! | Dan Grennes' Unbelievable Transformation The Story Behind Petty and the Heartshakers—The Tom Petty Tribute That's Leaving Fans Doing a Double Take Have you ever seen someone who looks, sounds, and performs so much like a rock legend that you forget you're watching a tribute? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Dan Grennes, frontman of Petty and the Heartshakers, one of the country's most acclaimed Tom Petty tribute bands. Audiences across the country have one reaction when Dan walks on stage: "Wait... is that Tom Petty?" From his uncanny resemblance and unmistakable voice to his authentic stage presence, Dan has built a tribute that captures the spirit of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers in a way that leaves fans amazed. The band has earned a reputation as one of the most natural and heartfelt Tom Petty tributes performing today, with seasoned musicians from bands including The Cult, Marilyn Manson, and other major touring acts. Dan shares how Petty and the Heartshakers came together, why honoring Tom Petty's legacy became a personal mission after watching Runnin' Down a Dream, and what it takes to faithfully recreate one of rock's most beloved catalogs night after night. We also dive into the exploding tribute band industry, audience expectations, touring, musicianship, and why Tom Petty's music continues to inspire generations of fans. If you're a Tom Petty fan—or simply fascinated by performers who dedicate themselves to recreating musical legends—this is an episode you won't want to miss. Click Here To See More About Dan Grennes https://pettyandtheheartshakers.com/#bio 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Introduction 02:18 – Meet Dan Grennes 06:12 – The Birth of Petty and the Heartshakers 11:45 – "You Look Just Like Tom Petty" 17:30 – Capturing Tom's Voice, Style & Stage Presence 23:55 – Building One of America's Top Tom Petty Tributes 30:12 – The Songs Fans Always Want to Hear 36:18 – Honoring Tom Petty's Legacy 42:10 – The Growth of the Tribute Band Industry 48:22 – Advice for Tribute Musicians 54:35 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#TomPetty#PettyAndTheHeartshakers#ClassicRock#TributeBands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Jul 29

    The Iron Maiden Tribute So Intense, Even Metal Fans Are Blown Away

    The Iron Maiden Tribute So Intense, Even Metal Fans Are Blown Away Inside Eyes of the Nile and the Extreme Challenge of Recreating Iron Maiden Live Few bands in rock history have built a fan base as passionate and loyal as Iron Maiden. But what does it take to step onto a stage and recreate one of the most iconic heavy metal shows ever created? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with the members of Eyes of the Nile, one of the premier Iron Maiden tribute bands in the country. We discuss the musicianship, energy, stage production, and dedication required to bring Maiden's legendary catalog to life for fans night after night. From soaring vocals and triple-guitar harmonies to the pressure of performing songs that generations of metal fans know note-for-note, this conversation dives deep into what separates great tribute bands from the rest. We also explore the growth of tribute bands in the rock and metal world, audience expectations, and why the music of Iron Maiden continues to inspire fans decades after its creation. Whether you're a die-hard Maiden fan, a musician, or someone fascinated by the tribute band phenomenon, this episode delivers a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of metal's most demanding tributes. Up the Irons! Follow Eyes of the Nile - DC's Premier Iron Maiden Tribute band! https://www.eyesofthenile.com/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Introduction 02:08 – Meet Eyes of the Nile 06:15 – Why Iron Maiden Is So Difficult to Recreate 12:20 – Capturing Bruce Dickinson's Vocals 18:45 – The Challenge of Maiden's Guitar Harmonies 24:30 – Bringing the Energy of a Maiden Show 30:05 – The Most Difficult Songs to Perform 35:55 – Iron Maiden Fans and Their Expectations 41:20 – The Business of Tribute Bands 46:40 – Why Metal Tribute Bands Are Growing 52:05 – Advice for Musicians Starting Tribute Acts 57:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#IronMaiden#EyesOfTheNile#HeavyMetal#TributeBands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 22

    Star Trek Tribute Band ? The Roddenberries Wild Live Show

    The Most Unique Tribute Band You've Never Seen The Roddenberries Turned Star Trek Into One of the Wildest Live Shows on the Planet What if a tribute band didn't pay homage to a single artist... ...but an entire universe? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we go behind the scenes with The Roddenberries—one of the most original live entertainment acts you'll ever encounter. Blending Star Trek, rock music, comedy, cabaret, original songs, costumes, multimedia, audience interaction, and theatrical storytelling, The Roddenberries have created a show unlike anything else in the tribute world. Founding members Bill Tayoun, Beth Kellner, Scott Johnston, and Paul "Captain Disko" share how a spontaneous performance among friends evolved into an internationally recognized production that has become the official house band of Star Trek Las Vegas, performing alongside Star Trek actors and entertaining thousands of fans every year. We dive into: How they built a 16-member production from scratch The challenge of creating original Star Trek-inspired music Costumes, props, prosthetics, and stage production Building a business around one of the most passionate fan communities in the world Marketing a niche entertainment brand Why authenticity and creativity matter more than ever Whether you're a musician, a Star Trek fan, or simply curious about how someone can turn an outrageous idea into a successful entertainment business, this conversation proves that sometimes the craziest ideas become the biggest opportunities. Resistance is futile... you're going to want to watch this one. Find Here The Roddenberries - https://www.theroddenberries.com/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Meet The Roddenberries 09:15 – How This Crazy Idea Started 16:30 – Turning Star Trek Into Live Entertainment 23:20 – Building a 16-Person Production 30:05 – Original Music vs. Tribute Songs 36:45 – Costumes, Props & Special Effects 43:10 – Becoming the Official Band of Star Trek Las Vegas 49:20 – Growing a Business Around Fandom 55:15 – The Future of The Roddenberries 1:00:30 – Final Thoughts #TributeBandSessions#TheRoddenberries#StarTrek#SciFi#LiveEntertainment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jul 15

    Becoming Billy Joel & Elton John Night After Night? Kyle Martin

    Becoming Billy Joel & Elton John Night After Night? Kyle Martin Inside the World of America's Top Piano Man Tribute Kyle Martin Reveals the Pressure, Precision, and Passion Behind America's Premier Piano Man Tribute This dynamic and unforgettable super-charged tribute to  ELTON JOHN & BILLY JOEL features over 20 of their greatest hits! Billy Joel's & Elton John's music has become the soundtrack to generations of fans. But what does it take to step behind the piano and bring those legendary songs back to life night after night? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Kyle Martin, the acclaimed performer behind Piano Man: A Tribute to Billy Joel & Elton John,  Kyle shares his journey into the tribute world, the challenges of recreating one of music's most iconic catalogs, and what audiences expect when they come to hear the songs they grew up with. From mastering Billy & Elton's vocals and piano style to capturing the energy and emotion that made the original performances unforgettable, Kyle gives us an inside look at what it takes to honor one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. We also discuss the booming tribute band industry, audience expectations, touring, musicianship, and why the music of Billy Joel continues to connect with fans of all ages. Whether you're a lifelong Billy Joel or Elton John fan, a tribute band enthusiast, or a musician looking to understand the craft behind these performances, this episode is packed with insight, stories, and inspiration. Find Kyle Martin Here ; https://www.pianomantheshow.com/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Introduction 02:12 – Meet Kyle Martin 06:08 – Discovering Billy Joel's Music 11:35 – Building a Piano Man Tribute 17:42 – Learning Billy Joel's Piano Style 23:18 – Capturing the Voice and Personality 29:10 – The Songs Fans Always Want to Hear 35:06 – The Challenges of Performing Billy Joel 40:51 – The Growth of Tribute Bands 46:28 – Audience Reactions and Favorite Moments 52:11 – Advice for Tribute Musicians 57:04 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#BillyJoel#PianoManTribute#LiveMusic#TributeBands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jul 8

    What It Takes to Become Mick Jagger The Chris LeGrand Story 

    What It Takes to Become Mick Jagger The Chris LeGrand Story  For decades, music fans have argued one question: In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Chris LeGrand, the incredible performer behind Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Show and his work celebrating a tribute show Beatles vs Stones-A Musical Showdown We discuss the differences between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, the challenge of portraying legendary personalities on stage, and why the tribute industry has become one of the fastest-growing sectors in live entertainment. Whether you're Team Beatles, Team Stones, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain of two of the greatest catalogs ever created. The debate may never end... But this episode gets us closer than ever. Find Chris Here : http://www.rollingstoneshow.com/legrandbio.html 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – Meet Chris LeGrand 06:15 – The Beatles vs. The Rolling Stones Debate 12:00 – Becoming Mick Jagger on Stage 18:20 – Recreating The Beatles' Music 24:35 – The Biggest Differences Between the Two Bands 30:15 – What Fans Expect From Tribute Shows 36:10 – The Evolution of Tribute Bands 41:45 – Why Classic Rock Endures 47:20 – The Business of Tribute Entertainment 53:10 – Advice for Aspiring Tribute Musicians 57:30 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#RollingStones#TheBeatles#ClassicRock#TributeBands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jul 1

    Tribute Band Manager - Why Most Tribute Bands Will Fail Heather Felicetty Manager

    Most tribute bands never make it — not because of talent, but because they don’t understand the business. In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, Heather Felicetty, of Naked Glory Entertainment breaks down what managers see that bands don’t. We talk branding, bookings, scaling, and the brutal mistakes that quietly kill careers. This isn’t motivation — it’s a blueprint. If you’re serious about tribute bands as a business, do not skip this episode. Follow Heather ; https://nakedgloryentertainment.com/tribute-band-booking-agency/  Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube #TributeBands #MusicBusiness #BandManagement #BehindTheScenes #LiveMusic #EntertainmentIndustry 00:00 – Why Most Tribute Bands Fail 03:40 – Talent Is Not the Problem 08:55 – What Managers Look for Immediately 14:30 – The Biggest Booking Mistakes Bands Make 20:50 – Why Branding Matters More Than You Think 27:35 – How Tribute Bands Actually Scale 34:10 – The Difference Between Hobby and Business 40:45 – What Separates Booked Bands From Struggling Ones 47:20 – Hard Truths Bands Don’t Want to Hear 53:40 – Final Advice From a Tribute Band Manager Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jun 24

    Tribute Band Motley Crude Brings Back Chaos Ep# 39

    Motley Crude Brings Back ChaosMötley Crüe wasn’t just a band — it was chaos, danger, and excess on a world stage.In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, Shawn Band Leader & Bassist from Motley Crude breaks down what it takes to recreate one of rock’s wildest live experiences.We talk authenticity, theatrics, musicianship, and why hair metal still packs venues today.This isn’t nostalgia — it’s a full-blown rock spectacle.If you love arena rock, don’t miss this episode. Find Shawn & Motley Crude Here  https://linktr.ee/motleycrude 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Why Mötley Crüe Changed Rock Forever03:45 – Recreating One of Rock’s Wildest Bands08:55 – The Chaos Behind Hair Metal Shows14:20 – What Fans Expect From Motley Crude20:45 – Why Hair Metal Still Sells Out27:30 – The Pressure of Honoring Mötley Crüe34:05 – The Stage Show Fans Want40:35 – What Most Tribute Bands Miss47:15 – Why This Music Still Matters53:40 – Final Thoughts on Rock Excess #MotleyCrue #HairMetal #MotleyCrude #RockLegends #TributeBands #BehindTheMusic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Tribute Band Sessions takes you behind the curtain of the billion-dollar tribute industry—where legendary music is reborn every night. Hosted by creator, music producer, musician, and talent manager Mike Gendler, along with rotating celebrity co-hosts, each episode features unfiltered conversations with tribute performers, booking agents, and insiders. From tour life and gear to sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks, this is your all-access pass. New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Gendler
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved 2025
  • Show Website
    Tribute Band Sessions