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. 2d ago

    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

    1 hr

  2. 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

    1h 16m

  3. Jun 17

    Father & Son Tribute Band Story Shocks

    Most tribute bands share a stage. These two share a bloodline. In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, Mark and Eric Henkels open up about building careers in tribute music as father and son performers.We talk legacy, mentorship, family dynamics, and what happens when music becomes generational.This is more than performance — it’s inheritance.If you love tribute bands, this story will hit differently. Follow Mark Henkels https://helloimustbegoing.band/ Follow Eric Henkels https://magicalmysterydoors.com/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube CHAPTER TITLES 00:00 – How Tribute Music Became a Family Legacy03:45 – Growing Up Around Tribute Bands08:50 – Father vs Son: Different Generations of Music14:25 – What They Learned From Each Other20:40 – The Pressure of Following Family Footsteps27:10 – Building Careers in Tribute Music Together33:55 – Family, Touring, and the Music Life40:30 – The Future of Tribute Bands47:15 – Advice for Families in Music53:40 – Final Thoughts on Legacy and Family  #TributeBands#FamilyBand#LiveMusic#MusicLegacy#BehindTheMusic#Musicians   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m

  4. Jun 10

    The Chicago Tribute Band Taking Over Texas "San Antonio Transit"

    Can a tribute band truly capture the sound, energy, and musicianship of one of the greatest bands in rock history? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Mike Pinto of San Antonio Transit, one of the premier tribute bands celebrating the music of Chicago. From massive horn arrangements and intricate vocal harmonies to recreating some of the most beloved songs ever recorded, Mike shares what it takes to bring this iconic catalog to life on stage. We discuss the challenges of performing music that many musicians consider some of the most complex in classic rock, the growth of the tribute band industry, and why audiences continue to pack venues to hear the music they grew up with. Whether you're a fan of Chicago, tribute bands, or the business of live entertainment, this conversation offers a fascinating look behind the curtain of one of America's fastest-growing live music movements. Find Mike Pinto and San Antonio Transit - https://www.sanantoniotransit.net/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube  Chapters (Clickable) 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – Meet Mike Pinto & San Antonio Transit 07:05 – Why Chicago's Music Is So Difficult to Perform 13:10 – Building a Tribute Band Around a Legendary Catalog 19:45 – The Importance of Horn Sections and Harmonies 25:20 – The Songs Fans Always Want to Hear 31:15 – The Business of Running a Tribute Band 37:40 – Why Tribute Bands Continue to Grow 43:05 – The Future of Live Music and Nostalgia 48:10 – Advice for Musicians Starting Tribute Acts 54:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#ChicagoBand#SanAntonioTransit#ClassicRock#TributeBands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    48 min

  5. Jun 3

    Why This Genesis Tribute Band Got the Original Band’s Blessing Ian Benhamou

    What happens when a tribute band becomes so accurate… the original band endorses them? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Ian from The Musical Box—the internationally acclaimed Genesis tribute act known for recreating entire classic-era Genesis performances with astonishing precision. We go deep into what it takes to faithfully reproduce one of the most theatrical and complex live shows in rock history—from costumes and stage design to musicianship and storytelling. Ian shares how the band earned recognition from Genesis themselves, the pressure of performing for die-hard fans, and why authenticity has become their greatest asset. This isn’t just a tribute band—it’s a time machine. If you’re a fan of classic rock, live performance, or the exploding tribute band industry, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most respected acts in the world. Find Ian & The Musical Box https://www.themusicalbox.net/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube Chapters 00:00 – Intro01:55 – Meet Ian & The Musical Box06:20 – What Makes Genesis So Hard to Recreate12:10 – Rebuilding the Original Show (Costumes, Sets, Lighting)18:45 – The Moment Genesis Took Notice24:30 – Getting Official Recognition from the Original Band30:15 – The Pressure of Performing for Hardcore Fans36:05 – Touring the World with a Tribute Show41:50 – Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever47:20 – The Evolution of Tribute Bands52:10 – Advice for Musicians Entering the Scene56:30 – Final Thoughts & Closing #​PhilCollins #PeterGabriel  #GenesisTribute#TheMusicalBox#ClassicRock#LiveMusic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr

  6. May 27

    Two Tribute Bands One Leader Neil Young AND The Who

    Inside the Mind of a Musician Recreating Two Completely Different Legends What does it take to embody not just one legendary artist—but two completely different icons of rock history? In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Garrett Lechowski, the powerhouse musician behind Harvest & Rust (Neil Young tribute) and Who Are You (The Who tribute). Garrett breaks down the massive challenge of switching between styles—from Neil Young’s raw, emotional storytelling to The Who’s explosive, high-energy performances. We dive into musicianship, stage presence, vocal approach, and what it really takes to authentically represent two of the most influential acts of all time. We also explore the business side of tribute bands, how audiences respond to authenticity, and why tribute acts continue to explode in popularity worldwide. This isn’t just about playing songs—It’s about becoming two completely different legends. Follow Garrett Lechowski, Harvest & Rust (Neil Young tribute) and Who Are You (The Who tribute) https://www.harvestandrust.com/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Intro01:50 – Meet Garrett Lechowski05:40 – Harvest & Rust (Neil Young Tribute)11:20 – Who Are You (The Who Tribute)17:10 – Switching Between Two Iconic Styles22:45 – Vocals, Guitar, and Performance Differences28:30 – The Challenge of Authenticity34:00 – Audience Expectations39:20 – The Business of Tribute Bands44:50 – Why Tribute Bands Keep Growing50:10 – Advice for Musicians54:30 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#NeilYoungTribute#TheWho#LiveMusic#RockPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 14m

  7. May 20

    Tribute Band Is Selling Out What Most Artists Can’t (GTLO)

    What does it take to recreate one of the greatest rock bands of all time—night after night—and still sell out iconic venues?In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we sit down with Tommy Zamparelli of Get The Led Out, one of the most celebrated Led Zeppelin tribute acts in the world. Tommy takes us behind the curtain of what it really means to honor Zeppelin’s legacy while building a massively successful touring act.We dive into the musicianship required to pull off Zeppelin’s complex catalog, the pressure of performing for die-hard fans, and how tribute bands have evolved into a billion-dollar global industry. From Red Rocks to packed theaters across the country, this is the story of passion, precision, and the power of timeless music.If you’ve ever wondered why tribute bands are exploding in popularity—and why even rock legends are paying attention—this episode delivers. Follow Tommy ; https://www.gtlorocks.com/ https://linktr.ee/tommyzamp?fbclid=IwY2xjawR5LqZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVb25OUkpMWmlaR2FueWR1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu6_EPeraj9wQUcuXbVC7pmH9rjXrZtnJ_uryvozLG7YNI_bXtgTLfddItxn_aem__idwHNeubnzhgfJlM62N2Q 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Intro02:10 – Meet Tommy Zamparelli & Get The Led Out06:45 – The Challenge of Recreating Led Zeppelin Live12:30 – Musicianship: What Makes Zeppelin So Difficult to Play18:15 – Building a National Touring Tribute Band24:40 – Playing Legendary Venues (Including Red Rocks)30:05 – The Evolution of the Tribute Band Industry36:20 – Why Tribute Bands Are Bigger Than Ever42:10 – Audience Expectations & Hardcore Fans47:30 – Behind the Scenes of the Show52:00 – Advice for Aspiring Tribute Musicians56:15 – Final Thoughts & Closing #TributeBandSessions#LedZeppelinTribute#GetTheLedOut#MusicPodcast#LiveMusic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m

  8. May 13

    Tribute To Donna Summer Music Nearly Impossible to Perform ( Rainere Martin )

    Donna Summer wasn’t just the Queen of Disco — she was a vocal and cultural force.In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, Rainere Martin breaks down what it really takes to honor one of the most demanding catalogs in music history.We talk vocal endurance, authenticity, and the backlash that followed disco at its peak.This is about legacy, pressure, and musical survival.If you think Donna Summer was “just disco,” this episode will change your mind. Follow Rainere Martin https://www.4everdonna.com/ 🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📘 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎵 ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🐦 ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💬 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠⁠ 👉 ⁠⁠⁠Watch Tribute Band Sessions on YouTube 00:00 – Why Donna Summer’s Music Is So Hard to Perform 04:05 – The Vocal Power Most Singers Can’t Handle 09:30 – Why Disco Was Never “Easy Music” 15:20 – The Pressure of Honoring a Global Icon 21:55 – What Most Donna Summer Tributes Get Wrong 28:40 – Carrying a Legacy Bigger Than the Stage 35:10 – The Disco Backlash That Changed Everything 41:45 – Why Donna Summer Still Influences Music Today 48:25 – The Hard Truth About Tribute Performances 54:50 – Final Thoughts on Power, Respect, and Legacy #DonnaSummer#Disco#MusicLegends#TributeBands#soulsister#WomenInMusic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 9m
See All (42)

Trailers

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
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved 2025
  • Show Website
    Tribute Band Sessions

You Might Also Like