Does a Popular Classic Rock Band Ever Perform Someone Else's Music?
Bands in the classic rock genre are known for their original music. However, it is true that some bands occasionally perform covers of other artists' songs. This article explores the reasons behind this practice and distinguishes between original bands that exclusively perform their own music and cover bands that specialize in performing other artists' music.
Exclusive Performance of Original Music
Most popular classic rock bands like Queen, Uriah Heep, and Deep Purple primarily perform their own original music. These musicians are often signed to record labels, have concert tours, and exclusively play songs from their own albums. For example, bands such as Journey tribute bands or 80s/90s cover bands do not perform original compositions but rather the hit songs of other artists.
Examples of Original Band Performances
Queen (1975): Their Hammersmith Sound and Vision recording session included a rock and roll medley to make up for a lack of new material. Uriah Heep (First Live Album): Their early live recordings often featured covers to supplement their original content. Yes (Margaret): This piece is a mashup of Scottish folk tunes which shows the band's versatility in covering different genres. Traffic (John Barleycorn): Well-known folk tunes have often been adapted and covered by various artists.Reasons for Covering Songs
There are several reasons why classic rock bands might choose to cover songs:
Originating from Different Circumstances
New Bands: Younger bands may not have enough original songs to perform. Live Performance: Bands may cover songs if they are unable to recreate a high-quality performance of their own material. Commercial Success: Sometimes, bands cover songs to get more radio airplay and achieve commercial success. Genre Versatility: Some bands, like Yes, have included covers on their albums to showcase their range and pay homage to other genres.Impact of Covers on the Band's Repertoire
Some bands feature covers in their setlists. Deep Purple, for instance, is known for performing Hush despite it being a cover. Similarly, Elton John's association with the Pinball Wizard from the film Tommy does not negate the fact that he has also covered songs by the Beatles and Bacharach.
Other notable examples include:
Dave Gilmour: Covered There Is No Way Out of Here on his first solo album. Russ Ballard: A prolific songwriter who has written hits for various bands. Gentle Giant: The band has used traditional folk tunes in their live performances.Bands, like Elton John or Dave Gilmour, may choose to cover lesser-known songs to fit their setlists or to introduce diversity into their music. However, it is important to note that not every band that covers a song is a cover band. Some original bands may occasionally include a cover in their set to please their audience and to showcase a broader range of musical influences.
Conclusion
While the vast majority of classic rock bands exclusively perform their own original music, it is not uncommon for them to include covers. This practice can benefit the band by introducing new material, showcasing versatility, or simply pleasing their fans. Whether it is Queen's medleys, Uriah Heep's folk tunes, or Deep Purple's covers, these songs contribute to the rich tapestry of classic rock music.