Ooh controversy
Theres been a lot of talk about Perth metal bands doing covers/tributes and posts in the 'Musicians Wanted' section about starting cover bands etc. This is all fine, its nothing new and allows bands to play their favourite songs live. Its also a good, fun way to get some randoms into the music. For example, guy/girl who doesnt know much of the local scene rocks up to a gig, band x plays a cover and the person recognises it and in a roundabout way gets more into the band (and hopefully the original material). I think Red Descending did this at their cd launch?
Take 'Sabotage' for example. Awesome Black Sabbath tribute band, lots of fun and great musicians and stage presence. Sabotage has played about 3/4 times (?), never overshadowing MDVs main band Psychonaut. This is the ideal balance for this kind of thing. Even Sabotages BEST set is trumped by Psychonauts worst. People should remember Psychonauts original material and gigs more than Sabotage.
Mhorgl are known for throwing many covers into their sets and even did a set entirely of covers (an Xmas gig i think) yet people like them more for the original material.
Deathlahem are a great local band, around for ages (Whitesands!), that havent played much due to lineup shuffles and work/family commitments. Yet people seem to ALWAYS remember the 'Skeletons Of Society' Slayer gig more than any Deathlahem song, gig or release. This is a bit of a shame as Deathlahems original material is pretty damn awesome.
Im not saying all Perth Metal bands should stop doing them, as I said its a great/fun thing and for many people, perhaps, the only chance of seeing a particular song being played live. But the original material should always be the priority, or we may as well watch Airbag at the Newport.
Discuss: Thoughts?