In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, host Mike Gendler sits down with Bill “Billy” Jolly – a three-time Emmy Award–winning producer, writer, and musical director and the MD of Love TKO: The Teddy Pendergrass Tribute Band.

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Bill shares how Motown bass lines, James Brown’s “Cold Sweat,” and the lush productions of Tom Bell, Gamble & Huff shaped his ears. He walks us through his journey from local drummer to touring pianist with Norman Connors (“You Are My Starship”), MD for Gene Kahn and Grover Washington Jr., and eventually music director for Teddy Pendergrass after Teddy’s accident.

Bill talks about:

Working with legends like Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Tina Marie, Bill Withers, Phyllis Hyman, Patti LaBelle, Michael Bublé, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Pink, The Roots, Jadakiss and more

What it really takes to be a successful musician (“be a Walmart, not a Dunkin’ Donuts”)

Writing full orchestral arrangements for PBS, symphonies, and even Tony Danza’s Frank Sinatra tribute

How Love TKO was formed with original Teddy band members and why having the official endorsement of the Teddy Pendergrass estate matters

Why tribute bands exist, how they fill a real emotional and musical need, and his advice for new tribute bands on setlists, venues, and marketing

From panties still flying onstage to building the perfect Teddy set, Bill explains how Love TKO makes audiences feel 18 again for 90 minutes – and why tribute bands aren’t going anywhere.

 Subscribe, like, and drop a comment with the Teddy song you’d HAVE to hear at a Love TKO show.

#BillJolly
#LoveTKO
#TeddyPendergrass
#TributeBandSessions
#PhillySoul

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

00:00 Why tribute bands exist & artists Bill has worked with

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why the Original Funk King WON’T Call It a Tribute

Prince, The Family, and the Undeniable Funk of the Minneapolis Sound — A Celebration with St. Paul Peterson

We’re going deep into Minneapolis Funk history this week!  Get ready to groove as we sit down with the one and only Saint Paul Peterson — Mr. Minneapolis Funk himself — for a no-holds-barred conversation about life, legacy, and the sound that changed pop music forever.

At just 17, St. Paul was discovered by Prince, joining the Purple Rain–era band and becoming part of the original The Family project — now celebrating its 40th anniversary. A proud member of the legendary “Peterson Musical Mafia,” his story is pure funk royalty.

He opens up about:

Being handpicked by Prince overnight

What really went down with The Family

Why his group St. Paul & The Minneapolis Funk Allstars is not a tribute act but a living celebration of the Minneapolis Sound

And how five original members from Prince’s band help keep the funk alive

You’ll hear about his friendships with Sheila E. and Ricky Peterson, how “Funk Fridays” kept musicians sane during the pandemic, and his brutally honest advice for aspiring artists trying to break into the business.

This is a must-listen for every funk, pop, and Prince fan out there.

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

01:50 – The Peterson Musical Mafia & Session Roots

04:40 – Discovered by Prince at 17

07:30 – 40 Years of The Family

08:50 – The Enduring Prince Camp Bond

09:50 – Celebration, Not Tribute

13:10 – Putting on a Real Show

14:30 – The Birth of Funk Fridays

16:50 – The Business of Booking

18:40 – The Setlist & The Daryl Hall Story

21:30 – Take It Seriously: Advice for Musicians

23:30 – What’s Next (2024 & Beyond)

🌐 Official Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎸 Get ready to crank it up!

We dive into the booming tribute band industry—what truly separates tributes from cover bands, why visuals and production value matter, and how acts like Kashmir raised the bar for live performance. Rachel explains what Blue Raven looks for when signing artists, why merch and social media are vital, and how professionalism can make—or break—a band.

She opens up about the pandemic’s impact on live music, the surging demand for tributes, and the industry’s evolution toward high-end, theatrical productions. Rachel also discusses Blue Raven’s recent merger with Indigo Talent, expanding its national reach while keeping an artist-first approach.

Whether you’re a musician, agent, or fan curious about the business side of entertainment, this episode is your backstage pass to insider insights, artist development, and the mindset it takes to succeed.

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

🎤 Find Blue Raven: blueravenartists.com

00:00 – Introduction & Rachel Hill’s Early Career
01:25 – From Classical Piano to Music Management
02:38 – Early Career in NYC Labels & Corporate Life
03:17 – Launching Blue Raven Entertainment
04:17 – The Importance of Mentors & Open-Mindedness
05:15 – How Blue Raven Signs Tribute Bands
05:58 – Tribute Bands vs. Bar Bands
06:15 – The “Kashmir” Breakthrough
07:37 – Quality Over Quantity in the Tribute Market
08:46 – What Blue Raven Looks For: Performance, Vision, Professionalism
10:48 – No Alcohol Riders & Professional Standards
11:40 – Musicians as Businesspeople
13:14 – Building Relationships & Understanding the Vibe
14:24 – Branding, Image & Artist Development
15:11 – In-House Marketing & Merch Strategy
16:08 – Why Merch Matters for Income & Branding
17:20 – The Fascination of Tribute Bands
18:13 – Future of Tribute: Creative Mash-Ups (Magical Mystery Doors)
20:09 – Treating Music Like a Job
20:51 – Post-Pandemic Challenges & Venue Pricing
21:40 – The Rise of Tributes Filling the Live Music Void
23:15 – Visuals & Production Value in Modern Shows
24:00 – The Agent’s Role in Artist Growth
25:21 – Blue Raven’s Artist-Centric Approach
26:55 – When Things Don’t Work: Market, Timing, or Fit
27:45 – The Demand for High-Quality Productions
30:25 – Nationwide vs. Regional Bookings
31:33 – Indigo Talent Merger & Expansion
33:57 – Managing National Acts Without Losing Focus
35:23 – Balancing Two Companies & Mentorship Lessons
36:20 – The Reality of “Hurry Up and Wait” in Booking
38:15 – Most Rewarding: Giving Bands Opportunities
39:10 – The Unique Niche of “Oddball” Shows
39:50 – Money vs. Opportunity for Artists
41:10 – #1 Reason Bands Fail: Getting in Their Own Way
41:48 – The Long-Term Vision for Blue Raven
42:31 – Tribute Bands Opening for National Acts
43:45 – The Power of Social Media & Industry Reputation
44:38 – Instagram as the Engagement Sweet Spot
45:07 – Word-of-Mouth & Longevity in the Business

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Viral creator Nick Harrison – Mr. Professor 318 joins Tribute Band Sessions! In this episode, Nick shares how he went from Louisiana school teacher and radio host to a full-time content creator with millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitch, and YouTube.

We dive into the story behind his AI soul reimaginations of rock and metal classics—turning Foo Fighters, Disturbed, Slipknot, Korn, Stone Temple Pilots, Journey, ACDC and more into classic soul and Yacht Rock–style covers. Nick opens up about the powerful messages he gets from fans with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and why his mission is “to be a light in a dark world” and create unity through music.

Nick also talks about his hit album “Artificial Soul” (packed with viral soul covers), the Gen X Takeover Comedy Tour, their sold-out shows, and the upcoming Gen X Takeover cruise. We get into tribute bands like Yachtly Crew, Tragedy (Bee Gees metal), The Iron Maidens, Get The Led Out, and why great tribute bands keep classic music alive for new generations.

If you love tribute bands, mashups, AI music, Gen X nostalgia, and soul-flavored rock, this episode is for you.

 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and drop a comment to let us know which song you want to hear get “the Professor treatment” next!

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to build a world-class tribute band? From Led Zeppelin reunions to Pink Floyd global tours, Taylor Swift tributes selling out shows, Vegas residencies, American Idol backstories, insane vintage gear, and the grind it takes to make it big—this episode dives into the real stories, sacrifices, wins, and lessons from the top tribute artists in the world.

You’ll hear firsthand experiences hanging with legends like Brian May, John Paul Jones, and Paul McCartney… moving across the world for a dream… how social media drives ticket sales… why authenticity matters… the business mindset musicians MUST have… and the heart, humor, and hustle behind every performance.

If you love rock, tribute culture, music industry strategy, or simply incredible storytelling—you’re gonna love this.

Subscribe for more in-depth conversations and massive surprises coming in 2026!

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Celebrate the season with our Holiday Special Edition of Tribute Band Sessions! This special episode highlights the best moments from our standout 2025 guests while exploring the musical journey of tribute artists—from their early local gigs to national touring success.

We dive into the fast-growing tribute scene, the importance of vocal health, the professionalism behind every live performance, and the powerful emotional connection musicians create with audiences. You’ll also get exclusive sneak peeks of the incredible episodes coming in 2026.

Happy holidays, everyone—and thank you for supporting Tribute Band Sessions!

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

00:00 – Holiday Message & What’s Coming in 2026

01:11 – From High School Bands to the Birth of Get The Led Out

03:08 – Bridgeport Rib House: Where It All Took Off

04:54 – Touring Outside the U.S. & International Logistics

06:20 – Band Chemistry, Humor, and Never Changing Members

07:28 – Staying Healthy on the Road

08:38 – When a Singer Loses Their Voice: The Show Must Go On

10:36 – Upgrading to an RV: Touring Smarter

12:10 – Favorite Songs to Perform vs. Favorite Songs to Hear

14:27 – The Rise of the Tribute Band Scene

15:50 – Venue Sizes, Festivals & Touring Strategy

17:38 – Using Tracks, Acoustic Sets & Show Flow

19:55 – Keeping Audiences Engaged Without Dead Air

20:39 – Serious Tribute vs. Parody Acts

22:13 – Emotional Fan Stories & the Healing Power of Music

24:21 – What Agents Look for When Signing Tribute Bands

26:42 – Band Relationships & Roster Fit

27:32 – Discovered by Prince at 17

30:25 – Tribute Band vs. Cover Band: What’s the Difference?

32:32 – Final Advice for Aspiring Tribute Bands

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what it takes to not just replicate, but truly embody the sound of a legendary band like Pink Floyd? In this episode, I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome Steve Mac and Colin Wilson from the world-renowned The Australian Pink Floyd Show! We dive deep into their incredible journey, from their early days in the Adelaide pub scene to selling 5 million tickets worldwide. They share the secrets behind perfecting their craft, the immense pressure of recreating Pink Floyd's iconic sound, and the challenges of evolving from a local cover band into a global phenomenon. You won't want to miss the mind-blowing story of the time David Gilmour attended their show and invited them to play at his 50th birthday party—a surreal moment that cemented their status as the gold standard of tribute acts.

Hey everybody, welcome back to Tribute Band Sessions! Did I ever tell you about the time I got to play a private party for Pink Floyd? Well, this episode isn't about me, but it is about Pink Floyd, and I am so excited to have the guys who are considered the best in the business: The Australian Pink Floyd Show! We get into what it's really like to be a top-tier tribute band—the good, the bad, and the moments that feel absolutely surreal. Steve and Colin pull back the curtain on the misconception that they're all rich and reveal the sheer hard work, dedication, and nerdy attention to detail it takes to get that sound just right. We talk about everything from the challenges of recreating early Syd Barrett-era recordings to the mind-blowing moment they were asked to play for David Gilmour. This isn't just a story about music; it's a story about passion, perseverance, and what happens when your heroes become your fans. You have to hear this one.

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

00:00 – The Art of the Tribute: The Final 10%
00:43 – The Most Misunderstood Aspect of Being a Tribute Band
01:10 – Introducing The Australian Pink Floyd Show
03:03 – Growing Up with Pink Floyd: The First Listen
04:46 – The Early Days: From Pub Gigs to an Obsession
08:21 – The Rise of the Tribute Scene
13:07 – Shifting Roles: From Stage Performers to Business Minds
19:46 – The Challenge of Recreating Syd Barrett’s Era
22:26 – The “Mistakes” That Make It Perfect
30:57 – “You’re Miming!”: The Ultimate Compliment
34:51 – The Venues: From Intimate Theaters to Arenas
43:11 – The David Gilmour Story: Playing for Rock Royalty
48:01 – What’s Next? Adding a Full Orchestra
52:27 – The Team Behind the Spectacle

Find : The Australian Pink Floyd Show

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to rock and roll with another incredible interview! This week, we're sitting down with the powerhouse members of Tusk, the definitive tribute to Fleetwood Mac. For 17 years and over 90 shows a year, Scott McDonald, Kathy Phillips, and Kim Williams have been captivating audiences with their authentic and passionate performances. In this episode, we hear the unbelievable backstories from life on the road, including what happens when a lead singer completely loses their voice on the day of a show. We explore their musical influences beyond the Fleetwood Mac universe, the intricate business machine that keeps the tour running, and their experience performing with full orchestras. Join us for a candid conversation that reveals the heart, humor, and hard work behind one of the world's most successful tribute acts.

Alright everyone, I am so excited to talk with these guys! Ever wonder what it really takes to keep a top-tier tribute band on the road for 17 years? We're pulling back the curtain with the phenomenal members of Tusk, the world's number one tribute to Fleetwood Mac. This isn't just about the music; we get into the nitty-gritty of the tour grind, from hilarious near-disasters to the logistics of performing with a symphony orchestra. Scott, Kathy, and Kim share their journey, their influences, and some seriously valuable advice for any young musician trying to make it. We talk about everything from their bucket-list venues to their secret lives as scary-movie fanatics. You think you know tribute bands? Think again. This is a masterclass in musicianship, business, and passion. You don't want to miss this one!

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

Find Tusk Here

00:00 – Intro & Tour Stories (Losing a Voice)
00:59 – Welcome to Tusk: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
01:50 – The Band’s Origin Story: 17 Years and Counting
03:24 – How Did It All Begin?
04:56 – Influences Beyond Fleetwood Mac
07:36 – From Bar Gigs to Big Theaters: Lessons Learned
08:33 – Meet Kim Williams & The Business of the Band
09:43 – The Machine Behind the Music: Crew & Logistics
15:12 – Touring Life & On-the-Road Challenges
19:13 – When a Singer Loses Their Voice
22:21 – Bucket List Venues & Goals (Red Rocks & Alaska)
26:02 – The Art of the Setlist: Hits vs. Deep Cuts
29:24 – What Makes a Great Tribute Band?
37:54 – Playing with a Full Orchestra
45:12 – Tech Evolution: Gear Upgrades Over the Years
48:42 – Hidden Talents & Life Off-Stage
50:02 – Coming Home: Life Off the Road
56:09 – Advice for Aspiring Musicians

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zep's Golden Ratio: Bonham, Buddha, & the Power of Passion

Clem from Zepparella on Finding Spiritual Flow and Hammering out Zeppelin Rhythms

Hold onto your hi-hats, this one goes deep! We’re kicking it with the absolute powerhouse of rhythm, Clem from Zepparella, the world’s longest-running, all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band. Get ready for an origin story unlike any other, as Clem reveals the lightning bolt moment that pulled her into drumming at 27 and why the sheer genius of John Bonham was the only driving force. We dive into the true tribute band definition, why female musicians find liberation in honoring rock gods, and the surprising parallel between a ten-day silent meditation retreat and shredding a guitar solo. Clem shares the ultimate advice for aspiring tribute bands (hint: it's about passion, not pathos), how Zepparella blends "nuggets" from the album with Zeppelin's legendary live improvisation, and how she balances life as a percussionist with her work as a spiritual counselor (hint: she learns the same lessons on the drum stool as she does on the meditation mat). This isn't just a music interview; it's a lesson on finding freedom within structure, the magic of collaboration, and the secrets to a 20-year career spent exclusively on the path of rock and roll love. You won't want to miss this one!

Find Clem Here https://www.zepparella.com/clementine-bio.html

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

00:00 – "Oh, the reason... was because of the drums."

01:45 – The Writer-Turned-Drummer

04:58 – Listening to Zeppelin A-to-Z

07:44 – Tribute vs. Cover Band

11:11 – The Advantage of Being Female

13:28 – From Stoner Rock to AC/DC

15:01 – The Ultimate Advice

18:58 – Nuggets vs. Jams

25:36 – From Bonham to Buddha

29:20 – Changing Demographics

32:00 – New Albums & the Memoir
Clem and Clear Light & From Bonham to Buddha and Back

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everybody, welcome to another unforgettable episode of Tribute Band Sessions!

We dive into how The Docksiders bring nostalgia to life through meticulous musicianship — recreating every note and harmony from the originals. Kevin shares how he built a business model rooted in passion and authenticity, connecting generations of fans through smooth harmonies, shimmering lights, and pure feel-good vibes.

You’ll hear about their residency at The Venetian, the global touring grind, and the creative strategy that makes The Docksiders one of the most respected acts in the tribute scene. Whether you’re a musician, fan, or dreamer, this episode will show you how dedication, strategy, and heart can transform classic hits into a thriving modern brand.

🎸 Listen & Follow Tribute Band Sessions:

Find The Docksiders:

00:00 – Meet Kevin Sucher & The Docksiders

01:48 – The “Swiss Army Knife” Career

04:20 – Birth of The Docksiders

05:56 – Anchoring in Vegas

07:48 – Authenticity Over Parody

08:35 – The Art of Emulation

10:27 – Bridging Generations

11:17 – Music as Therapy

13:59 – Business Strategy & Partnerships

14:49 – Vegas vs. Touring

17:13 – Sailing Internationally

19:08 – Wearing Two Hats

21:30 – A Band of All-Stars

22:42 – Genre Fluidity

24:22 – Smart Marketing

27:13 – The Docksiders’ Future

29:49 – Lessons from the Industry

33:09 – Keeping the Show Fresh

35:38 – Hall & Oates Connection

41:21 – Growth & Vision

44:06 – Life on the Road

49:19 – Advice for Tribute Artists

50:50 – Connect with The Docksiders

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices