"The main way in which a tribute band differs from a cover band that simply plays songs by other artists, is that it strives to capture every nuance of the imitated artist's actions and appearance for a perfect imitation."
That being said, Bad Medicine played Bon Jovi songs and the lead singer attempted to look like Bon Jovi, move like Bon Jovi, and even used some of his famous concert lines, BUT he messed up the lyrics in almost every song. So as far as "tribute band" status goes....I give them a C...and that might be being generous! The rest of the band didn't look the part, I have the pictures to prove it! Let's review...shall we?
Jon Bon Jovi: Lead Vocalist (and extreme hotty!!!)
Alright, so our tribute Jon went with the tight black pants and black tank top....always a good choice. He wore the shades almost the entire night, which was good because his eyes definitely didn't lend to the cause. The hair, which looks ok in this picture, definitely is not Jon Bon Jovi quality, and I'm pretty sure it was a wig. As you can see, Jon has a tattoo on his left upper arm...I'm not saying the tribute needs to have the same tattoo...but an airbrush definitenly wouldn't hurt!! Like I said, he could shake his maracas, but he messed up lyrics in almost every song, and even had to rely on the drummer at one point to pick up his failed lines...not impressed.
Appearance : 6
Performance: 4
Overall: 5
I give him a 5 overall. He tried to shake it, had a nice (but not Jon Bon Jovi) body and sounded pretty close, but if you are a tribute artist you should definitely know the music!
Richie Sambora: Guitar
What's a lead without his right hand man? Nothing. Which is exactly why tribute Richie needed to be around. He definitely had some skills and could play. He knew the lyrics better than tribute Jon at times, and he had a great personality, interacting with the crowd on multiple occasions. Unfortunately, minus some bling and a random hat he sometimes wore, he didn't look the Richie part.
Appearance: 2
Performance: 7
Overall:5
I give him a 5 overall as well. His performance was definitely better than that of tribute Jon, but tribute Richie just didn't look the part...AT ALL! Maybe he should have tried sporting a wig....
Tico Torres: Drums
Tribute Tico was good, but once again failed to hit the mark on looking like the real Tico Torres. His arms were working hard back there, I would have liked to see some of that muscle with a cut off shirt. And where's the hat?? Definitely would have scored him some bonus points. His playing was good. He knew the songs, once again more than tribute Jon, and even covered for tribute Jon when he missed half a verse. I would have liked to see a little more rock star in tribute Tico, but he did a decent job.
Appearance: 2
Performance: 7
Overall:5
He gets a 5 overall for helping out his buddy in times of trouble. But I don't think he'll ever get called up to the big leagues!
David Bryan: Keyboard
Ok, so it was difficult to get the keyboard player...someone was always standing in front of him! But you can see that tribute David looks NOTHING like real David. He could definitely play though, I'll give him that!!
Appearance: 1...at least he stood behind a keyboard!
Performance: 7
Overall: 4
Hugh McDonald or Alec John Such
Ok, so Alec John Such was the original bass player for Bon Jovi, after he split, they brought in Hugh McDonald, but have never officially named him as a member of the band....Which guy do you think the tribute went for?Wait....Richie?? Is that you....?
He had talent, he had personality and he had....Richie's hat. Much like Bon Jovi not being able to fully commit to a new bass player, tribute Hugh/Alec was not able to commit either. He did show some chest hair (a signature of the Bon Jovi hotties in the 80s and 90s) which is more than we got from the other guys, but the long locks and the hat just didn't fit him, or who he was supposed to maybe, probably, be....It's all a bit confusing. He could sing, and he could play so I give him credit for that! He was also one of the only "band members" who came to the signing tent after the show. Tribute Jon was too busy chasing girls....(was that a real wedding ring on his finger) but Tribute Hugh/Alec came over and spoke with a few fans. Too bad he couldn't name the venue that they would next be performing in our area....I helped the questioning fan out, don't you worry.Appearance: Umm...let's say a 3. He has a similar style shirt to Alec...
Performance: 7
Overall: 6 Yes, I know this averages to a 5, but I give him bonus points for giving me two free buttons, talking to the crowd and knowing all the lyrics.
Ok, so I know I was really critical, but overall we had a fantastic time!!! Bad Medicine will be back in northeast Ohio in August and we will definitely be there!!!
