T.Rextasy interview | Your tribute band opinions

Despite the hundreds of tribute bands on the circuit (almost every town in the nation has its own Abba band), only a handful of tribute bands have achieved the level of respect and acclaim earned by T.Rextasy, the ultimate tribute to Marc Bolan & T.Rex.

Formed in 1992, T.Rextasy set the standard by selling out the venue of their first performance.

Danielz: Glam Metal Guru

On Sunday 11 July 2004, T.Rextasy graced the stage, as they kicked off the first of a series of free Sunday concerts at Bents Park, South Shields.

Despite the unseasonable inclement weather, it was a good turn out for one of glam's greatest pretenders.

Celebrate Summer

Definitive T.Rextasy fans

Dedicated T.Rextasy followers, old and new, as well as a fair sprinkling of T.Rex and Bolan fans, greeted the band with so much love.

Having only ever seen T.Rextasy on TV, I didn't know whether to expect a high-camp, well presented covers band, complete with none of their own hair and make-up, or what I had been led to believe, the definitive T.Rex experience of the 20th Century. Boy was I in for a treat.

On first sight of the diminutive, but perfectly formed Danielz (T.Rextasy's lead singer), you really have to check yourself.

His stage presence and the uncanny resemblance in voice and looks to Marc Bolan, would fascinate and excite even the most cynical Bolanite.

The opening chords of 20th Century Boy let you know you're in for an experience to remember.

Danielz and the band hammer out the hits, played to perfection and with incredible enthusiasm.

Danielz: Uncanny resemblance?

T.Rextasy play for their audience, and most of them obviously want to hear songs they know and love. Therefore, the band always include T.Rex's Top 20 hits such as: Metal Guru, Jeepster, Telegram Sam, Children of the Revolution and Ride a White Swan.

A full T.Rextasy show displays the diversity and versatility of T.Rex's entire body of work.

Their full blown rock 'n' roll show is complete and authentic which includes an eclectic set, followed by an acoustic and congas performance; finishing the show with a second set of electric rockers.

T.Rextasy deliver pure solid gold rock and roll

Whether you're a T.Rex Fan, or just Glam-curious, enjoy T.Rextasy at every possible opportunity.

The Ultimate Tribute

Across the region, tribute bands are quickly replacing the standard turns and pub-rock bands that are the staple of working men's clubs and out of town venues.

Audiences and fans alike expect very high standards of a tribute band, who, not only must look, sound and act just right, but they should do so without parody.

A tough call for a part-time plumber-cum-Joe Strummer; but quality is the bench mark that separates the dire from the dire straight outta Dunston Excelsior.

U2:UK - U2 Tribute Band

It's all in the name

A tribute band's name is crucial; often taken from a song.

One of my favourites, 'All Mod Cons' is the name of a Jam tribute band. Some are not so inspired, 'Think Floyd'. Whilst some are plain lazy - '2U' or tongue in cheek - 'Bon Geordie', or just sad, 'Small Weller'.

Whatever the name, the most successful tribute bands are hardworking, dedicated, competent musicians with a fine grasp of showmanship.

Rock On

Could a tribute band ever top the pop charts?

Anything is possible - after all, aren't all bands quintessentially tribute bands of one sort or another?

How many shoe-gazing, thumb strumming guitar grunge outfits did Nirvana spawn?

Rock n Roll or Mock n Roll?

Are you a fan of tribute bands? What good tribute bands have you seen? What are your favourite tribute band names?

Or do you just think it's a little bit sad, and good musicians should play their own music? Whatever your opinions, be sure to share them with us!