No matter who is behind the microphone, the song remains the same.
Such is the theory professed by a slew of tribute bands and artists who will visit Atlanta with the goal of inhabiting if not the likeness, then at least the music of ingrained-in-our-brain superstars such as Led Zeppelin and Elton John.
Check out who will be venerated in style and song during the next few months.
The Carole King Songbook
Fans of one of the greatest American pop songwriters will have to wait until May to witness her life story in "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical." But this month, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Broadway star Liza Callaway lead a tribute to the woman who brought us "You've Got a Friend," "I Feel the Earth Move" and a 1962 gem for The Drifters, "Up on the Roof." 8 p.m. March 18-19. $20-$65. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Get the Led Out
Rock fans who still love to play air guitar to "Stairway to Heaven" can indulge their inner Jimmy Page when this Philadelphia-based band pays homage to Led Zeppelin. The six guys are dedicated to recreating the band's songs to perfection and readily admit that it takes an additional two band members to recreate Led Zep's masterful studio works onstage. 8 p.m. March 24. $40-$45. The Egyptian Ballroom at Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Yacht Rock Revue
The pride of Atlanta cover artists – seriously, if you've never seen them live, make it happen – is ditching their artfully reconstructed '70s soft-rock covers for a performance of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" and The Beatles' "Abbey Road." Even if it's a fraction as tight as their usual performances, you'll be impressed. 8:30 p.m. March 25. $20 (advance), $25 (day of show). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354, www.ticketmaster.com.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Based in Atlanta, the sextet is quickly establishing itself in the Southeast as worthy presenters of the Mac's alternately breezy and darkly intense catalog. Opening the show is the amusingly named Fauxgerty - The Ultimate Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band. 8 p.m. April 15 (note, the show has been moved from its original April 23 date). $12 (advance) and $15 (day of show). Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-524-7354, www.ticketmaster.com.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
A Night with Janis Joplin
The show stars Mary Bridget Davies, a rock belter who has toured with Joplin's original band, Big Brother & The Holding Company, as well as blues guitarist Robert Lockwood Jr. In 2014, Davies was nominated for a Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical – a few months after the musical closed on Broadway and a move to an off-Broadway theater was abruptly canceled 48 hours before showtime. The rock musical, which has the blessing of Joplin's estate, was conceived, written, and directed by Randy Johnson and features choreography by Patricia Wilcox and musical direction by Tyler Evans. 6:30 p.m. April 17. $35.50-$76. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Let it Be
You can probably figure out by the title that this one is a tribute to The Beatles. The show has already been a hit on Broadway and in London's West End and 2016 brings a new production to the road. Beatles fans can revel in the band's storied history, from "The Ed Sullivan Show" to "Abbey Road" and hear classics spanning "I Want to Hold Your Hand" to "Get Back." 8 p.m. April 22. $32-$80. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.foxtheatre.org.
Music of Elton John
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Pops season will close with an orchestral nod to the sometime-Atlanta resident who happens to be one of the biggest pop stars in history. The phenomenal Michael Cavanaugh, who earned a Tony nomination for fronting Billy Joel's equally robust catalog for the Broadway hit "Movin' Out," will handle John's vocals. 8 p.m. May 27-28, 3 p.m. May 29. $20-$65. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
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