It can be hard out there for fans of iconic live rock.
Either that favorite band has gone out to pasture or rarely tours, or ticket prices are out of reach. Leave it to tribute acts and cover bands to carry the musical torch and keep you entertained by performing at more intimate venues at bargain-basement prices. You can catch up to some not-quite-them acts here in the coming days.
LITTLE FIVE POINTS
The Machine at Variety Playhouse
Pink Floyd fans have a better chance of seeing pigs fly than a band reunion. The odds are better that they’ll hear the Pink Floyd tribute act The Machine play obscure gems such as “Pigs on the Wing” sandwiched between a bevy of Floyd hits. The Machine takes audiences on a virtual trip to that dark side of the moon, complete with banks of lasers and the trademark circular video screen. Founding member Tahrah Cohen holds down the drums, and longtime members Ryan Ball (guitar) and Scott Chasolen (keyboards) contribute vocals. Adam Minkoff, the latest brick in the band’s wall, handles bass and lead vocals. Part of the reason for its acclaim may reside in the fact the members are all Floyd fans. More than just a greatest hits show, The Machine knows how to quench the thirst of fellow Floydists by delivering live renditions of “Astronomy Domine,” “Fat Old Sun,” “Bike” and more.
8 p.m. Jan. 13. $20 advance at box office; $22.50 day of the show at the door; $24.50 online. Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave., Atlanta. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
BUFORD
The Purple Xperience at 37 Main
Many tribute bands do an admirable job of replicating the original. But not many can lay claim to an actual member of the original band. This Prince tribute band includes Matt Fink, known as Doctor Fink to his royal subjects. Shrouded in scrubs and sunglasses, Fink began playing keyboards for Prince in 1978 and held his spot until 1991. As a member of The Revolution, he co-wrote several songs with Prince and played on a slew of acclaimed discs including “Purple Rain,” “1999” and “Sign ‘O’ the Times.” The Purple Xperience relies heavily on Prince’s ’80s heyday. Fink’s keyboard rings out during the intro of the party anthem “Let’s Go Crazy,” and you can expect to hear a laundry list of popular cuts including “1999,” “Kiss” and “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” There’s no shortage of lace, paisley and leather among Fink’s bandmates: Prince doppelganger Marshall Charloff, guitarist Tracey Blake, keyboardist Sally J., bassist Ace Mack and legendary Minneapolis-based drummer Bobby Vandell.
10 p.m. Jan. 26. $10. 37 Main, 37 E. Main St., Buford. 678-288-2030, www.37main.com.
SUWANEE
Moby Dick at Wild Wing Cafe
A big fish on Atlanta’s cover band scene, Moby Dick is known to morph into five different big rock tribute bands depending on the occasion. It has the ability to pull off mock rock sets playing the music of Def Leppard, Journey, Poison, Guns ‘N Roses and Bon Jovi. The upcoming Wild Wing Cafe show, however, will be a buffet of popular rock and tubular tunes from the ’80s. They might “Jump” into some Van Halen or blare out a “Rebel Yell.” But they’re not simply stuck in the decade of parachute pants. Some Led Zeppelin, Maroon 5, Stone Temple Pilots or a rendition of “Play That Funky Music” may pop up at a moment’s notice. The band includes Tony Baker (guitar), Jimmi Botsford (bass) and Alex Selph (drums). Vocalist Jay Dozer attempts to sound like the original vocalist of each respective band, and he’ll do his best Joe Elliott when Moby Dick, as tribute band Hysteria, gets their Def Leppard on. Februrary 1 at 37 Main in Buford.
10:30 p.m. Jan. 25. Free. Wild Wing Cafe, 3265 Lawrenceville Suwanee Road, Suwanee. 770-945-9090, www.wildwingcafe.com/our-locations/suwanee-ga.php.
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