Shows
Tribute Band SessionsRudy Cardenas – Journey & Foreigner Tributes, American Idol & Touring Europe’s Biggest Rock ShowsIn this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, hosts Mike Gendler and Ray Yslas (Chicago) sit down with powerhouse vocalist Rudy Cardenas — known for his stunning work with FJ Tribute (Journey & Foreigner) and The Classic Rock Show, one of Europe’s largest touring rock productions.
Rudy shares his journey from growing up with Latin, pop, and rock influences to becoming a season 6 American Idol finalist, auditioning in front of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul. He opens up about the real American Idol process, the pressure of massive auditions, and why he walked away from the Idol mach...
2026-02-1145 min
Tribute Band SessionsTribute Bands STOP Playing For Peanuts! Top Agent & Boston/Styx Singer Reveals the ONE Trick to Getting Huge GigsThe Dual Threat: How to Sing Boston, Styx & Foreigner AND Become a Max-Level Agent Frank Vestry (Smokin' Renegade / Maximum Bands) spills the secrets on what agents really look for, the 6-month rehearsal marathon, and why fans think they're using tracks.
Welcome back to Tribute Band Sessions! Today we have an absolute double threat in the house: the incredible Frank Vestry. Not only is he the powerhouse vocalist for the legendary Smokin' Renegade—a tribute covering the monstrous catalogs of Boston, Styx, and now Foreigner—but he also works the other side of the stage as an agent for Maximum...
2026-02-0449 minNaPodPoMo 2022Tribute Band Sessions with Mike Gendler: Behind the ScenesIn this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes Mike Gendler to discuss the world of tribute bands, podcasting, and their shared love for Bruce Springsteen. Mike, a lifelong musician and entrepreneur, shares his journey from playing the piano and drums in his Philadelphia home to founding a successful entertainment company and starting the Tribute Band Sessions podcast. Learn about Mike's unique experiences, such as playing at a private party for Pink Floyd and the nuances of recreating the authentic sounds of iconic bands. They also delve into why tribute bands have gained popularity and the importance...
2026-02-0300 min
Set Lusting Bruce: The Bruce Springsteen Fan PodcastTribute Band Sessions with Mike Gendler: Behind the ScenesIn this episode of Set Lusting Bruce, host Jesse Jackson welcomes Mike Gendler to discuss the world of tribute bands, podcasting, and their shared love for Bruce Springsteen. Mike, a lifelong musician and entrepreneur, shares his journey from playing the piano and drums in his Philadelphia home to founding a successful entertainment company and starting the Tribute Band Sessions podcast. Learn about Mike's unique experiences, such as playing at a private party for Pink Floyd and the nuances of recreating the authentic sounds of iconic bands. They also delve into why tribute bands have gained popularity and the importance...
2026-02-0348 min
Tribute Band SessionsBill “Billy” Jolly – Love TKO, Teddy Pendergrass Tribute & The Future of Tribute Bands EP 018In 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 Tedd...
2026-01-281h 00
Tribute Band SessionsPrince & The Revolution: St. Paul Peterson’s “Tribute Band” EXPOSED!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 —...
2026-01-2141 min
Tribute Band SessionsBeyond the Stage: Rachel Hill on Revolutionizing the Music & Tribute Band Industry🎸 Get ready to crank it up!
This week, we’re joined by Rachel Hill, co-founder of Blue Raven Entertainment, a powerhouse in tribute band and national act management. From her classical piano roots and corporate label days to launching Blue Raven with Shawn Gildea, Rachel shares the journey that shaped her music career.
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 a...
2026-01-1449 min
Tribute Band SessionsNick Harrison “Mr. Professor 318” – Viral AI Soul Covers, Gen X Comedy Tour & Tribute BandsViral 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 ligh...
2026-01-071h 07
Tribute Band Sessions🔥 Inside the Tribute Band Revolution: Led Zeppelin, Taylor Swift, KISS, Pink Floyd & More | Career, Gear & Secrets Ep:014What 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 musici...
2025-12-3152 min
Tribute Band SessionsHoliday Special: The Journey of Tribute Bands | Best of 2025 Guests + 2026 Sneak PeeksCelebrate 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!
...
2025-12-2437 min
Tribute Band SessionsThe Australian Pink Floyd Show: The Gold Standard of Tribute Acts on Meeting Rock Royalty 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...
2025-12-1757 min
Tribute Band SessionsTusk: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Experience - More Than Just a Tribute Ep:011Get 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...
2025-12-101h 04
Tribute Band SessionsClem Drummer from Zepparella Reveals the Shocking Secret to the Ultimate Tribute BandZep'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 musician...
2025-12-0344 min
Tribute Band SessionsThe Swiss Army Knife of Yacht Rock: Kevin Sucher of The DocksidersHey everybody, welcome to another unforgettable episode of Tribute Band Sessions!
This week, we're setting sail with Kevin Sucher, the mastermind behind The Docksiders — Las Vegas’s ultimate Yacht Rock experience. You think you know Yacht Rock? Wait till you hear Kevin’s story. From Grammy-nominated engineer and producer to label owner and executive producer of an Oscar-winning film, Kevin’s journey is a masterclass in creativity and reinvention.
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 root...
2025-11-2656 min
Tribute Band Sessions25 Years of Thunder: Adrian Conner on Fronting the All-Female AC/DC Tribute, Hell's BellesGet ready to plug in and turn it up, because we have an absolute legend in the house! This week, we sit down with the incredible Adrian Conner , the powerhouse lead guitarist for the world-famous, all-female AC/DC tribute band, Hell's Belles. For over two decades, Adrian Conner and her bandmates have been shaking audiences to their foundations, and she's here to pull back the curtain on their electrifying journey. We get into how she went from learning Zeppelin riffs in her bedroom to auditioning for a band she didn't even realize was a tribute act!
Adrian...
2025-11-1939 min
Tribute Band SessionsBeyond the Castle Walls: Rocking Disney with The Little Mermen & The Princess Pals | Ep 007Ever wondered what it takes to transform timeless Disney melodies into stadium-rocking anthems? In this captivating episode, we sit down with Alexis Babini of The Little Mermen & The Princess Pals, a band that’s redefining what it means to be a tribute act. From his family’s rich musical heritage, including a grandfather who played cello for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and on iconic Motown tracks, to his own Berklee education, Alexis brings a unique perspective to the magic of Disney. He shares the wild ride of touring, the meticulous process of crafting their unforgettable setlists, and the unexpected chal...
2025-11-1253 min
Tribute Band SessionsThe Starchild's Echo: Billy May's Kiss Nation Journey & Beyond🎸 Alright Rock ’n’ Rollers — buckle up!
This episode of Tribute Band Sessions dives into the electrifying world of Kiss Nation with Billy May, the powerhouse frontman who doesn’t just play Paul Stanley — he becomes the Starchild.
Billy shares his journey from lifelong KISS superfan to stepping into those platform boots and living the dream on stage. From his early days as a confident performer (but shy offstage) to fronting one of the most respected KISS tributes in the world, he reveals what it takes to make a tribute truly credible.
Spoiler: it’s not about mak...
2025-11-0657 min
Tribute Band SessionsBilly May's Kiss Nation As The Starchild's His Journey & Beyond🎸 Alright Rock ’n’ Rollers — buckle up!
This episode of Tribute Band Sessions dives into the electrifying world of Kiss Nation with Billy May, the powerhouse frontman who doesn’t just play Paul Stanley — he becomes the Starchild.
Billy shares his journey from lifelong KISS superfan to stepping into those platform boots and living the dream on stage. From his early days as a confident performer (but shy offstage) to fronting one of the most respected KISS tributes in the world, he reveals what it takes to make a tribute truly credible.
Spoiler: it’s not about mak...
2025-11-0657 min
Tribute Band SessionsKiss and Tell: The Journey of Mr. SpeedGet ready to rock! This week on Tribute Band Sessions, we hang with Rich Kosak, frontman of Mr. Speed—the Kiss tribute that’s been igniting crowds for 31 years. Rich shares his journey from early influences like Cat Stevens and Peter Frampton to the first Kiss concert that lit the fuse. Hear how Mr. Speed was born from a record-show encounter and a shared love of guitar—and how the band evolved into one of the world’s most authentic Kiss tributes.
Rich reveals the dedication behind the spectacle: a custom 1979-style Kiss drum riser built by the son...
2025-10-2947 min
Tribute Band SessionsKiss and Tell: The Journey of Mr. SpeedGet ready to rock! This week on Tribute Band Sessions, we hang with Rich Kosak, frontman of Mr. Speed—the Kiss tribute that’s been igniting crowds for 31 years. Rich shares his journey from early influences like Cat Stevens and Peter Frampton to the first Kiss concert that lit the fuse. Hear how Mr. Speed was born from a record-show encounter and a shared love of guitar—and how the band evolved into one of the world’s most authentic Kiss tributes.
Rich reveals the dedication behind the spectacle: a custom 1979-style Kiss drum riser built by the son...
2025-10-2947 min
Tribute Band SessionsThe Rhythm of the Dead: Rob Koritz and Dark Star Orchestra's Enduring JourneyDeadheads, this one’s for you! In this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, drummer Rob Koritz of Dark Star Orchestra shares his journey from classical percussion to becoming part of one of the world’s most respected Grateful Dead tributes. Rob explains DSO’s philosophy of improvisation over imitation, honoring the Dead without costumes, and keeping every show evolving. He talks about balancing touring with family, why being a musician is the “hardest easy job,” and how DSO maintains freshness while preserving the spirit of the Grateful Dead. You’ll hear stories about playing with original Dead members, insights on fan cultu...
2025-10-2248 min
Tribute Band SessionsThe Rhythm of the Dead: Rob Koritz and Dark Star Orchestra's Enduring JourneyHey Deadheads and music lovers! Get ready for an electrifying Tribute Band Sessions episode with Rob Koritz, drummer for the legendary Dark Star Orchestra! Rob takes us through his musical journey, from classical percussion to becoming a cornerstone of one of the world’s most respected Grateful Dead tributes.
We dig into DSO’s unique approach—improvisation over imitation, honoring the Dead’s spirit without costumes, and keeping the music fresh every night. Rob shares candid stories of life on the road, scaling back to “only” 80 shows a year, and the reality of being a musician—the “hardest easy job...
2025-10-2248 min
Tribute Band SessionsTragedy's Mo Royce Peterson - The Ironic Genesis of Disco Metal!Get ready to crank up the volume and break out your sequined spandex!
This week on Tribute Band Sessions, we’re going full-throttle into glittering chaos with Mo Royce Peterson, frontman of Tragedy – the all-metal tribute to the Bee Gees (and beyond).
Mo reveals the hilariously ironic story of how disco classics became roaring heavy-metal anthems. From his early days as a violin prodigy on the front page of his local paper to the moment a promoter suggested, “Hey, ever think about a tribute band?”, Mo walks us through how lightning struck and Tragedy was born.
We...
2025-10-1547 min
Tribute Band SessionsTragedy's Mo Royce Peterson - The Ironic Genesis of Disco Metal!Get ready to crank up the volume and break out the sequined spandex!
This week on Tribute Band Sessions, we dive into the glitter-soaked world of Mo Royce Peterson, frontman of Tragedy — the all-metal tribute to the Bee Gees (and beyond).
Mo shares the hilarious origin story of how disco classics became thunderous metal anthems. From being a childhood violin prodigy in the local paper to the moment a promoter asked, “Ever think about a tribute band?”, Mo walks us through how Tragedy was born and how the concept exploded.
We talk stage personas (“the rock...
2025-10-1547 min
Tribute Band SessionsThe Unofficial Eras Tour: Charity Eden's Journey to Becoming Taylor SwiftThe Unofficial Eras Tour: Charity Eden’s Journey to Becoming Taylor Swift
What does it take to quit a high-stakes career, step into the shoes of a global superstar, and tour the world—all while paying tribute to Taylor Swift? In this electrifying episode, we sit down with Charity Eden, the powerhouse behind the acclaimed tribute band Lover.
Charity shares how Taylor’s Midnights album and the Eras Tour inspired her leap from wealth management into music less than two years ago. Within months, she was playing sold-out shows in Japan and performing for U.S. tro...
2025-10-1551 min
Tribute Band SessionsThe Unofficial Eras Tour: Charity Eden's Journey to Becoming Taylor SwiftThe Unofficial Eras Tour: Charity Eden’s Journey to Becoming Taylor Swift
What does it take to quit a high-stakes career, step into the shoes of a global superstar, and tour the world—all while paying tribute to Taylor Swift? In this electrifying episode, we sit down with Charity Eden, the powerhouse behind the acclaimed tribute band Lover.
Charity shares how Taylor’s Midnights album and the Eras Tour inspired her leap from wealth management into music less than two years ago. Within months, she was playing sold-out shows in Japan and performing for U.S. tro...
2025-10-1552 min
Tribute Band SessionsUnlocking the Zeppelin Code: The Get the Led Out StoryAlright, music aficionados, settle in—because on this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we’re diving deep into the electrifying world of Get the Led Out! This isn’t just a band; it’s a phenomenon, channeling the seismic power of Led Zeppelin into packed arenas and captivated audiences.
We’re joined by Paul Hammond, virtuosic lead guitarist and co-founder, for an unfiltered conversation. He takes us inside his journey—how an obsession with pristine, authentic sound sparked a band that doesn’t just play Zeppelin, they become Zeppelin. Every note, every nuance, every explosive live moment is meticulousl...
2025-10-1543 min
Tribute Band SessionsUnlocking the Zeppelin Code: The Get the Led Out StoryAlright, music aficionados, settle in—because on this episode of Tribute Band Sessions, we’re diving deep into the electrifying world of Get the Led Out! This isn’t just a band; it’s a phenomenon, channeling the seismic power of Led Zeppelin into packed arenas and captivated audiences.
We’re joined by Paul Hammond, virtuosic lead guitarist and co-founder, for an unfiltered conversation. He takes us inside his journey—how an obsession with pristine, authentic sound sparked a band that doesn’t just play Zeppelin, they become Zeppelin. Every note, every nuance, every explosive live moment is meticulousl...
2025-10-1543 min
Tribute Band SessionsTribute Band Sessions Official Trailer Premiere 10-15-2025 - 7pmTribute Band Sessions takes you behind the curtain of the billion-dollar tribute industry—where legendary music is reborn every night. Hosted by creator, music producer, musician, and talent manager Mike Gendler, along with rotating celebrity co-hosts, each episode features unfiltered conversations with tribute performers, booking agents, and insiders. From tour life and gear to sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks, this is your all-access pass. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
Premiere 10-15-2025 - 7pm
Sure — here’s a clean, short, clickable version you can drop into your emails, website, or social...
2025-10-0204 min
Tribute Band SessionsTribute Band Sessions Official Trailer Premiere 10-15-2025 - 7pmTribute Band Sessions takes you behind the curtain of the billion-dollar tribute industry—where legendary music is reborn every night. Hosted by creator, music producer, musician, and talent manager Mike Gendler, along with rotating celebrity co-hosts, each episode features unfiltered conversations with tribute performers, booking agents, and insiders. From tour life and gear to sold-out shows at venues like Red Rocks, this is your all-access pass. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
Premiere 10-15-2025 - 7pm
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2025-10-0204 min
ex.haustEpisode 61: Two Piece: Resigning from Being SuperfluousEmmet, John, and Canada Mike talk through two pieces: one on the superfluous men of history by Alex Gendler and another about bullshit jobs and people quitting the workforce by John Michael Greer. They talk about the Great Resignation, the strivewave, why men have been historically superluous, incels, and ponder if we need new ways to think of being modern.
The New Superfluous Men by Alex Gendler
That Untraversed Land by John Michael Greer
Subscribe to our Patreon to get two exclusive episodes a month.
Subscribe to Emmet's new podcast/substack, Nuclear...
2021-10-201h 05
Varn VlogAlex Gendler on the Hoarding of Virtue and Much Ado About the PMCPlease support our patreon. For early and ad-free episodes, members-only content, and more.Alex Gendler is a writer and content producer in NYC. He is also a leftist man-about-town. We discuss and review Catherine Lieu's Virtue Hoarders and the discussions around the PMC. I do make a mistake about where Lieu teaches, so please take that into advisement. We also mention Mike MacNair's critique of Lieu. This episode was recorded in May so it may already be dated. Abandon all hope ye who subscribe here. We are affiliated with the Emancipation Network.Crew:
2021-07-021h 31
Past Due with Ana Marie Cox and Open Mike Eagle“Teacher, Explainer, Soldier, Spy: Doing Solidarity Work with Nausheena Hussain and Beth Gendler.”This week Nausheena Hussain (@nausheena) and Beth Gendler (@bethgendler) join host Ana Marie Cox (@anamariecox) to remind us that asking invasive questions requires a strong relationship, and that the internet is free! Nausheena and Beth talk about how their relationship formed over a common interest in stopping gun violence, and grew into a solidarity movement known as Muslim-Jewish Women on Minnesota. Afterwards they explore how White privilege affects not just their friendship, but the way that they show up for each other and how a typical meeting looks. Finally, they talk about changing minds, and when it’s time to...
2019-03-291h 03