In the next few decades the original rockers who brought us the best of rock’n’roll will no longer be around to play live and in the flesh, but shrewder bands are finding new ways to give their hits an unlimited lifespan through tribute groups. These musical homage acts have developed into a musical genre all of their own, becoming a significant part of the rock landscape. A cultural phenomenon in their own right, some of the top bands sound even better than the originals did the first time around.
Two musicians giving their hits a new incarnation are drummer Carmine Appice and guitarist Jimmy Crespo from the original Rod Stewart Group. Together with bassist Kenny Aaronson, also part of the original band in the ‘80s, plus guitarist Danny Johnson, keyboardist Alan St. John and vocalist Rick St. James, the duo are recreating the look, the clothes, the make-up, the moves, the sound and the energy of the heady days they spent with Rod as part of a new band, The Rod Experience. The quintet recently played a series of shows at the Venetian’s Bellini Lounge, giving Macau locals their first taste of classic Rod hits live.
Carmine Appice
“Yes classic rock has for sure had a strong comeback in the last few years, and tribute shows are huge”, explains drummer Carmine. “The pop rock music of the ‘70s and ‘80’s in my opinion, is the best”, adds band mate and guitarist Jimmy. In his musical opinion, “classic rock has always [ben around] and is here to stay”. And he isn’t wrong. “There are Pink Floyd, The Eagles, and more tribute shows that play good size venues and make big money for their show. So I think that tribute shows can get successful”, says Carmine. As proof of that fact, Queen, currently touring with American Idol’s Adam Lambert, already went down the tribute road. Last year their drummer, Roger Taylor, travelled the world training young players for an official tribute act then sent them off on tour, generating millions and garnering the adoration of a legion of new fans to boot.
But what’s so special about the tribute phenomenon?
Top acts like The Rod Experience strive to capture every nuance and detail of the imitated artist’s actions and appearance for a totally flawless imitation. And the band’s singer, Rick St James is no exception. Watching him live, he indeed delivers the total effect – from imitating the exact timbre of Rod’s voice to grabbing the mike with that same wild energy. And who could forget the costumes? Leather, sequins, glitter and peroxide abound. Describing what makes them so authentic, according to Carmine, “it is the clothes, but I think it is the music and how much we sound like Rod and the original Rod Stewart Group”. Furthermore, the show goes the extra mile by providing a whole sensory experience. “The video behind us gives us the atmosphere of those days and helps make the show a historical tribute”, he comments. “[It] makes the whole show an event”. With the stories behind the creation of some of rock’s greatest songs, it’s a 90-minute trip back in time. “The Rod connection is what we have. We were there, played on records, wrote the songs, did the videos”, says Carmine.
Rick St. James and Danny Johnson
The Rod Stewart Group recorded and co-wrote 3 hit albums from 1977 starting with ‘Foot Loose & Fancy Free’, then in 1978 the album ‘Blondes Have More Fun’ and 1981’s ‘Foolish Behavior’. Carmine also worked with Rod on a 4th album in 1982 ‘Tonight I’m Yours’. “My favorite when I was on tour with Rod in the ‘90s was ‘Losing You’ and the old rock music he performed with Jeff Beck – ‘Aint Superstitious’”, recalls Jimmy. “Performing that song with Rod was a dream come true. When I was younger that was one of my favorite songs ever. So getting to perform that on stage with Rod was surreal”, he adds.
Last month on their first ever trip to Macau, the RSG band members served up a series of rocking nights to remember at the Bellini Lounge. Visitors and locals alike travelled back in time to salute classic Rod Stewart hits while enjoying a drink or two while they did so. “We didn’t know what to expect, only that the Venetian never did a tribute kind of show there”, says Carmine. “We’ve never played a lounge either. We always play theaters with our shows”.
Commenting on the reception they received from the Macau locals, “the people seemed to really enjoy the Rod Stewart music from the ‘70s such as ‘Maggie May’ and ‘Sailing’ and of course ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’”, Jimmy details. “It amazes me how the younger generation knows all the songs as well”.
Speaking about their experience of performing the show live here for the first time, both musicians were impressed with the technical aspects as well as the atmosphere. “The reaction of the audience was great”, says Carmine. “The production sound and lights were really good. And everything was done at a very professional level. The atmosphere was very positive and fun and kind of a party vibe – as were the original Rod shows”, he adds. “This was my first visit to Macau. I was blown away by the people,” declares Jimmy. “They are the friendliest and kindest people I’ve met. “I’ve traveled the world and this was by far my favorite place – I think I’ll move here!” he enthuses.
And on that note, Macau may be in for somewhat of a treat as the group is already planning its return. “We will be talking to the Venetian about coming back and hopefully do more of a residency at one of their small theaters”, Carmine reveals. “That way we can have the full look of the stage production of the Rod Stewart Group – white stage with the video screens, and I can do a disappearing drum solo where I reappear in the audience. So, yes, we plan to come back to Macau. We found a new home for the show”.
And just like the title of one of Rod’s greatest hits prophetically proclaims, ‘People Get Ready’. Macau fans, you heard it here first.
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