Recently we have been surrounded by a lot of tribute shows to past and present artists.
These shows, which always tend to bring in an audience without effort, have created a great demand in recent years, which is only growing.
Therefore, precisely for this reason, starting this month a new tradition will begin in the city: a one-night festival, which will take place once every two months, with various and diverse tribute shows to the best artists from Israel and abroad. The festival is called TRIBUTE. The tradition - created by the singer and composer Amir Gabriel, who will also perform - The first event will open on January 11 at Levantin 7 in Tel Aviv, where three bands will appear in one evening, all of whom will perform tribute performances.
The first show is a tribute to the Israeli rock of the 90s performed by Amir Gabriel and his partners, with performances of Portisacharoff, Meshina, Ife Hild and more.
The second show will be a tribute to David Bowie performed by the group YadaYadas, who will perform the best of the pop-rock icon's most successful songs.
But if we go back to the 90s, there is a particularly prominent band that changed the world of music forever.
This is none other than Nirvana.
The third show and perhaps the most common of the tribute shows that fill the country is a tribute to the American band led by the late and iconic singer Kurt Cobain.
The band that will perform Nirvana's hits is called Stellar Lane with vocalist Yonatan Fugelzang, who in an interview with "Israel Hayom" talks about the audience's connection to the tribute shows, the connection to Nirvana and the 90s in general, and the difference between creating original music and performing covers.
Yonatan Fugelzang (right) with members of the Stellar Lane band, photo: Idan Gor
"I believe less in imitations and I don't see any value in it," he says when referring to the performances he gives to Cobain's songs.
"What's more, it will always be less authentic. I undoubtedly bring myself and take inspiration from the original artist."
Foglezang leads, as mentioned, Stellar Lane, an alternative rock band of his and his brother Udi's combined with three of their friends.
The band was formed a decade ago and has an EP album released in 2014 under the musical production of Shai Lahav (Dr. Casper's Rabbit Show). In addition, they have a full-length album released in 2017, under the musical production of Guy Shemi (Infection).
Why do you think there are so many tribute bands in Israel?
"I think it's easier for the audience to connect with music they know. Tribute performances bring more audiences and there is a demand for it, so there are quite a few of them."
Amir Gabriel and his partners in a tribute to the artists of the 90s, photo: Yigal David Hachmon
In your opinion, what is it about Nirvana that crosses audiences and generations over the years?
"I think Nirvana managed to make the genre (grunge) accessible in an excellent way, mainly thanks to the catchy melodies, wonderful lyrics and a lot of charisma of Kurt Cobain."
Speaking of grunge, bands in Israel have a tendency to want to "give it their all" and devote themselves completely to the grunge genre.
Few bands will touch other genres, unlike European countries.
What do you think connects Israel to the basic and "simple" sound?
"I agree less with the first statement. I think there are many genres in Israel. In my humble opinion, what connects Israel to grunge is that it was a very special period in Israeli music in those days, so there is also a nostalgic element for some people. In addition, the music of the same It was an excellent period and was and still is an inspiration to many people and musicians in particular."
Kurt Cobain, photo: AP
Who else are you influenced by?
"My band is influenced by Nirvana, but also by other excellent bands such as Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots and more. We combine in our music elements from that period with a contemporary sound."
What do you think about the new openness in the Israeli music market towards artists who sing in English?
"I don't think there is a new openness in the matter. They did it a long time ago. What's more, in recent years we are starting to get more international recognition."
And what about original music?
"We are currently nearing the end of the recording of our EP, and that is the main thing that keeps us busy. Creation is the engine of the band and as long as we continue to enjoy creating - it will continue."
The group YadaYadas in tribute to David Bowie, photo: Gil Ad
TRIBUTE festival
Wednesday, January 11, Levontin 7, Tel Aviv
Doors open: 10:30 p.m
50 to 60 NIS per ticket
Tickets:
https://katzr.net/2210ee
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