Once in a while, you see a live band that’s pretty fun and unique. I’ve been playing in bands since I was around 12, and starting playing in bars when I was around 15. In fact, I met my wife playing in a bar when I was 20. All I’m sayin’ is that I’ve seen a lot of bands…Completely Unchained Van Halen is something else…
The “Tribute Band” has gained a lot of traction over the years. It’s a great way for folks to relive the nostalgia of the bands they grew up on without having to wait for said band to go on tour. In fact, some of these classic rock bands have called it quits, and these days the only way to relive the glory days is to go out and see a band that pays tribute to the original. Sad but true.
Anyway, in spite of this push for nostalgia, not every tribute band really gets it right. In fact, some tribute bands call themselves “tribute” bands simply by playing the music of the original artist all night long. Not a bad start, to be sure, but there’s more to it if you really want to feel like you’re in the room with the original band. Completely Unchained achieves just that…
Every year, I go to the Goldent Nugget’s “Fake Fest.” Simply put, it’s a tribute to classic rock bands played by cover bands that attempt to nail every nuance of the original band. Every year, we take our boat to the Golden Nugget and stay for the entire weekend, going between the boat and deck bar to enjoy the music.
Completely Unchained is an amazing band that understands what a tribute band is. They nail the outfits, the music, the arrangements…everything. They come out and try to recreate an exact Van Halen show. And while I’ve never seen VH live (also sad but true), I can tell you that Completely Unchained sounds every bit as much like Van Halen as the records.
If you’re so inclined, go check them out at FakeFest 2020. And while you’re there, look for me. I’ll be the guy with a camera in my one hand, and likely a Tito’s and Club in the other! Bottom’s Up!
