On tribute bands and cover songs

We have tribute bands who sound and dress like the originals. And there are those people who sing cover version of hit songs of old and new. 

Tribute bands and cover songs can be quite popular. We had in Nagaland a couple of years ago, someone who looked just like and sounded like Bon Jovi. There are some Asians who sing hit songs and have millions of views in youtube. There are people who can sing like the superstars, or even better that one person can imitate multiple stars or multiple types of music. 

But in the end, I think, 'why can't these super-talented people launch something of their own?' Yes, many of them will not become as big as the stars, not for lack of talent but for opportunities. But why should one become popular and continue to live so by way of imitating someone? They may make it big or they may not; but if they try to launch their own music career, they will have lived authentically, originally.

I don't mean that no one should sing cover songs or pay tribute. But unless you are a comic character, an artist who is popular by way of imitating another artist, I would say, to him 'why don't you get a life?'