Tribute festivals are big business in the UK. More than 30 outdoor events rely entirely on tribute acts. GlastonBarry, Tribfest and Big Fake Festival are the most well-known names.
GlastonBarry started in 2013 with 500 visitors in Barry, Wales. Now, the three-day festival attracts 18,000 people. Founder Matt Blumberg: "It quickly grew into a monster."
Tickets cost €65 for a weekend. 22 acts over two days, from Eminem tribute to Bad Manners. "Many artists we book, like Queen, Bob Marley or George Michael, you can never see live again. So this is the only option," says Blumberg.
According to industry organisation TEAA, ticket sales have been rising for five consecutive years. The high costs of regular concerts play a part, as do nostalgia and the family-friendly atmosphere.
Tribfest, one of the UK's first tribute festivals, started in 2007 despite floods in Hull. Now, 4,500 visitors attend annually. Founder Ed Faulkner: "Families prefer to come here than to Leeds. Nobody sets tents on fire here."
Oasish, the officially recognised Oasis tribute band, plays 80 to 90 shows a year. Singer Paul Higginson: "As soon as the wig and parka go on and I step on stage, the swagger comes naturally."
The band once played in the Wembley hospitality during the FA Cup Final. Both Noel and Liam Gallagher leaned over the balustrade and started clapping.
Due to the high ticket prices for the Oasis reunion, demand for Oasish is also growing. "Many people say: we couldn't get a ticket for Oasis, so we're going to see Oasish."
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