Clash of the Cover Bands – Rock Legends
On Week 8 of Clash of the Cover Bands Rock Legends battle it out as Ozzy Osbourne and Bon Jovi tribute artists take the stage. tWitch hosts the series. Adam Lambert, Ester Dean and Meghan Trainor sit on the judges panel.
Adam believes that real rock stars are not afraid to be messy and don’t worry about what people think. “Just doing whatever the hell you want. That’s being a rockstar,” he says.
Slippery When Wet Pays Tribute to Bon Jovi
Jason, the lead singer of the Bon Jovi tribute, Slippery When Wet, started the band 18 years ago. But the guys currently in the band joined only a few years ago. Jason has been a musician since his teen years. His senior yearbook superlative was “most likely to join Bon Jovi.” The band works full time, travelling all over the world. They play 140-150 shows a year. Jason is proud that the group is “authorized” by Bon Jovi.
They sing “Livin on a Prayer,” a huge Bon Jovi hit. The lead singer doesn’t really sound like Jon Bon Jovi. And he seems rather charisma-free. Meghan calls it “awesome.” Ester felt like she was at a Bon Jovi concert. Adam calls them a “polished” act. Nevertheless, the panel sets him him up with the vocal expert to make his vocal even more on point. Jason gushes, calling Adam one of the “greatest rock singers of the last 20 years.” Way to get those brownie point, Jason Heh.
Crazy Babies pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
Michael a.k.a. Boyd the lead singer of the Ozzy tribute, Crazy Babies, claims he was scouted at a karaoke bar. He felt intimidated and didn’t want to do it, but his girlfriend at the time insisted. He put a band together and here they are. This band works day jobs in Detroit. They perform every other week in big tour buses. His now-wife who insisted he grab the opportunity, is the band’s manager NATCH. She’s the “Sharon” of the operation.
Michael’s physical embodiment of Ozzy is spot on, although he doesn’t sound like him. Does Ozzy sing out of tune? He probably does. Heh. He stays in character after the song is over, which is cool. Adam is laughing his butt off. He’s impressed with how Michael embodies the legendary rocker so thoroughly. “You guys scare me,” Meghan laughs. Ester wants to send the band to the vocal expert to take it to the next level. As an aside, the drummer confesses to totally stanning Meghan. The butt kissing is non stop here!
Ozzy Osbourne and Bon Jovi Meet the Experts
Clash Vocal Expert Kuk Harrell works with both bands. Bon Jovi are first. Kuk works on lead singer Jason’s breathing, microphone technique, and pulling back the movement. Kuk suggests he make the vocal more staccato to reserve breath. But he has trouble singing on the beat. “Get that mic in there!” says Kuk. His advice will help Jason preserve his energy. The entire band sings in harmony. Kuk teaches them how to sing with intensity, but not spending everything right up front.
Next, Crazy Babies aka Ozzy meet with Kuk. He has them sing “Crazy Train.” Michael also has trouble with timing. But that cleared up quickly. Kuk is having an easy time with the group. He quickly brings in the background singers. Kurk suggests the backup mimic Ozzy when harmonizing with Michael.
Time for battle
Now, the acts will trade off snippets of their respective band’s hit songs. Ozzy Osbourne kicks it off with “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” He still sounds flat. Bon Jovi is next with “You Give Love A Bad Name.” And then Ozzy is up with “I Don’t Wanna Stop.” Bon Jovi follows with “I’ll Be There for You.” And then Ozzy gets wild with “Bark at the Moon.” Bon Jovi wraps it up with “It’s My Life.” NICE GUNS ON THE GUITARIST.
Meghan calls the battle “bad***” and full of energy. Adam calls them both “legit rock bands.” He thinks they are both respectful tributes. Ester admits rock isn’t her field, but she “appreciates it so much.” Jason describes how Kuk used a boxing analogy “the stick and move,” to teach them how not to give it all up front. Ester feels his vocals improved as a result.
The panel chooses a winner
For Adam, the decision was the closest so far. But in the end, the panel chooses the Bon Jovi tribute, Slippery When Wet. They win 10K and the chance to perform on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. It was pretty close. But I think the Ozzy tribute did a better job embodying their tribute.
Next week, it’s “Platinum Icons” Elton John vs Lady Gaga. It’s also the FINALE! The grand prize winner will be revealed at the end of the show.
