Tribute shows have always been a strange beast and one we tend to keep at arms length here at Out There.
However, there's one coming to Brewer's Bar (at the Mount) next weekend which sparked our curiosity. It is The Stevie Ray, Cream & Hendrix Experience, which is (in case anyone was in any doubt) a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Cream & Jimi Hendrix.
We heard about this through local guitarslinger Grant Haua who, with his new band Moss, was mighty impressive at the Hard To Handle Farewell Album Release concert last week.
Moss were around a few years ago but had a falling out. Now Grant – after a stint as Vivid – has reunited with Moss bass player Dave Taylor and added drummer Graeme Hardaker. He has a bag of new songs and amps that (on the evidence of that concert) go up to eleven. Musically it still has blues roots but seems to be reaching in a heavier, more modern direction.

Anyway, Moss are the support and the tribute show is the main attraction and, as far as tribute shows go, this one sounds like it's more about the music than the costumes.
The show is led by Hamilton guitarist Simon Koretz, who comes with some sizeable credentials. He is a guitar teacher and the guitarist with 8 Forty 8 and was recently invited to play guitar for Deep Purple legend Glenn Hughes at this year's G-Taranaki International Guitar Festival. So he can really play. The band is rounded out by two other well-respected Hamilton names, drummer Alan Grady (Knightshade, Blackjack) and bassist Derek Shaw (Siren A.K.A.).
So, guitar lovers – check it out.
The Stevie Ray, Cream & Hendrix Experience (along with Moss) are at Brewer's Bar on Saturday December 20. Things kick off at 9.30pm and tickets cost $10.