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Best Cover Bands In Los Angeles

cover band rock
(credit: istockphoto)

Given its long-standing reputation as the entertainment capital of the world, it's not surprising to learn that Los Angeles is ripe with great talent, especially when it comes to tribute bands. With so many great cover bands in LA worth checking out live, it's really hard to choose only a select few as the best cover bands in Los Angeles. For good music that sends you back to decades of the past, here are some awesome cover bands that will have you reliving your fondest memories.

knyght ryder
(credit: Knyght Ryder)

Knyght Ryder
(562) 305-0998
www.knyghtryder.com

As the resident 80s tribute band at Gaslamp Restaurant & Bar in Long Beach, Knyght Ryder is by far one of the best cover bands in Los Angeles. The band plays all of your favorite hits from the 80s and has such a loyal following that fans will spend every Friday night singing along to their favorite songs. The energy this sharply-dressed band brings to every performance is off the charts.

BLACK CRYSTAL WOLF KIDS
(credit: Black Crystal Wolf Kids)

Black Crystal Wolf Kids
www.blackcrystalwolfkids.com

If indie music happens to be more your thing, check out the Black Crystal Wolf Kids, a group that will surely elevate your indie music experience. Said to be the world's first indie-rock tribute band, Black Crystal Wolf Kids pays homage to the best music of right now in addition to a few timeless indie classics. The band was born out of the inspiration to make indie music as fun as any other genre by eradicating the stigma associated with singing along to indie rock.

NODUH2 Ran-Rod
(credit: Tim Schuster)

No Duh
www.noduh.net

No Duh is the ultimate No Doubt tribute band in America and brings the same high energy and style as the original band, which was formed in 1986 and became really popular in 1995 with the release of the band's "Tragic Kingdom" album. This band is so good that even Gwen Stefani has acknowledged the tribute band in more than one interview. In fact, No Doubt has actually seen and performed with No Duh before. This tribute band captures the essence of No Doubt in every way possible, attracting even celebrities to its shows.

Vitalogy RollingStone_Low Rez
(credit: Vitalogy)

Vitalogy
(310) 902-4794
www.vitalogyband.com

This LA-based tribute band is comprised of a small group of die-hard Pearl Jam fans who traveled the world just to see them play. Pearl Jam is a Seattle-based 90s rock band that is said to have "changed the face of music forever." What sets Vitalogy apart is the fact that there is no Pearl Jam song the band doesn't know, including "B side & Bonus track" songs. "You could yell out any PJ song you could think of and they'll play it," says Kyle Zemanek from modern rock band Dead End Sky. "Their singer sounds just like Eddie Vedder." The passion Vitalogy has for its favorite band really shines through in its performance, which is filled with high energy, perhaps even more so than Pearl Jam these days.

Related: Best Local Rock Bands In Los Angeles

The spazmatics
(credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The Spazmatics
Perfect World Entertainment
(661) 268-1997 Ext. 2
www.thespazmatics.com

This ultimate new wave 80s band is the spawn of a bet made by high school teacher Kevin Stigwood with one of his students. Stigwood lost the bet and had to fulfill his end of the bargain by performing Thomas Dolby's "She Blinded Me With Science" during halftime at a state basketball game. Not wanting to go down in total shame, he enlisted the aid of his geeky and nerdy friends to form The Spazmatics. After initial heckling from the audience, the group ended up blowing them away to a point of standing ovation. You can usually find The Spazmatics at St. Rocke in South Bay, House of Blues in LA or Canyon Club in West Hollywood.

the-heist-cover-band-edited-4
(credit: The Heist)

The Heist
(213) 537-3754
www.classicrockcoverband.com

Dedicated to playing the best of the 60s, 70s and beyond, The Heist exhibits a musicianship that really encapsulates the era of classic rock. The group initially formed as a way to get together and have fun playing some tunes, but when it realized how much people loved classic rock, the band members made it their mission to replicate not just the music but the nostalgia of the era. The Heist prides itself on its versatility performing for crowds as small as a local art gallery to as large as the Avalon in Hollywood.

Britain's Finest
(credit: Britain's Finest)

Britain's Finest
(323) 828-3110
www.beatlestributeband.net

Based out of Hollywood, this Beatles tribute band expertly recreates the complete "British Invasion" experience. The Beatles were an English 60s rock band that had a profound impact on the rock era. Britains Finest was formed by a group of Hollywood producers who wanted to surpass all other Beatles tribute bands in existence. Britain's Finest is as close to the real deal as you may ever find in this lifetime.

Related: Cheapest Live Music Venues In LA

Niki Payne is a freelance writer covering all things Entertainment in Los Angeles. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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