Now You Can See Legendary Bands With Confidence

Ever gone to one of those summertime shows featuring some classic band from the 80s, the 70s or even earlier? And ever wondered why most of the people onstage were younger than you would think, given how long the band has been around?

Well, it might have been because only one person up on that stage had anything to do with the band you were there to see. Or even because you were seeing, essentially, a tribute band.

That's right - it's entirely possible you weren't seeing anyone that had to do with the original band. Of course, if you're kicking back on some corporate-named lawn on a summer evening having a refreshment or two, you may not be overly concerned with who's onstage. But you should be.

That's what a new law passed in Ohio states. Under the law, a touring act is banned from (deep breath) "presenting itself as a well-known band if none of the members is an original performing member who never abandoned his affiliation with the group or who legally owns the trademark rights to the name. Otherwise, the act must clearly advertise itself as a “tribute” or “salute” to the original."

So basically, you have have at least one original member up on that stage, otherwise, fines of $5000 to $15000 can be assessed. The problem has grown in recent years, as imposter groups touring as the originals have become more common, with doowop groups being particularly targeted. The defense of these sometimes faceless (especially to more recent generations) groups was led by Sha Na Na's Jon "Bowzer" Bauman. If you're worried that this law won't be upheld and prosecuted, peeping that photo of Bowzer on the left will surely ease your fears that the next time you see REO Speedwagon, you'll be soft-rocking out to at least ONE original member.