Pearl Jam have reportedly sent a cease and desist to tribute band Pearl Jamm, demanding the cover act destroy merchandise and hand over email addresses and web domains because, as the letter says - the tribute band’s name is “damaging the Pearl Jam brand and causing confusion” among fans. The tribute band was, is appears, surprised - “no one’s ever come to a show, got to the end of the show, came to us and demanded money back because they were expecting to see Pearl Jam play The Garage in Highbury,” one band member tells BBC. They sent their favorite band a letter telling them they have "broken our hearts" adding "It may have been easier, cheaper and more effective for one of you to reach out to us personally. We would have done that for you. But not like this. Your actions are out of character and unreasonable yet our love for the music endures". Blabbermouth tells the sad story.

Not only are the tribute acts performing the songs of the original act, they are trading off the name, brand, images, and reputation of the original act, making on average, $500 per night per member, while a successful tribute act can gross over $10,000 a night during peak season. In some cases, they might be illegal - if the original act can show that they lost audiences or live revenue as a result of the tribute act. In 2009, a Bon Jovi tribute band Blonde Jovi had to change their name due to “likelihood of confusion”, although all the members of the tribute act - are women (pictured above).

Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready hosted the first-ever Peak to Sky Music Festival in Big Sky, Montana this last weekend, and two-day fest led up to all-star super jam consisting of McCready, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer Chad Smith and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, […]

Metalachi are mariachi band from California, consisting of five siblings born in Mexico, and they are known for their covers of famous rock and metal songs. Loudwire made a list of 11 of their covers, including 'Sweet Child o' Mine' by Guns N' Roses, 'Raining Blood' by Slayer, 'Ace of Spades' by Motorhead...