A few weeks ago I met a friend at one of the street festivals where a band was playing. I'm always interested in how non-musicians (audience, etc) are reacting to what they're hearing. I asked my friend because I already decided they were "musically challenged." My friend said he "thought they were great." With my curiosity aroused, I pressed him further......"what about their performance did you like?" Answer: "You're listening to them as a musician......I know nothing about how to play an instrument....I'M just listening to the songs they're playing and each one brings back a memory for me."

That was a blockbuster for me. He couldn't have explained that any better.......how a non-instrument playing audience hears music. They don't hear the bad musicianship, out-of-tune singing, cheapo crackly speakers etc. They just hear the song itself! That to me is why cover bands are so appreciated....when they're right on the money!