Bill’s brings in tributes to rock legends

Tributes hit town as spinning guitars and substantial beards come to Bill’s with El Loco, a ZZ Top tribute band.

"Audiences laugh and smile the whole time – the show’s so entertaining with our costume get-ups-they can get up and dance," says Steve Dougan, manager and vocalist for the B.C.-based tour from Monsters of Rock and S.L. Feldman entertainment company.

The cover band uses hook ups built into the centre of their guitars to allow free flow spinning through favourites such as Rio Grande Mud and She’s Got Legs. And of course the band members wear their sunglasses at night.

"We love to please the people. We needed to push the envelope more and so we came up with El Loco, a Las Vegas type show for smaller club venues. It’s super interactive with audiences and a lot of fun," says Dougan.

Not to leave ribboned mics and big hair in the dust, the group also performs some love in the elevator with an Aerosmith tribute, and last but not least a Bad Company tribute.

The five-piece set tours with four show combinations for hire, including their second act Monday night, a tribute to Deep Purple.

Tony Ruiz plays bass and performs at the mic, while Reno Carriea plays keyboards, Mike Taponga on drums, and Johnny Oenbring on guitar and vocals for the show.