In Popular Culture
A Battle of the Bands event forms the climax of a number of films, including Bandslam, Blues Brothers 2000, School of Rock, Freaky Friday, and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. The film Drumline puts its own spin on the convention, featuring a battle between marching bands.
In the mid 1960s, Battle of the Bands events became popular in Texas. The Catacombs, a popular Houston rock nightclub in what is now the Galleria area of west Houston, hosted many well known groups of the era including Grateful Dead, Jethro Tull, Jeff Beck Group, and the Mothers of Invention. Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio were also popular venues. More can be found in "The Catacombs, Of Our Own - Houston Rock Clubs in the late 60's/early 70's". http://www.scarletdukes.com/st/tmhou_hammondint.html.
In 1968, California band The Turtles released a concept album, The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands, with the band playing in different styles from psychedelic to surf music to bluegrass.
In the Take That musical, Never Forget, the show centres around a tribute band working to win the "Battle of the Tribute Bands".
Third World Games have produced a Battle of the Bands card game, which takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the music business. The object is to recruit members into your band, equip them with instruments, win "gigs" and "hit singles" and earn enough "Superstar Points" to win. The game is also available for play on GameTable Online. There is also a Battle of the Bands (video game) and Battle of the Bands (TV movie).
The "battle of the bands" concept has had a heavy influence on reality television. Shows such as the Idol series and The X Factor borrow the basic concept of a "battle of the bands" except with individual singers instead of whole bands, combining the concept with a serial elimination format. There was a brief American series in the vein, The Next Great American Band, that did use whole bands.
In the 2012 South Australian Film Swerve, a battle of the marching bands serves as background to most of the scenes set in the small country town.
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