A cover band is the name given to a musical group that mainly covers, i.e. plays, the works of most other well-known groups. The repertoire covered can range from original performances to internally rearranged and interpreted sounds. Since performers have only recently begun to play a central role, the phenomenon of cover bands is mainly limited to pop and rock music. With the increasing popularity of cover bands, certain categories have been established alongside quality-oriented performance styles. Top 40 cover bands, revival bands and tribute bands are well known in this genre. Works by other bands are usually subject to a fee. The corresponding amount must be paid to GEMA (depending on the size of the event). If the material is not reproduced one-to-one in the sound carrier publication, but interpreted , it must be approved by the publisher.
Most cover bands fall under these terms. Their main focus is on a variety of well-known songs, which are mainly performed at city and street festivals, club parties and dances. From a musical point of view, authenticity is not always as important here as tribute band and fuxing band. According to the purpose, the cover band is less artistic and more of a food-oriented display practice. Besides music, simple entertainment activities (singing, clapping, jokes, performances, etc.) are used.