From Milwaukee to Madison, these 70s tribute bands bring the funk across Wisconsin.
Almost Queen
Almost Queen is the ultimate Queen tribute experience, channeling the operatic grandeur and rock bravado of the legendary band with jaw-dropping authenticity and reverence. Frontman Joseph Russo commands the stage with theatrical flair and vocal precision that echoes Freddie Mercury at his most electric, while Steve Leonard delivers Brian May’s guitar wizardry with melodic precision and tone-perfect solos. On bass, Randy Gregg holds the groove with arena-rock swagger, bringing a touch of Cheap Trick cool to the thunderous low end. Anchoring it all is John Cappadona, whose dynamic drumming and onstage charisma drive every anthem with fire and flair. Known for their seamless harmonies, exacting musicianship, and dazzling stage presence, Almost Queen delivers a setlist packed with classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Radio Ga Ga,” and “We Will Rock You”—as well as deep cuts that delight diehard fans. Celebrating over two decades on the road, the band recently released their first original single, “Almost,” a heartfelt nod to the paradox of tribute artistry. With custom costumes, meticulous sound, and passion in every note, Almost Queen isn’t just close—they’re a masterful echo of the real thing. Find them at https://www.almostqueen.com/
That ’70s Band
That 70’s Band is a high-energy tribute act based in Rockford, Illinois, celebrated as Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin’s premier ’70s band. Known for their dynamic performances, they have been recognized with the 2025 RAMI (Rockford Area Music Industry) Award for Best Tribute Band. The band specializes in delivering authentic renditions of 1970s classics, covering a diverse range of genres including rock, funk, and disco. Their setlists often feature hits from iconic artists such as Aerosmith, Paul McCartney, and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, ensuring a nostalgic experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. That 70’s Band has a strong presence in the Midwest music scene, frequently performing at venues and events across Illinois and Wisconsin. Notable appearances include performances at the Rockton River Market and The Rusty Wheel Tavern in South Beloit, IL. Their engaging shows are characterized by vibrant costumes, interactive stage presence, and a commitment to recreating the feel-good atmosphere of the 1970s. See more at https://www.facebook.com/70sband/
Zoso
Zoso is not just a Led Zeppelin tribute band – it’s a time machine tuned to the thunder and mystique of rock’s golden age. Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2025, Zoso has performed over 4,800 shows worldwide, delivering the most faithful live Zeppelin experience around. Matt Jernigan channels Robert Plant with uncanny presence and vocal fire, while founding member Adam Sandling captures the brilliance of John Paul Jones on bass, keys, and mandolin. On drums, Bevan Davies recreates John Bonham’s seismic style with thunderous intensity, honed from years touring with heavyweights like Danzig and Jerry Cantrell. The band’s newest member, 24-year-old guitar prodigy Holston Rainero, brings Jimmy Page’s legendary riffs to life with soul, swagger, and jaw-dropping technique—earning his place in Zoso after a bold, grassroots audition campaign. Praised by the LA Times as “head and shoulders above all other Led Zeppelin tributes,” Zoso blends precision and passion into every note, conjuring the raw power and improvisational spirit of Zeppelin’s greatest live shows. From “Kashmir” to “Moby Dick,” their setlist digs deep, satisfying diehards and casual fans alike. If you’re looking to relive the glory of a Zeppelin concert in full scope and scale, Zoso delivers the closest thing to the real deal. Find them at https://www.zosoontour.com/
Az IzZ Band
Az IzZ Band is less a band and more a living jukebox built for celebration – where style meets soul and every setlist turns into a cinematic soundtrack. Based in Atlanta but constantly on the move, they bring their high-octane show to events nationwide, from coast to coast. Rooted in decades of cross-genre groove, Az IzZ fuses the gloss of a Vegas revue with the street-corner soul of Motown, blending hits from R&B, jazz, rock, pop, and hip-hop into a seamless sonic experience. Rather than spotlight individual names, the group moves as a single, synchronized force – frontmen switching like scenes in a Broadway production, backed by powerhouse vocalists and, when the moment calls for it, a horn section that practically levitates the dance floor. With a performance history that includes luxury weddings, corporate galas, and A-list moments alongside artists like Vince Gill and Tim McGraw, Az IzZ has evolved from cruise line royalty into one of the most in-demand live acts in the South. Think less wedding band, more red carpet-worthy concert with sequins, swagger, and soul. Every song they touch turns into a moment—and every moment, a memory. Az IzZ doesn’t just entertain—they elevate. Follow them at https://www.instagram.com/azizzband/
Black Jacket Symphony
The Black Jacket Symphony isn’t your average tribute act—it’s a precision-crafted time machine, reanimating classic rock albums from start to finish with studio-level fidelity and concert-hall grandeur. Founded in 2009 by guitarist and producer J. Willoughby, this Birmingham-based collective recreates iconic records note for note, with a rotating cast of expert musicians tailored to each album’s unique sonic demands. From Pink Floyd’s The Wall to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and Queen’s A Night at the Opera, their setlist reads like a Hall of Fame vault—and each performance is split into two acts: the album in full, followed by a greatest hits encore. With over 40 legendary albums in their repertoire and more than a million tickets sold, Black Jacket Symphony has earned a reputation for concert experiences that are equal parts rock spectacle and musical archaeology. The attention to detail is jaw-dropping, from soaring guitar tones to vintage synth textures to choral harmonies that hit like a freight train of nostalgia. What sets them apart is not just technical perfection, but the emotional clarity they bring to every show—reverent, electrifying, and unforgettable. Once you see them live, you’ll want to follow the whole tour. Find them at https://blackjacketsymphony.com/
Rising Phoenix
Rising Phoenix is Central Wisconsin’s go-to band for a full-throttle rock revival, tearing through the biggest anthems of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s with unmatched energy and showmanship. Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Matt Berndt, the band delivers high-impact performances that ignite crowds and keep dance floors packed. Guitarists Craig Mitchell and Axel Gessner share lead and rhythm duties, trading solos and harmonies with seamless chemistry—Mitchell’s WAMI Guitarist of the Year nominations speak for themselves. Holding down the low end is bassist Josh Escher, whose vocals add richness to the band’s layered sound. Behind the kit, Jerry Anderson drives it all with thunderous precision, earning multiple WAMI nods for his dynamic drumming and live charisma. Rising Phoenix was founded in 2012 by guitarist/vocalist Todd Ashbeck and has since become a fixture at major Midwest festivals like Rock USA and Taste N’ Glow. Their setlist rips through hits from AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Journey, Metallica, and more, blending technical polish with a no-holds-barred attitude. Whether headlining outdoor stages or lighting up private events, this band delivers the full rock spectacle—loud, proud, and built for a good time. https://www.risingphoenixband.com/
70s Kids Solid Gold Tribute Band
This isn’t just a show—it’s a full-on 70s revival powered by the 70s Kids Solid Gold Tribute Band. Although we’re not based in Wisconsin, we’ve had the pleasure of playing countless shows there and are always open to hitting the road. Based out of Charlotte, NC, this six-member sensation features Shannon Remley belting out lead vocals and bringing electric dance energy. GK VIA shreds on lead guitar, Dave Lickert keeps it smooth on synths and keys, Doug Grabowski grooves on bass, and Mike Graci powers it all with funky drums and electronic rhythm. From Bee Gees classics to Hall & Oates hits, their shows are packed with retro anthems, glam costumes, and audience participation that brings the house down. Even though they call North Carolina home, they’re more than happy to bring their show-stopping act wherever the 70s are needed.