What’s On has the latest live music in Abu Dhabi, with tribute acts for Bon Jovi, Elvis, The Killers all holding concerts in Abu Dhabi.


Musical legends Bon Jovi, Bob Marley, Elvis and The Killers are all making their way to the capital city to perform…sort of.

Tribute acts are becoming increasingly popular in Abu Dhabi as residents and guests are much more willing to shell out rather reasonable ticket fees to check out ‘the next best thing’.

With a line up of eclectic acts to cater to the city’s diverse musical preferences, it seems the phenomenon is here to stay. Following a Michael Jackson tribute concert performed by Trinidad and Tobago impersonator Navi in December, four new shows are lined up for January and February in various venues around the city.

First up is The Bon Jovi Experience (BJE), led by look-a-like front man Tony Pearce. This tribute band has actually had the honour of performing with Jon Bon Jovi himself during the rock legend’s induction celebrations into the UK Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The BJE will be playing on January 23 at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Tickets cost Dhs100 for general admission.

For a blast from the past, ‘A Vision of Elvis’ will see impersonator Rob Kingsley step into the shoes of the King of Rock and Roll at the Emirates Palace. Elvis’s official photographer from 1970 to 1977 Ed Bonja says of the tribute show, “He sings like Elvis and seems to capture the very soul of Elvis – his charisma, his gestures – he even walks like Elvis.” Shows will be on February 5 and 6 and tickets cost Dhs250.

Fans of another musical legend already past can see the band ‘Legend’ perform Bob Marley’s classics on February 5. In honour of what would be his 70th birthday this year, the UK based group of seven musicians is led by Michael Anton Phillips and will perform reggae hits Is this Love, No Woman No Cry and I Shot the Sheriff in a two-hour show. The concert will be hosted at Saadiyat Beach Club and costs Dhs100 for general admission.

And on February 26, the aptly named tribute band The Fillers will perform at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. The rock band impersonating The Killers operates under a “why reinvent the wheel philosophy” and has even performed with real-life Killers drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. Tickets are priced at Dhs100.