Abackup band orbacking band is amusical ensemble that typicallyaccompanies a single artist who is the featured performer.[1] The situation may be a live performance or in arecording session, and the group may or may not have its own name, such as "The Heartbreakers" (the band ofTom Petty), or "Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys" in the 1930s.[2] Often, backup bands containsidemen who are skilled but not known to the public; these musicians may be replaced or substituted at any time without noticeable impact on the performance.[3]
A number of cohesive stand-alone groups of musicians have emerged from the shadow of the starring celebrity (whom they are backing) to achieve a stature of their own. An example is theEagles in 1971, emerging from being the backing band forLinda Ronstadt.[4] Another example isThe Band, a group who backedBob Dylan on hisworld tour in 1966, his first tour withelectric instruments.[5]
A backing band may also be a cadre of elite studio musicians who serve as ahouse band for major studios. The same musicians may perform on records by a number of different artists. Examples areStax Records' band,Booker T. & the M.G.'s; Detroit'sThe Funk Brothers; and Nashville'sA-Team.[1]
Notable backing bands (with lead artist) include:
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