Watching a decent tribute band in a pub is a much better experience than watching the real thing in a massive stadium.

I've seen some really good tribute bands(I play in a few myself) and I've seen some absolute hacks. That said, I don't like stadium shows too much--seems so impersonal. But a lot of trib bands DO carry the torch and help keep the music in the forefront. This Sunday, I'm playing the City Winery in Boston with one of my bands, only a couple hundred seats. Superb sound, good food and wine, and NOT as expensive as going to see a national act.

I've been in Beatles, Stones, and Bowie tributes; others, like The Doors, Rush, and Van Halen, won't be playing again, so a good tribute is as good as it's gonna get.