I must admit I have always been intrigued by tribute bands. In fact, my idea of a perfect concert evening would be a KISS tribute band opening for a KISS tribute band opening for KISS. In each case you would experience a great show, completely devoid of any musical talent.

What I find even more intriguing is the name selection process that these bands use. In fact, the name selection formula is as follows:

1. Pick a '70s or '80s band that has been banished to the county fair/car show tour
2. Select one of their popular songs
3. Add the phrase "A tribute to (insert band name here).

Go ahead. Try it yourself. Here are a few of my efforts:

Ridin' the Storm Out -- A Tribute to REO Speedwagon
Flirtin' with Disaster -- A Tribute to Molly Hatchett
Livin' On a Prayer -- A Tribute to Bon Jovi

You get the idea.

However, every once in a while, a tribute band comes along that has the stones to tackle a band that no other band would even consider. One of those bands visits Shank Hall this Saturday.

Bruce in the USA -- A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Not only does this band cover the music of Springsteen, but they set up camp at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, the mecca for Springsteen fans. Creating a tribute band is one thing, but doing it right next to the real thing is quite ambitious.

Unlike other tribute bands, Bruce in the USA takes it a step farther. They have recreated the E Street Band with look-a-like members. In fact, on their Web site they don't refer to the musicians as band members, but rather as the cast. And no detail is left untouched. A big black dude plays the sax. A bandana clad gunslinger straps on the second guitar and a red haired vixen holds down the often times out of tune and warbling back-up vocals. At the center is Matt Ryan, who I believe may have had plastic surgery to alter his appearance, as his resemblance to The Boss is uncanny.

So how do they sound? Their videos are impressive, but can they generate the same rock and roll revival feel of an actual Springsteen marathon? Having never seen them, I cannot answer that question. Considering that several members of the E Street Band (Clarence Clemons, Max Weinberg, Steve Van Zandt) have joined them on-stage, it would lead you to believe that it is musically close to the original.

Being the undying Springsteen fan that I am, I will be there out of pure curiosity. But just like an actual Springsteen show, if the band breaks into "My Hometown," I am going to the bathroom.