Fan Fever: Tribute Bands Celebrating Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey Across the Region
When you are a Swiftie or a Lanatic, or any other die-hard fan of a singer, you’ll go the extra mile to experience anything related to the artist, whether it is nabbing their merch, being the first to hear their latest album release, or stalking them endlessly on social media.
Along with that, you will attend every tribute concert of your favorite artist, no matter the cost.
Across the region and the globe, several of these die-hard fans came together to form tribute bands to perform the best songs by the artist across different locations in the region’s cities. We are introducing you to some that deserve a mention:
Cairo’s Anti Heroes
Seven die-hard Swifties knew they had to find a way to bring her music to life on a live stage. Meet the Anti-Heroes, a Cairo-based tribute band led by Nouran Hassan. Every now and then, the band performs a set list of Taylor’s songs to major Swifties at different locations across Cairo.
Beyond Hassan, the band includes Ezz Wasef on the keyboard, Nouran Awny and Fady Abonar as vocalists, Etchiiinggg on drums, Torky on rhythm guitar, and Omar Alshennawi on lead electric.
Last year, back in September, they performed a set list that included everything from Blank Space to Champagne Problems at the Sawy Cultural Wheel. To attend one of these concerts, follow them on Instagram and stay tuned for any upcoming announcements.
UK’s Katy Ellis & The Band
Continuing the Swiftie rage, Dubai has seen a tribute band celebrate the artist in its city. Katy Ellis and her band are yet another tribute band that takes over the stage to bring to life Swift’s music.
Ellis isn’t just one of Swift’s biggest fans; she also happens to have a very similar sound to the artist, as well as similar mannerisms and energy. She was even born in 1989!
As with Anti Heros, this band also performs many times throughout the year. Beyond the UK, they also perform in Dubai. One of their most recent performances was back in February when they took over the QE2 Theatre and got everyone dancing to Swift’s biggest hits!
Riyadh’s Ninety-Two Taylor Swift Nights
Brought to life by Dubai-based event agency Ninety-Two, the Taylor Swift Night, which is usually held in Dubai, made its way to Riyadh. These events are packed with everything from Swift goodie bags to photographs and even friendship bracelet stations. It is every Swiftie’s dream come true.
Couple that with some amazing live performances by powerful vocalists like Saudi’s Asrar Mohammed, and you are set for an unforgettable series of nights. To know more about Ninety-Two’s Taylor Swift Nights, follow them on Instagram.
Cairo’s Brooklyn Babies
Beyond Swift, there is a major fandom for melancholic pop star Lana Del Ray. Just as Cairo has Anti-Heroes for Swift, they also have Brooklyn Babies for Del Ray.
It is a tribute band that occasionally holds shows. It launched in 2022 and includes many of the same band members of Anti-Heroes, including Etchiiinggg, Torky, and Ezz Wasef. The lead singer is Sondos Elsherbiny.
Their latest tribute night was on September 3rd when they performed everything from Lolita to Let the Light In at the Room Art Space in Cairo. Again, be sure to follow the band on Instagram to find out when they are performing next!
If you are a hardcore Swiftie or Lanatic and wish to hear their music live, you can hit up any of these tribute nights and get to sing out your favorite songs with other stans out there!
