Showtime Pays Tribute to Cult Bands

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Showtime Networks Inc. Wednesday announced the acquisition of a documentary that delves into the obsessive nature of rock bands.

Tribute, which will air under the network’s "Sho Exposure" programming banner in April, follows the strange but passionate subculture of tribute bands and the fans that follow such groups as KISS, Judas Priest, The Monkees and Queen, network executives said.

The documentary also focuses on the issues these bands face, including member turnover, dead-end day jobs and obsessive fans.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.