Tragedy Band Interview: Heavy Metal Disco Tribute Band Rocks the Stage

Legendary Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson once declared, "Tragedy rocks sweet balls and can do no wrong! They are great fun!" This heavy metal disco tribute band transforms disco, soft-rock, and pop classics into electrifying heavy metal anthems. Known for their head-banging, booty-shaking performances, Tragedy guarantees a smile and a fist in the air.

Ahead of their March 31, 2023, performance at The Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, Nebraska, alongside Crobot and Steel Panther on the On The Prowl Tour, we sat down with lead vocalist and guitarist Mo'Royce Peterson to discuss the band's origins, their latest album, the art of tribute performances, and more.

How Tragedy Formed: From Disco to Heavy Metal Glory

Q: How did Tragedy come together, and what was your first jam like?

"It started as a wild idea: reimagining disco-era Bee Gees in a hair metal style," Peterson said. "The concept alone booked our first gigs before we even played a note. What began as a bit of a joke turned into a creative surge. We made demos, crafted a set, and debuted at a sold-out BB King’s in New York City, supporting The Aquabats. Dressed in satin, spandex, and leather, we looked absurdly sexy. The crowd’s smiles grew as we unleashed our musical vision, and that head-banging, booty-shaking vibe has become a global sensation."

Album Art and Recording: Inside "I Am Woman"

Q: Tell us about the cover art for your latest album, I Am Woman, and where it was recorded.

"The cover, created by British artist Abrar Ajmal, reflects the album’s themes of womanhood," Peterson explained. "It depicts a multi-armed goddess—warrior, lover, mother, and total badass. As a recording engineer and studio owner, I’ve always produced our albums. Each song on I Am Woman started as a demo from one of the band members, which we then fleshed out in the studio."

Why Disco and Metal Are a Perfect Match

Q: What makes disco and metal blend so well?

"Disco and hair metal both dominated and then crashed out of pop culture," Peterson said. "They share big hair, flashy outfits, and soaring vocals. We uncover the inner metal in disco and pop songs, but it’s not automatic—it requires deconstruction and inspiration to metalize a track."

Earning Praise from Bruce Dickinson

Q: How did you get such a glowing endorsement from Bruce Dickinson?

Peterson laughed, "You just have to rock sweet balls and do no wrong! He loved playing us on his radio show."

Top Face-Melting Tribute Songs

Q: Which tribute songs get the biggest reactions?

"Our mashup of Slayer’s Raining Blood and It’s Raining Men is a showstopper," Peterson said. "It’s hilarious, hard-hitting, and gets everyone chanting ‘men!’—first the whole crowd, then just the women, and then the non-binary fans. Our glittery sandbox welcomes all."

Meeting the Original Artists

Q: Have you met any artists whose songs you’ve covered?

"We’ve connected with some of the Bee Gees’ children, who are musicians and fans of our work," Peterson said. "Barry Gibb’s son, Steve, is a metalhead, and we’ve discussed collaborating. We also performed with Randy Jones of The Village People—super fun sharing the stage with the cowboy. Both Tragedy and The Village People share roots in New York City’s cabaret and vaudeville scenes."

Dream Tour Mates

Q: Which bands are on your bucket list to tour with?

"This year, we’re thrilled to tour with Steel Panther and Nanowar of Steel, both incredible comedy metal acts," Peterson said. "I’d love to tour with Tenacious D. I met Jack Black after a show, and he’s as funny and kind as you’d expect."

Unforgettable Tour Stories

Q: What are some of your wildest tour memories?

"One standout was the Motocultor Festival in France," Peterson recalled. "After five nights at Summer Breeze Festival in Germany, we raced across France via high-speed train to make our set. It was only our second time in France, and we weren’t sure how a serious metal crowd would receive our glittery bombast. By the end, 10,000 metalheads were doing the YMCA dance with us—a total triumph."

Craziest Crowds Around the World

Q: Which regions have the wildest fans?

"France’s ‘we have champagne’ spirit aligns perfectly with Tragedy," Peterson said. "In the UK, we have die-hard fans who follow us to every show. Touring with Steel Panther in the U.S. has been amazing—our audience is smart enough to get the humor and wild enough to love it."

Advice for Aspiring Musicians

Q: What advice would you give to young musicians learning their craft?

"Don’t expect financial stability," Peterson said with a grin. "Embrace your quirks—they make you unique. Forge your own path, have fun, and others will follow."

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