My father in law was the lead singer for a cover band. They sang 90s songs(guess it was top 40 at the time, I recall Ricky martin). The state fair was the big show, county fairs as well.
To each their own, seemed like a waste of talent. They were all aware they weren't going to reach stardom and this was just the easiest way to get an audience and gigs that paid well. FIL finally moved on and got into the production side of things and set up a studio and is quite a bit happier and loves still being involved in the music scene.
I have had a good time at a few cover band shows where it was cheap to get in and the band hammed it up and tried to put on a good show with costumes and such.