Haghj500 actually suggested that, but I agree...we are all in violent agreement :-).

Understood that your ultimate goal is to write and perform your own music - no problem with that. Doing covers to start with though gets you moving and learning other skills, like playing and communicating with other musicians.

Dream Theater, Primus, and Queensryche all have done covers...quite good ones!! All 3 of these bands are very progressive (or were at one point) and have developed their own unique sound.

I think you are on the right path.