Tribute does more than cover
1964...The Tribute takes performing as a cover band to an all-new level. Mastering the details of each member of The Beatles, The Tribute provides its audiences with a trip to the '60s.
Published Aug. 23, 2005
A chance to experience The Beatles live is likely the wish of many Beatles fans. 1964...The Tribute, through a detailed, believable stage performance, provides audiences with a glimpse of what Beatles-era concertgoers experienced in the '60s.
A long line reached well into the alleyway next to The Blue Note, 17 N. 9th St., more than 30 minutes before the doors opened for Saturday night's show.
By 7 p.m. the venue was filled with excited fans. At 8 p.m. the "Fab Four" from Akron, Ohio, took the stage, and seconds later the upbeat rock of the classic Beatles tune "Some Other Guy" filled the air.
1964...The Tribute is composed of Gary Grimes (Paul McCartney), Mark Benson (John Lennon), James Pou (George Harrison) and Greg George (Ringo Starr).
The Tribute is more than just a cover band.
The group not only delivers the original early '60s Beatles hits, but they also convincingly become 20-something versions of the Beatles musicians with their painstaking attention to detail, from their perfect British accents and their authentic period costumes, haircuts and instruments to their onstage mannerisms.
They manage to keep the audience engaged with lighthearted humor without letting it get in the way of the music.
With tickets at $20, The Tribute gave the audience its money's worth, singing more than 30 songs ranging from well-known favorites such as "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Hard Day's Night" to lesser-known tunes to satisfy the most dedicated fans.
One of the biggest surprises of the evening did not come from the band but from the audience members. A majority of the crowd hadn't been born when the original group was still performing, but the ages of the audiences ranged from pre-teens to seniors.
During the intermission the group sold tie-dyed T-shirts and CDs, which eager fans quickly purchased.
Grimes and Benson formed The Tribute 21 years ago in Akron, Ohio.
They have performed across the country in various venues including Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as Europe and South America and have appeared on television programs such as "Entertainment Tonight."
The band receives high praise from fans and critics alike with Rolling Stone hailing The Tribute as the "No. 1 Beatles Tribute on Earth."
The band released its first album, Nine Days, in November 2000 and the 15-track All You Need is Live in 2003. The Tribute recorded Saturday night's show for an upcoming release.