1964 The Tribute Still Celebrating The Beatles
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By David [email protected]
But 1964 The Tribute offers a peek into what a Beatles show was like
According to Mark Benson, who plays John Lennon in the band 1964 The Tribute, the group was formed in 1984 to show people what it was like to be at a Beatles concert during their early years.
"It's amazing they were as good as they were," Benson said, because the screaming fans were so loud, they couldn't hear themselves sing or play. In 1964 The Tribute's performances, all four of the men wear the same haircuts and clothing that the Beatles did from 1963 to 1968.
1964 The Tribute will perform at The Honeywell Center, Wabash, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets prices are $12 and $18. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Honeywell Center box office at 260-563-1102 or *TIX from a Centennial Wireless cell phone or online at www.honeywellcenter.org
The Beatles were the original boy band of sorts, Benson said. They broke many of the molds of the bands of their day because they didn't have one singer, but all four took turns singing. Three of the Beatles also wrote music. Up until the Beatles, the focus was on one singer with some back-up singers and instrument players.
1964 The Tribute covers all the Beatles' music up to the "Revolver" album. From that album on, the vibe of the Beatles' music changed and became more psychedelic, Benson said.
When he thinks about it, Benson can't believe it's been 25 years since 1964 The Tribute formed. "It's kind of my fault," he said.
The four Tribute band members never intended to do the Beatles full time. They just thought it would be fun to do, maybe once a month.
The members had all been in rock bands, but never one with a theme and acting. By the second year of doing the show, 1964 The Tribute was huge in college markets.
"They just loved it. We set industry records for bookings," said Benson.
It came to a point where there was not time for anything but the Tribute. Now they play more than 100 shows a year all across the world.
Benson said they get hired for parents weekend at colleges often. Parents and their college students both enjoy the music of the Beatles. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
After 25 years, Benson said they are able to keep the momentum going by drinking lots of Starbucks. Joking aside, he said, "You get that energy from the audience."
He said members of 1964 The Tribute know they are not the Beatles. But it's great to play the music they love in front of large crowds.
"It's entertainment. It's not something you created that's original. It's a show," he said.
Benson is constantly blown away from the response they get from audiences. Families will plan a vacation around where 1964 The Tribute may be playing because entire families can enjoy a show.
"It's just great," Benson said. "They leave happy."
He said they have their followers. They will sometimes see a fan they usually associate with one area of the country in a different area and have to wonder where they're at. "It's like an extended family," he said.[[In-content Ad]]One man sent an e-mail to the band telling them that after he saw 1964 The Tribute, he was inspired to take up the guitar again and play music with some neighbors. The man hadn't done that in a long time.
While Benson personally can't pick a favorite Beatles song or even record - he loves them all - there are two songs that really get audiences going, he said. "Twist and Shout" gets everyone in the crowds up and involved in the show. The second crowd favorite is "Yesterday," a song on the opposite end of the musical spectrum.
As for when 1964 The Tribute will hang up their mop tops, Benson said he didn't have a stop date in mind. He didn't think they'd go this long.
On the Net:
www.1964thetribute.com
www.honeywellcenter.org
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But 1964 The Tribute offers a peek into what a Beatles show was like
According to Mark Benson, who plays John Lennon in the band 1964 The Tribute, the group was formed in 1984 to show people what it was like to be at a Beatles concert during their early years.
"It's amazing they were as good as they were," Benson said, because the screaming fans were so loud, they couldn't hear themselves sing or play. In 1964 The Tribute's performances, all four of the men wear the same haircuts and clothing that the Beatles did from 1963 to 1968.
1964 The Tribute will perform at The Honeywell Center, Wabash, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets prices are $12 and $18. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Honeywell Center box office at 260-563-1102 or *TIX from a Centennial Wireless cell phone or online at www.honeywellcenter.org
The Beatles were the original boy band of sorts, Benson said. They broke many of the molds of the bands of their day because they didn't have one singer, but all four took turns singing. Three of the Beatles also wrote music. Up until the Beatles, the focus was on one singer with some back-up singers and instrument players.
1964 The Tribute covers all the Beatles' music up to the "Revolver" album. From that album on, the vibe of the Beatles' music changed and became more psychedelic, Benson said.
When he thinks about it, Benson can't believe it's been 25 years since 1964 The Tribute formed. "It's kind of my fault," he said.
The four Tribute band members never intended to do the Beatles full time. They just thought it would be fun to do, maybe once a month.
The members had all been in rock bands, but never one with a theme and acting. By the second year of doing the show, 1964 The Tribute was huge in college markets.
"They just loved it. We set industry records for bookings," said Benson.
It came to a point where there was not time for anything but the Tribute. Now they play more than 100 shows a year all across the world.
Benson said they get hired for parents weekend at colleges often. Parents and their college students both enjoy the music of the Beatles. It's a win-win situation for everyone.
After 25 years, Benson said they are able to keep the momentum going by drinking lots of Starbucks. Joking aside, he said, "You get that energy from the audience."
He said members of 1964 The Tribute know they are not the Beatles. But it's great to play the music they love in front of large crowds.
"It's entertainment. It's not something you created that's original. It's a show," he said.
Benson is constantly blown away from the response they get from audiences. Families will plan a vacation around where 1964 The Tribute may be playing because entire families can enjoy a show.
"It's just great," Benson said. "They leave happy."
He said they have their followers. They will sometimes see a fan they usually associate with one area of the country in a different area and have to wonder where they're at. "It's like an extended family," he said.[[In-content Ad]]One man sent an e-mail to the band telling them that after he saw 1964 The Tribute, he was inspired to take up the guitar again and play music with some neighbors. The man hadn't done that in a long time.
While Benson personally can't pick a favorite Beatles song or even record - he loves them all - there are two songs that really get audiences going, he said. "Twist and Shout" gets everyone in the crowds up and involved in the show. The second crowd favorite is "Yesterday," a song on the opposite end of the musical spectrum.
As for when 1964 The Tribute will hang up their mop tops, Benson said he didn't have a stop date in mind. He didn't think they'd go this long.
On the Net:
www.1964thetribute.com
www.honeywellcenter.org
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