August 20, 2005

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  Last night, most of our family went to see 1964 the Tribute at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Matt was working and Ryan and Jake are too young to be admitted to Orchestra Hall, so they were not with us, but Andy, Jess, Betsy, Madison, Madison’s friend Maddie, Dan, and I went.

  1964 plays Orchestra Hall at least once a year and is often the only rock group to appear there during a given year. The name of the place is, after all, Orchestra Hall and it is the home of the Minnesota Orchestra, so most of the concerts there are classical or light pop music. The building has perfect acoustics, though, and is ideal for any kind of concert. We had seats in row 8, so we could see as well as hear. I think that’s important when you have a couple of 7 year olds along. It’s pretty hard for them to pay attention if they can’t see the stage.

  1964 is the top ranked Beatle tribute band in the world, and they are very, very good. Wearing vintage clothing, Beatle boots, and Beatle wigs, they arrive in character and don’t slip out even for a second. It is their aim to recreate the look and sound of the Beatles as faithfully as possible, and it’s pretty darned authentic! They play instruments from the 60′s and use the same type amps and set up that the Beatles used. Combine that with the many hours that they have spent studying film of the Beatles to learn their accents and stage mannerisms, and you get a show that can really take you back to the time when the real John, Paul, George and Ringo performed to hordes of screaming girls.

  I believe that 1964 is the only Beatle tribute group officially endorsed by Apple Records. They have some restrictions on what they can play because of that. They have to confine their shows to the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, but that gives them plenty of great music to perform. It must be enough, because they have been together for 21 years and have played all over the world, including at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall. George Harrison’s sister thinks so highly of them that she has entertained them in her home.

  Two of the members of the band have even learned to play guitars with their non-dominant hands in order to do a more accurate recreation. I am always fascinated with Jimmy Pou who plays George. He not only has all of George’s mannerisms down pat and can recreate his vocals, but he can also do a masterful job on the 12 string guitar. Every time I see him, I think about how difficult it must have been to find someone who could do that!

  I never saw the real Beatles perform in concert. To be really honest, I might not have gone even if I had had the opportunity. I have always preferred Herman’s Hermits and I was not a big fan of rock n’roll when I was young. Dan is the one who has always been the Beatles fan. I do enjoy their music now, though, and seeing 1964 gives me the illusion of seeing the Beatles. Go if you get a chance.

  

  These are the real Beatles (in case you didn’t know) for comparison to the photo of 1964 above. Keep in mind that the Beatles were really in their 20′s in this photo and 1964 is in their late 40′s.

  • 10:36 am
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