Sixty years ago, in 1964, The Beatles from Liverpool, England, led the British invasion of American rock and roll. Popular music has never been quite the same.
"The Ed Sullivan Show." Massive concerts in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles with screaming fans, mostly teenage girls.
Security details wherever they went.
Dominance of American radio airplay.
Chart-topping hits.
Now, those who remember 1964 – and younger folks who have heard about it – can experience The Beatles right here in Alabama on the eve of the 60-year mark.
Alabama is wasting no time re-living 1964 music. Three Alabama venues are hosting Beatles' tributes as their 60th year of American popularity dawns.
The first two tributes feature the tribute band, The Fab Four.
The Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham starts the year of Beatles remembrances. On Friday, December 29, at 7:30 p.m., The Fab Four will begin the New Year's long weekend at the classic theatre, located at 1817 Third Avenue North, Birmingham.
The Fab Four then travel down I-65 to Mobile. (I hope they allow enough time. I hope somebody tells them about I-65, which is always super-crowded on the New Year's weekend.)
The second Alabama stop for the Fab Four is Mobile's Saenger Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 30. The Saenger is at 6 Joachim Street in downtown Mobile.
Details and tickets for the Birmingham and Mobile Fab Four concerts can be found here.
The third Beatles recreation is on the Alabama coast.
"A mesmerizing journey through the heart of the swinging '60s with 'The Return: A Beatles Tribute'" will be at OWA Theater on Saturday, January 6 at 7:30 p.m.
OWA Theater is at 205 N. OWA Boulevard, Foley, just off the Foley Beach Express, seven miles north of the Gulf Coast. Details and tickets can be found here.
The song list of The Return and The Fab Four evokes memories of the '60s.
"I Wanna Hold Your Hand"
"Love Me Do"
"I Should’ve Known Better"
"Help"
"A Hard Day’s Night"
"Let It Be"
"Come Together"
"Something"
"Here Come’s the Sun"
"Hey Jude"
OWA box office describes the January 6 The Return show:
"This sensational live performance is not just a tribute. It's an immersive experience transcending time, capturing the essence and magic of one of the greatest bands in history.
The Return transports you back to the era that shaped a generation. Feel the infectious energy of Beatlemania, witness the cultural revolution unfold, and relive the iconic music that defined a movement. From the early days of "Love Me Do" to the psychedelic sounds of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," The Return faithfully recreates the Beatles' timeless classics with stunning accuracy, delivering a nostalgic performance that will transport you to the heyday of Beatlemania.
"Whether you're a lifelong Beatles fan, a music enthusiast, or simply someone looking to experience the magic of an era gone by, "The Return" promises an unforgettable night of nostalgia, joy, and timeless tunes. Join us at OA Theater and let the music take you on a magical journey through time, where every chord brings back memories and every lyric tells a story. Don't miss this chance to relive the magic of The Beatles – it's more than a tribute; it's a celebration of an era that continues to shape the fabric of popular culture."
The Return, a band from Atlanta, is described by Rolling Stone magazine as "the most authentic and youngest Beatles tribute band."
The Fab Four has been a California-based Beatles tribute band since 1997, featuring Ron McNeil, a John Lennon impersonator. They also have an Ed Sullivan impersonator to introduce the band and emcee the show. Sullivan introduced the Beatles to America on his Sunday night variety show in 1964.
It's been a "Long, Winding Road."
Jim Zeigler is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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