An interview with Gary Grimes of 1964 - The Tribute

1964 - The Tribute are one of the worlds top Beatles bands. They are incredibly busy with gigs all over the United States as well as their home city - Cleveland, Ohio, but we managed to catch Gary Grimes, who plays Paul, and ask him a few questions about '64.

How did the band meet?
Mark Benson and I started the show in September of 1984. We had played our characters in another group called Revolver and after that band split we formed 1964. We have had different cast members over the years, but the line up we have now is a very good one. This group of guys has been together for about 6 years now. Mark Benson as John Lennon, Greg George as Ringo Starr, Jimmy Pou as George Harrison, and me Gary Grimes as Paul McCartney.

How did you find out you could do your Beatles character?
I had been told that I sounded like Paul years ago, in the bands that I used to play in. I had a little bit of the look, but never thought that I would ever play left handed bass guitar. I am a right-handed regular guitar player and I taught myself lefty bass for the show!!

How popular have 1964 become?
I think that a lot of people are aware of the band, as we play over 150 times a year all over the world! There are many people out there who know about us, but have never seen the show. Hopefully soon, we will have a 2-disc CD with 28 live songs from our show, and we are also working on a video.

What are your favourite Beatles songs to play live?
I love them all!! But for me 'There's a Place', 'I'll Follow the Sun' and 'Long Tall Sally' do it!!

Would you say that you are anything like your Beatle character?
Acting wise, I try to capture Paul's aura. It's fun!

What are your hobbies outside of 1964?
Going to sports events, Cleveland and Indians baseball games, going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Working in the yard and taking care of all our animals, and also looking after my children.

What do you think of 1964 and the Beatlefans of today?
People are ' wonderful', whoever they are. When you travel the world you really find out how special people really are. The music of the Beatles is a keystone that brings people together in the name of love, and that is a special thing.

Have 1964 ever written any solo music?
Individually we have original material, but we have never recorded any original songs as a band. Jimmy, Mark and I are songwriters and singers. Greg however is a potter. He is learning to use a potter's wheel and he's quite good at his hobby!

Jo Rishton
TWIL Issue One July 2000