An interview with 1964 - The Tribute
Part Two of our interview with the band from Ohio!

What were your first reactions of each other when you all met? And what was first rehearsal like?
Gary: The beer was COLD… And we rocked the basement!
Jimmy: When I joined them I realized how talented and dedicated these guys were, much more than musicians that I had worked with in the past were.
Greg: I knew Tom Work from working in a band called Dogs n' Kids. I was always curious about Mark. The way I first met him was the Mall, several times he would appear out of the blue asking me if I knew were he could find a Ringo drum set. Gary wrote and records his own music. The first rehearsal was shaky but ripe with potential.

Who is the leader of the band? Or should I say The Walrus!?
Mark: Gary and I are the loving parents of "1964".
Gary: Roy Davis runs the business…. He's a ghost writer for "Walrus" Inc".

How do 1964 create that authentic 64 sound? What instruments do you use and can you tell us how you get that feel - so close to the real thing!?
Mark: We pretty much use what The Beatles used. Vox tube amplifiers, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Hofner and Gibson guitars, Ludwig drums and flat wound strings. The feel has to do with that chemistry.
Gary: Authentic amps, and guitars, drums…Pyramid strings on everything...and the voices…. YEAH THE VOICES! That's our signature.
Jimmy: All the same equipment they used, amps, guitars, strings very important.
Greg: The feel is by studying your character and anticipating him in every way you can. You also sorta put his skin on while performing.

Do you find that you still amaze each other onstage? Like learning things about each other's talent that you still didn't know about?
Mark: I am very lucky to be involved with three such talented "cats". Gary's ability to play left-handed like Paul is astounding. He makes it look so easy. Lots of guitar players can play like the George Harrison guitar parts, but I have never heard anyone nail the tone and feel as Jimmy does. I can play the notes, but it doesn't sound as good as Jimmy. He's great! And Greg has had just as much work to do as Jimmy. He is left-handed and had to learn to play right handed like Ringo. Nobody gets more screams from the audience than he does! And rightly so. I'd also likes to mention other integral parts of 1964. Our stage manager, John Dobbertin, and our sound man David Stephenson. These guys make it easy for us to look and sound good. They set up and tear down everything, fix everything and tune everything. We couldn't do it with out them.
Gary: No these guys are all great people first, and their musicianship/entertainment value is wonderful. That's the key…. You have to connect with the audience of people in a magical way, and it happens EVERY night. I wish everybody could experience the magic "Live" it's so cool.
Jimmy: Yes, every night I am amazed about these guys, but mostly I am amazed that we are still doing this at our age.
Greg: I am amazed that we create that mood almost every night. It is the music but it is also us…

What do your family and friends think of 1964 The Tribute?
Mark: They are very proud and supportive of us.
Gary: Love it!!!!!!!!
Jimmy: They love it, but my son keeps asking me when I am going to get a real job.
Greg: They love the band for many reasons, the same as the public does. The great feeling and good time that it produces.

How does it feel when fans scream at their gig and what does Jimmy think of having Jelly Babies thrown at him?
Mark: The screams. Well of course, that's what we live for. It feels wonderful for people to scream as long as it's because they like the music. Jelly babies…bad…very, very, bad. You can't see them coming and they hurt.
Gary: I'm glad that they are throwing them at Jimmy and leaving us out of it. I love the screamers… don't you? Of course!!!!!!
Jimmy: They hurt, the jelly babies hurt too.

Tell us of your bands success and your fan club?
Mark: Our success is that we have been together for 17 years and we are performing somewhere in the neighbour hood of 150 shows a year over the planet. And it doesn't show any signs of slowing down. We have closed down the fan club because of the Internet web site to serve most of those needs.
Gary: 17 show's a month, all over the world, 2 CDs great audiences, and great fans. The best job anybody could have.
Jimmy: We love the fans. The web site took over for the fan club, which is going real good.

What do you look for, when starting a Beatles Tribute Band and how do you know where to look for the right line up?
Mark: Talent and attitude are important, and above all chemistry. You look anywhere and everywhere I suggested Ohio, California and Michigan.
Gary: Personality, friendship, Loyalty.
Jimmy: You make sure there is no weak link in the line up, good musicianship, and can everyone get along.

How do you get the harmonies so perfect? And out of all the Beatles period of cultural music, why did you choose to perform the '64 period?
Mark: We are very lucky to have a vocal blend that is similar to The Beatles. We choose the early Beatles music because we thought it was the strongest impact.
Gary: Practice… and we have a natural vocal blend. Mark & I have been singing together now for about 26 years or so… just a few songs in that time frame! And Jimmy fit right in - it's a great band.
Jimmy: Lots of work on listening to each other, the early period was already chosen when I joined, my favorite period for sure. It reminds me of my youth.

What do The Beatles and the Beatle you portray mean to you?
Mark: The Beatles are about Love. Pure and simple. Great rock and roll good clean fun at the same time, positive messages and beautiful melodies that have stood the test of time. I like Johns wit and talent. He had a lot of troubles in his life but it seems like he always searched for the positive way out.
Gary: Paul is a great guy first, then a very talented musician/songwriter. It's a privilege to play his part in the show. Can't wait to meet him someday. Maybe in Liverpool eh? I'll buy the pints whad-ya say?
Jimmy: They portray the 60's, they changed the world.
Greg: The Beatles were innovators. Ringo was the perfect buffer between the other three very distinct characters. He kept the peace the humor and good nature.

What will playing at Liverpool Beatles Convention mean to you?
Mark: The last two times we played in Liverpool were warmly received by fans and promoters alike and were very grateful they asked us to come. This year is special for us because we get to play in "The Cavern Club". It is certainly the place to play when you do what we do.
Gary: This should be fun this year as we may be recording a "Live" CD of these shows. Our record company is very interested in the project. Don't miss being there!!
Jimmy: I am looking forward to returning to Liddypool, I love Liddypool!!
Greg: It's a privilege to play on their turf.

How do fans react to you and how does this feel?
Mark: There are a few things more rewarding than seeing children and parents and grandparents all singing and dancing together, cheering and laughing to the music you are playing. I am happy to be involved in such a great family show. It is a blessed thing to have.
Jimmy: Very positive and it feels great.
Greg: Great enthusiasm. Gratifying.

Why did you choose to portray that particular Beatle and why did he stand out above the rest?
Mark: He's the only one I could sing like.
Gary: I had the eyes, and nobody else could sing the high notes, or even imagine playing BASS lefty.
Jimmy: In junior high school, students told me I resembled George so when I went to audition for "Beatlemania". I chose George because of my looks. He was a cool guy, and everybody thinks because I play him I must be very intelligent and dark and complicated.
Greg: I've been Ringo-esque since the beginning of my career.

Have you played in front of Beatles families and celebrities, and what do they think of 1964?
Mark: George Harrison's sister Louise, Ruth McCartney, Ricky Skaggs, Phil Keaggy, Cliff Williams (bassist of AC/DC) Martina McBride, Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Three Dog Night, Eddy Mooney and Cheap Trick are a few of the family members and celebrities that have taken time to make nice comments about the show. Initially they were not too sure about the "tribute" band idea, but after the show they were very complimentary.
Gary: Yes had a great time.Could you ask Paul, George, Ringo if they have ever heard our "Live" CD we would love to know.
Jimmy: Louise Harrison loves us, and she calls me her "Little Brother". She's very sweet and encouraging.

Why do you think that 1964 The Tribute have lasted as long has you have at the top and what does it take to get there?
Mark: Commitment, friendship, trust, talent, confidence and humility… that's all.
Gary: You have to connect with an audience every night…. That's the key… entertainment is a magical thing. It's not a stage star and a crowd watching. It's the entire energy mixing as one. Come to LIVERPOOL the magic will come with you you'll see.
Jimmy: Dedication to detail and stamina.
Greg: Hard work, commitment, constantly.

What do you think of The Beatles track "The Word" where we got the title of the magazine from?
Mark: I think its brilliant work of John's and in the light of the "bigger than Christ" thing I think it's John's way of making a little jab, while still talking about love.
Gary: Say the word and you'll be free, Say the word and be like me, Say the word I'm thinking of, And the only word is LOVE!
Jimmy: Cool riffs and lyrics.
Greg: I like the song as well as the album. It's probably my fave!

Jo Rishton With 1964 The Tribute
TWIL Issue Five August 2001