The debate over the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has waged for more than half a century. At the center of the argument is the contention that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So which band is better? Maybe they’ll finally settle the debate this summer when the two legendary bands engage in an onstage throw down — a musical showdown, if you will — on July 19 at Covington’s Madison Theater, courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction, The International Rolling Stones Show.
Abbey Road Tribute Band (provided photo).
Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county’s top Beatles tribute bands. Talented musicians, donned in authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles’ career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and the bad boys of the British Invasion.
Where did the idea for the show come from?
“Music fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee,” says Chris Legrand, who plays Mick Jagger in the show.
“Now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out on stage.”
The Covington show is part of a 110-stop tour of the U.S., Australia, and Canada and has been touring since 2011. The show also performs at long-term residencies for a number of the Harrah’s Casino properties. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Satisfaction usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s.
Satisfaction, the International Rolling Stones Show (provided photo)
“They certainly have more pop songs, but we’re a really great live show. The fans are in for an incredible night of music!” says LeGrand.
During the two-hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. Outfits are custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There’s a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well.
“Without Beatlemania, the Stones might still be a cover band in London,” says Chris Overall, who plays Paul McCartney in the band.
“There’s no question that the Beatles set the standard.”
Audiences enjoys top shelf tributes to two legendary bands in the same evening.
“It’s just a fun time and a cool back-and-forth nonstop show,” says Overall.
“We’re going to bring it all. It’s going to be an evening of high-energy music,” says Legrand.
Beatles vs. Stones — A Musical Showdown performs Thursday, July 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 – $65 and may be purchased by phone at 888-428-7311, at the theater box office, or online at The Madison. The Madison Theatre is located at 730 Madison Avenue in Covington. The show is appropriate for all ages.
Madison Theatre
