The Beatles are regarded as one of the greatest bands in history. Their unmatched songwriting partnership of John Lennon and Paul McCartney was complemented by Ringo Starr’s composition skills and George Harrison’s unique sensibilities. Their prolific output has inspired no shortage of tributes, reinterpretations, and covers.
There are bands that specialize in playing only Beatles music (Count Basie’s Beatle Bag, the Smithereens’ B-Sides the Beatles), and there are those who dedicate a career to recreating the Beatles’best beatles cover band sound and style in concert (Beatallica, Yellow Matter Custard). And then there are the groups that cover just a few songs while adding their own twists.
Whether you prefer to slam it on an electric guitar, add a gospel choir, or give it a reggae vibe, these bands have nailed the spirit of the Beatles. Some of these bands are based in the US but others hail from other parts of the world.
It’s no surprise that the Beatles would inspire a lot of great covers, especially because the band loved Memphis’ Stax Records, which featured artists like Otis Redding and Sam & Dave. The song “Day Tripper” seemed like a perfect fit for Redding’s soulful vocal styling, and his version with Booker T & the MGs is definitely one of the best.
Former Bangles singer Susanna Hoffs added her own sexy, paisley ’60s flair to the Lennon-penned “Yellow Submarine.” She kept the call-and-response chorus intact while almost verging on hair metal with her vocal delivery.
Keely Smith was no stranger to interpreting the Beatles, and she put her own velvety big band spin on this underrated song. She managed to make this dark, moody ballad a dancefloor hit without sacrificing its integrity.
This band from the UK is renowned for its attention to detail. They use authentic instruments, costumes and a set list that includes many of the Beatles’ biggest hits. They also have a lot of fun with their audience and are great to watch.
If you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll want to check out this Beatles tribute band in Orlando. They perform a full concert at Disney’s EPCOT and have been the band of choice for companies such as Microsoft, AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and more.
The Return’s impeccable costumes, accents and antics make them the perfect Liverpool tribute act. They can even do a full show with just four members! Their reenactment of the four lads’ infamous personas is utterly captivating. They’re sure to bring a smile to the face of every Beatles fan. Check out their website to find out more about this amazing tribute band.