For decades, the battle has raged: Beatles or Stones? Through their heyday, fans accused London’s Rolling Stones of stealing ideas — even entire albums – from their Liverpool counterparts. At the same time, the Beatles secretly envied the Stones’ “bad boy” image and attitude, often copying their style. Both bands are unmistakably great, scoring an array of hits that changed musical history, but only one can be the best. The most infamous rivalry in rock and roll never played out in a public arena until now as Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to Uptown Theater on Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 pm.
The venue has full COVID protocols and socially distanced seating in place. Patrons are required to wear masks. Full COVID Protocols are listed below.
Will the Stones be yelling for “Help” to fight the songwriting prowess of Lennon/McCartney? Or will the Beatles cry “Gimme Shelter” from the relentless sonic barrage of Jagger/Richards classics?
While fierce competition fueled the creative output of both bands during the 1960s, the tension between the tribute performers is equally palpable.
“The Beatles cornered the rock market on cute suits and fluffy hairdos, but then they stood still on stage and modeled them,” that according to Chris LeGrand, who plays a dead ringer for Mick Jagger in both swagger and ability.
“The Stones rocked the stage and worked as hard as the bluesmen they modeled their stage show after, generating the smoldering sexuality that came to be a hallmark of great rock-n-roll acts. The Beatles? Well, they were cute! The Stones were the original punks, outsiders at best. Beatles took tea with the bloody Queen–how rock-n-roll is that?!”
As for the Beatle response? “We got our Sgt. Pepper jackets made a little long so the Stones would have no problem riding our coattails!” Mocks drummer Axel Clarke as Ringo. “That Mick Jagger sure can move! It’s a shame he has to work twice as hard to be half as good!”
Would you let your daughter marry a Rolling Stone, or your son come home with a Beatle haircut? This ultimate battle of the bands pits the mop tops against the bad boys. London against Liverpool. Guitars will weep and dice will tumble, and in the end, when the whip comes down, only one band shall emerge victorious. Whoever wins, the audience is sure to be dazzled by an “electrifying show” (O.C Register), with fantastic music, iconic wardrobe, and spot-on performances down to the onstage banter missed notes, and flubs heard on the original records.
Members of both nationally touring tribute bands, Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show, have taken great care to recreate the experience of seeing these incredible bands live so as to please casual fans and purists alike. That ‘All You Need is Love’ spirit appears to be lost on Messrs. Legrand and Clarke, who continue trading barbs. “The Beatles wrote Let It Be, but the Stones countered with Let It Bleed!” snarls Chris.
“Listen, mate,” counters Axel. “The song John and Paul gave to the Stones (‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ in 1963) was one they let Ringo sing…that says it all!” Ouch.
Beatles or Stones? You decide!
Calendar: The two greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all time face off as the Uptown Theater hosts tributes to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Renowned tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction – The International Rolling Stones Show engage in a musical showdown of the hits. Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to Uptown Theater on Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35 – $55 and may be purchased by phone at (972) 237-8786, at the Theatre Box Office, or online at www.UptownTheaterGP.com. The Uptown Theater is located at 120 E Main Street Grand Prairie, Texas 75050. The venue has full COVID protocols and socially distanced seating in place. Patrons are required to wear masks. The show is appropriate for all ages.
And here is the Uptown Theater’s COVID policy for shows:
- Masks will be required upon entering the building and we ask that you continue to wear masks while viewing the show. We will have a limited amount of masks to provide for those without one.
- The Uptown’s front doors will open up at 7:00pm and the house doors will be open so you can head straight to your seat.
- Temperatures will be checked upon entry.
- Seating will be altered to match the current guidelines set by the CDC, State of Texas, Dallas County and City of Grand Prairie. This includes no groups more than 10 sitting together and spacing groups out by 2 seats.
- Concessions will not be sold and our water fountains will not be open. We will be providing complementary water, but if you wish to bring your own water that is okay. Also, there won’t be an intermission to reduce large groups in the lobby.
