They scream, they sing, they dance in the aisles. These college students weren't even born when the Beatles took to the
stage, but their reactions are the reason 1964 The Tribute is once again Campus Activities' award winner for Best Music
Act-Large Venue. These four men recapture the magic that the four from Liverpool did over 30 years ago. 1964-The Tribute consists of Gary Grimes as Paul, Mark Benson as John, Jimmy Pou as George and Greg George as
Ringo. Close your eyes and it's the year 1964 again. No, don't. The whole effect will leave you speechless. They not only
sound like the Beatles, down to the accents they use between songs, but they have a remarkable resemblance to them as
well. The clothes, the hair, the mannerisms, all the identical instruments-everything adds to the authenticity. Mark even chews
gum during the performance, and Gary plays left-handed (he is typically right-handed.) What more could you ask for? They
have everything, except use of the Beatle name.
They explain that in 1994 they had the final (they hope) hashing out with Apple Corps, Ltd. and can continue to portray
likenesses of the Beatles. The court decided, however, that they cannot use those likenesses, nor the specific name, in their
promotion or their act. Apple fought them for years until that decision was made, never realizing that new fans of 1964 were
really fans of the Beatles and were buying the real Beatles' albums. They could not make the connection, they just wanted it
stopped. But stop it they couldn't, and 1964 continues to sell out date after date.
The show certainly has a broad appeal. Mark Benson states that some of the first dates they played were on Parents'
Weekends. "That really set it in motion. I wasn't thinking that it would be such a great show for both students and
parents...this was the perfect go-between."
The parents know it's not an offensive show, because they know the music. Almost all the songs are love songs, and as
Mark explains, "There's some type of guided vibe about this music. It's all about love, the songs, the messages. It's innocent
in many ways. That force, that vibe, all decisions that are made within the framework of love, lead people in a forward
direction rather than a confusing, fearful one. We want to try to encourage people to think more about that."
These boys began their journey in the college market in 1984, but their roots take them back even further. All from
Akron, Ohio, they were musicians in high school. As Mark tells it, "Being in the same town, you knew what guys were in
what band." He and Gary Grimes played together, while the other two original members were in their own band together.
They all loved the Beatles' music and were looking for a different kind of act to do. The four eventually hooked up with Mark
Hellman who already handled several "tribute bands." When Hellman started his own agency, Group H, 1964 went with
him. Jimmy Pou joined them as George after a stint in Beatlemania.
"We weren't thinking about a full time thing," Mark says. "Two or three times a month just for something to do. Now
we're doing 15-20 shows a month. We (originally) didn't think it would have that type of impact on the college market."
The travel is hard, however, and Mark confesses that the biggest challenge is sleep. Typically, after a show, he doesn't get
wound down until one or two in the morning and then it's off again, early, to another destination.
Mark says 1964 is planning an A to Z Beatles show that is more of a tribute to the music instead of the impersonation.
They hope to hook up with local charities to give something back to the community. "If we can leave something in that town
and it can stay in that town like through one of these (charity) organizations, then that's great," he says.
They seem to be playing for a higher purpose. It's not just about the money for these guys. They are your award winners
for a reason. Says Mark, humbly, "Look at the history of 1964 and the awards we've gotten-not because we're trying to get
awards, but you go in and impact people in a positive way. The choices you make are with love as a sponsoring thought."
"When you're doing what your heart says you should be doing, the rest of it will come," Mark concludes. It has certainly
come to 1964 Their hearts say that this music filled with love must be shared. They are thankful they can be the ones to do it.
For information on 1964-The Tribute Call Mark Hellman at Group H (803) 842-4464.