Mick Jagger Archives - The Inside Press

December 7, Peekskill, NY– A large crowd of eager ladies and gentlemen gathered outside of The Paramount Theater in Peekskill, NY, patiently waiting to see a battle between tribute artists for two of the most renowned bands known to rock and roll. The heavyweight, 25-time Grammy Award winning band, The Beatles, took on the rebellious multi-million album selling band The Rolling Stones. It is safe to say both bands have their fair share of fans as they sold out nearly 1000 seats in Peekskill’s iconic musical theater venue this past weekend. From the dancing in the aisles an at your seat, it was a show that will not be forgotten anytime soon by so many attending.

The Beatles, portrayed by the cover band Abbey Road started the show, opened with the Ed Sullivan show performance from 1964. After costume changes between sets, they offered two additional acts: the Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, ’67, and the ’69 Rooftop Concert. Abbey Road really wowed the audience with the perfect renditions of the monumental performances. Personally, I thought their Sgt. Pepper costumes were perfectly executed.

The Rolling stones were portrayed by the cover band, Satisfaction. This internationally touring tribute band has performed over 3,500 times in the past 19 years. This band came off as surprisingly authentic. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are most certainly not two people who are easily impersonated. It was clear to me that this group did their homework and studied The Rolling Stones intensely. Not only did they perform the most memorable songs from The Rolling Stones but their costumes were also well thought out and almost identical to the wild fashion styles The Stones gave us at the height of their popularity. From the red scarf to the football pants, Chris LeGrand really had the moves like Jagger.

Overall it was a great show and everyone in attendance seemed to really enjoy themselves. Both bands were in the lobby afterwards actively engaging with the crowd, answering questions, sharing photo ops and selling merchandise. During the show’s one intermission I got the chance to speak with a couple of people and ask them what they thought of the show, and who they believed was winning this epic showdown. Rocco D. from Valhalla, NY said, “I love this show. I love cover bands. There is nothing better than grabbing dinner and getting out of the house and enjoying good music.”

When asked who he thought was winning the battle, he stated, “I think both bands are doing great, but I am more on The Stones side.” I also got the chance to speak with Lisa from White Plains who was sporting a white Beatles t-shirt and sitting in the front row. When asked about the show she said, “I think the show is awesome, I think both bands are doing well. I am obviously a Beatles fan but both bands are doing great.”

Hopefully both Abbey Road and Satisfaction can find their way back to Peekskill this spring or summer to perform outside, perhaps at Riverfront Green Park. I think that would be something the town would enjoy especially during one of the classic car shows held at the park.

“Beatles Chase” (l-r) shows Chris Paul Overall (“Paul”), Nate Bott (“John”), Axel Clarke (“Ringo”) and Jesse Wilder (“George”)

Chris Legrand (“Mick”), John Wade (“Billl Wyman”) and Trey Garitty (“Keith Richards”)

PHOTOS BY Michelle Fairless

PEEKSKILL, NY– 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 returns to the Paramount Theater on Saturday, December 7. The show played to a capacity audience two years ago at the Paramount Theater. The show is appropriate for all ages.

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 1960’s, 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!