photo by Luca DePalo

by Luca DePalo, Contributing Blogger

1964 The Tribute

Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, RI

January 16, 2026

Friday night at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, Rhode Island was a night like no other. The Beatles tribute band “1964 The Tribute” performed a 30-track set of nonstop hits by the early era of one of the world’s most legendary groups.

Walking into the old timey venue, the chill of the January air faded almost instantly. The Stadium Theatre’s vintage architecture, bright marquee, and packed lobby set the tone. This wasn’t just a concert, it felt like stepping through a time portal. Fans of all ages filled the seats, from longtime Beatles diehards to younger listeners experiencing these songs live for the first time, all buzzing with the same anticipation.

photo by Luca DePalo

As the lights dimmed and the band members took their places, the transformation was complete. Late night host Ed Sullivan appeared on the screen, introducing the band just as he had decades ago during February of 1964. The familiar announcement drew cheers and laughter, through old advertisements for companies, setting the stage for what felt less like a tribute show and more like a recreation of a historic television moment.

From there, 1964 The Tribute burst into action, performing the single “I Saw Her Standing There.” Instantly, the sold out audience was captured by the sound, look, and youthful energy of The Beatles at the height of Beatlemania. Dressed in matching suits and armed with period-correct instruments, they embodied the early years of the Fab Four like no other act around.

photo by Luca DePalo

Throughout the first half of the night, the band performed iconic hits such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” the harmonica-filled “Please Please Me,” the unique “All My Loving,” and the vibrant “I Should Have Known Better.” And not only did they play the part, but they acted like the part. Each member would fool around like the young boys they once were, and crack jokes back and forth!

The Beatles just have that iconic sound… almost like blues yet rock and also a form of folk at times. And throughout every single track, every instrument sounded like you were listening to the album in the early ’60s. There are many Beatles tribute acts out there, but nobody can do it as well. 1964 The Tribute has been touring the world since 1984 and frontman Mark Benson (who played as John Lennon) can still perform at top!

And with each member having their unique talent, some surprises throughout the night included the George Harrison-fronted “Do You Want To Know a Secret,” the Ringo Starr-fronted “Boys,” and the screeching John Lennon vocals on “Twist and Shout.”

photo by Luca DePalo

Track after track flew by in a flood of hits, each one met with cheers, claps, and spontaneous sing-alongs. The crowd swayed, smiled, and sang along to every familiar lyric, proving that more than sixty years later, this music still connects generations.

After a short intermission, the band returned back onto the stage, performing “Day Tripper,” “Help,” “She Loves You,” and 20 more classic tracks!

Each song was vibrant and energetic; however, the night slowed down as Mac Ruffing (who played Paul McCartney) walked up to the front of the stage, introducing the 1965 hit “In My Life.” Right then and there, the Stadium Theatre lit up in a display of the audience’s phone lights… almost as a remembrance of John Lennon and George Harrison’s legacy. The song was definitely my favorite of the night.

By the end of the evening, the Stadium felt less like a historic venue in Woonsocket and more like a roaring 1960s concert hall, leaving the audience warmed, nostalgic, and reminded why The Beatles’ legacy continues to endure.

What a great night!

photo by Luca DePalo

Looking Ahead

1964 The Tribute has upcoming concerts scheduled in Arizona, California, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Maryland, Ohio, and Tennessee. See the “Shows” page of the band’s website for dates, locations, and ticket links for those shows and others, as they’re added.