Downey Theatre to host Beatles vs. Stones tribute show

DOWNEY -- The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 52 years ago.

The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who’s better?

These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down on Saturday, Feb. 6, at 7:30 pm at the Downey Civic Theatre courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Jumping Jack Flash.

Tickets are regularly $35-$55 but a 20% discount is available through Jan. 22 by using promo code "Fab4".

Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county's top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles' career.

They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion.

Where did the idea for the show come from?

“Music fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee,” said Young Hutchison, who plays “Keith Richards” in the show. “Now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out on stage.”

The Downey show is part of a 125-stop tour of the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada and has been touring since 2011.The show also performs long-term residencies for a number of Harrah’s Casino properties. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Jumping Jack Flash usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s.

“They may have more pop songs, but we kill it on the live show. They’re not even in the same league,” said Joey Infante, who performs as Jagger.

During the two-hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles and Stones wore onstage during different time periods in their careers.

There’s a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well.

“Without Beatlemania, the Stones might still be a cover band in London,” said Chris Overall, who plays "Paul". “There’s no question that the Beatles set the standard.”

Tickets can be purchased online at downeytheatre.com, in person at the theater box office, or by calling (562) 861-8211. The show is appropriate for all ages.