What do the cities Kent (Ohio), Detroit (Michigan), and Newport (RI) have in common? Seemingly nothing you would probably say. You have a middle of American manufacturing city made famous by a song about the Kent State shootings, a world renowned city known for building some of the best automobiles, and a city most associated with mansions, tennis, and yachts. However, there was one common thread that brought these and thousands of other cities across the world together: The Beatles. For roughly five decades, the Beatles have captured the attention of music fans worldwide, and their impact is still being felt over 40 years after their historic breakup in 1970.
Centreville Bank, The North Kingstown Arts Council, and The I.C.E. Agency are proud to present Abbey Rhode, Tuesday July 22nd. Abbey Rhode is an experienced collaboration of musicians who pay tribute to the greatest rock and roll band, The Beatles. I recently caught up with Ray (Kent, OH), John (Newport, RI), Mike (Detroit, MI), and Kevin (Newport, RI) at an outdoor event in Newport.
“Good morning guys, who are the band members and what do you play?”
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Ray Davis - Bass guitar, some vocals
Kevin Sullivan - Guitar, vocals
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John Flanders - Guitar, vocals
Mike Jackson - Drums
“Is this your typical lineup?”
Yes, it is.
“How long have you been playing together?”
10 years with the majority of the guys. Mike joined us 5 years ago and we are thrilled he is with us.
“Other than the obvious, how did the band name come about?”
Well, I had a keyboard friend in Rochester, NY. He sort of came up with it based on the Rhode Island connection. It just sort of stuck from there. Abbey Road happens to be one of the most incredible albums I’ve ever heard. So Abbey Rhode was just fitting, we got to pay homage to our great state and the album.
“Who are your influences?”
Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Motown, garage bands of the 1950’s and 60’s, British invasion type bands, Vanilla Fudge, The Mothers of Invention, and of course John, Paul, Ringo, and George. Mix in some blues and jazz and that about covers great music.
“Who are some artists you are listening to these days?”
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Robben Ford. I really like Lake Street Dive, they are a jazz and soul band that plays around here from time to time. You should check them out, they are really good.
“So what is it about the Beatles that makes them so relevant even 40 years after they recorded their last album?”
It was the songwriting, the fashion. The harmonies, the music. These guys were musicians who pushed themselves. They experimented in life, music, relationships and you can see it in the progression of them as artists and in their music. The Beatles music is long lasting. I see kids 5 and 6 years old at our shows who know every word to every song we sing. That’s an impressive sight to see let me tell you.
“Ok so when did you first experience the Beatles and what was that experience like?”
Ray - For me, I’m old enough to say “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Yes, I watched it live along with the rest of America at that time.
Mike - I was learning to play the drums and my drum teacher handed me the “Help” album and said to learn it, know it, feel it. I played that album until the needle bore a groove into the vinyl. Needless to say, I was hooked from there on.
“What are some of your favorite Beatles moments or albums?”
‘A Hard Day’s Night’, that is the movie that showed you just what Beatlemania was all about. Rubber Soul, The White Album, St. Pepper’s, these weren’t just albums, they were events. When these albums were released, the hype and hysteria that ensued was palpable. People were captivated by this band and it consumed a generation of music fans.
“John, in your bio, you mention you use equipment that produces an authentic Beatles sound. Can you explain this to our audience?”
I use Vox amps, Gretsch and Rickenbacker guitars. If you look at the photos of the band, listen to the records, they are using the same amps and the same guitars. I may use one guitar say for the song “Help” and another for “All My Lovin’ because that is the exact sound I am looking to recreate. You can play them on your standard type guitars, yes. But do get the true sounds of George Harrison and John Lennon and the Beatles sound, these amps and guitars are the way to go. And don’t forget the look and style of these instruments. It’s these musical instruments that make these songs come out sounding authentic.
“So, where can we catch Abbey Rhode?”
We play mostly in RI with some gigs in CT and NY and MA. We play most if not all of our shows in the afternoons, festivals, etc. We always update our website with new gigs. www.abbeyrhode.com
“Is this your first year playing the Tuesday Night Music Series?”
Nope, we’ve played it a few times. We missed out last year but are looking forward to being back in Wickford this year.
“What does it mean to be playing the Tuesday Night Music Series?”
It’s such a great event. Lou is such a great guy and always treats the bands so well. The crowd is awesome, we love playing for a great audience.
Come see Abbey Rhode, the ultimate Beatles tribute band live in Wickford, Tuesday July 22nd. For more information on Abbey Rhode as well as the other bands in this great event series, visit the official website at www.wickfordmusicseries.com.
If there is a change in venues due to weather, check out the music series website after 12 noon on Tuesdays.
