10 Tribute Songs To The Beatles That Are Near Perfect

Decades after their disbandment, the Fab Four’s music continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Their influence is undeniable, echoing in countless artists who borrow riffs or capture the spirit of their sound.

But tributes to these musical giants come in all shades. Some gush with adoration, weaving fragments of their magic into new creations. Think Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen”,  a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon. Others take a more playful approach, like The Rutles’ “Hold My Hand”, a hilarious yet accurate send-up of their early work.

Despite the approach, respect for the band shines through. These aren’t mere imitations, but heartfelt nods to the music that shaped a generation. They’re testaments to the enduring power of this group, whose music continues to inspire and connect listeners even after their final act.

This list explores 10 such tributes, each a unique reflection of their lasting legacy. We’ll delve into how artists across genres have captured the magic of the Fab Four, showcasing the diverse ways their influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

10. “Mr Whirly” – The Replacements (1983)

Unlike many hardcore punk bands who vehemently rejected The Beatles’ influence, The Replacements held a grudging respect for the Fab Four. While vocalist Paul Westerberg might have called Beatlemania “phony”, the band’s love for classic rock snuck through the cracks.

On “Mr. Whirly”, Westerberg throws in a playful tribute. The song opens with a riff reminiscent of “Strawberry Fields Forever” before morphing into an “Oh Darling”-inspired ode to a mysterious Mr. Whirly. This tongue-in-cheek homage might not be the most polished Beatles cover, but for true fans, it’s a pub-worthy nod that acknowledges the band’s undeniable influence, even amidst the Replacements’ signature drunken ramblings.

9. “Hold My Hand” – The Rutles (1963)

Living legends often attract a good dose of parody, and The Beatles were no exception. Enter The Rutles, the brainchild of Monty Python’s Eric Idle, who brought a hilarious and remarkably accurate send-up of the Fab Four to the world. Their song “Hold My Hand” perfectly captured the early Beatles’ sound, complete with puppy love lyrics and frenetic energy.

This wasn’t just a cheap knock-off, though. The song brilliantly mirrored the band’s early years, and their commitment to the parody was validated by none other than George Harrison himself. Harrison not only helped with the film but even made a cameo, a testament to how Neil Innes, the song’s composer, truly understood the essence of The Beatles.

8. “Beatles and Stones” – Beady Eye (2011)

Following the dissolution of Oasis, Liam Gallagher continued his musical journey with Beady Eye. Their track “Beatles and Stones” is a clear love letter to The Fab Four. Not only does the song reference Liam’s musical heroes, but it also borrows heavily from their sound, with Liam channeling his inner John Lennon through his vocals.

“Beatles and Stones” transcends mere lip service, however. Here, Liam expresses his belief that his own legacy will endure, just like his idols from the British Invasion. He maintains a respectful tone throughout, but in true Liam Gallagher fashion, manages to transform a tribute into a self-empowering anthem.

7. “Edge of Seventeen” – Stevie Nicks (1981)

Many of Stevie Nicks’ songs have real-life inspirations veiled in metaphor. While Rumours chronicled the tumultuous relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, another song paid homage to a musical hero: John Lennon.

“Edge of Seventeen” carries a dual meaning. While the first half mourns the loss of a loved one, Nicks has also revealed the song stemmed from her reaction to Lennon’s assassination. The disco beat might not be the most traditional tribute sound, but the raw emotion shines through.  Nicks mourns the loss of a songwriting giant, wishing him peace in the afterlife. Though her songwriting style may differ, the shared experience of artistic loss resonates with any Beatles fan, making “Edge of Seventeen” a touching tribute.

6. “Heal the Pain” – George Michael (1990)

George Michael wasn’t afraid to wear his musical influences on his sleeve. From dance to R&B to straight-up rock, his music drew inspiration from various genres. “Heal the Pain”, a track on Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, is a clear homage to Paul McCartney.

The song’s structure is a love letter to classic Beatles. The chord progressions feel familiar, and the chorus mirrors “Eight Days a Week” at half tempo. This isn’t Michael’s only classic rock reference on the album – he also throws in a few bars of the Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” on another track. “Heal the Pain” showcases Michael’s mastery as a songwriter,  a student of McCartney’s craft who skillfully passes the torch to the next generation of pop fans.

5. “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” – Billy Joel (1977)

Classical music is often cited as Billy Joel’s biggest influence, but rock and even hints of Bach and Beethoven weave through his work. “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” is a clear homage to a specific Beatles song.

Clocking in at over seven minutes, Joel aimed to mirror the ambitious structure of the latter half of Abbey Road. However, instead of stitching unrelated songs together, Joel crafts a cohesive narrative. The song follows Brenda and Eddie’s journey through life, culminating in their move to a brighter future. Thematic storytelling combined with a musically adventurous spirit makes “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant” a Beatles song with a Bruce Springsteen lyrical flair.

4. “4th Time Around” – Bob Dylan (1966)

By 1963, Bob Dylan reigned supreme in the music world. While others attempted protest songs, Dylan held a mirror to everyday struggles, earning him the title “voice of his generation”. The Beatles were huge fans, but Dylan returned the favor with “4th Time Around” on Blonde on Blonde.

Dylan, noticing a shift in the Beatles’ sound that mirrored his own, playfully challenged them. He used the same guitar lick as “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)”, sparking a musical dialogue between him and John Lennon. It wasn’t malicious; more of a friendly test, ensuring the Fab Four knew who they were dealing with, musically speaking.

3. “Beatles Forever” – Electric Light Orchestra (1983)

ELO’s Jeff Lynne wasn’t shy about his Beatlemania. While some might call them derivative, their admiration was clear. “Beatles Forever” leaves no room for doubt about Lynne’s favorite band.

Lynne throws everything he has at this song, aiming for the ultimate Beatles experience. While the production might not quite reach George Martin’s heights, the sheer enthusiasm shines through. The song is a love letter with bite, peppering lyrics with Beatles song titles. It’s a full-throated tribute from a mega-fan who eventually got to collaborate with his idols.

2. “When We Was Fab” – George Harrison (1988)

Following a creative slump, George Harrison sought a collaborator who understood his music. Enter Beatle superfan Jeff Lynne, and the result was “When We Was Fab” – a joyous celebration of Harrison’s Beatles days.

The song oozes nostalgia, featuring Ringo Starr on drums and a playful music video cameo by a walrus. It’s a heartfelt tribute, a reflection on his youth through a matured lens. Gone is the cynicism Harrison sometimes harbored about the band. Here, he simply enjoys the memories, content with his accomplishments and forever grateful for the Fab Four experience.

1. “Now And Then” – The Beatles (2023)

“Now and Then” might seem like an odd choice for a tribute song on this list –  after all, it’s a Beatles song, by the Beatles. But here’s the twist: the song is considered a farewell from the surviving members to the band itself.

John Lennon’s original demo hinted at missing someone special, but Paul McCartney’s additions elevate it to a message across time. He expresses his longing for his lost bandmate and the hope to create music together again someday. “Now and Then” serves as a bittersweet goodbye, a final tribute where the remaining Beatles cherish the memories and the music they created together.