Spencer and The Walrus: A Fab Night of Beatles Magic by Emily Winter

Welcome back to another blog. Today I’ve got a live show experience to share and this one is Beatles related, so I’m especially excited.

There’s something truly special about tribute bands. They bring the music you love back to life right before your eyes, carrying an energy and power that a recording can’t always capture. When done right, it feels less like imitation and more like celebration.

Rolling Stone magazine has called them “a mind blowing tribute,” and after seeing them live, I can confidently say that Spencer and The Walrus live up to the hype.

Based out of Portland, Maine, Spencer and The Walrus absolutely blew away the audience at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire on November 22. A long line of people stretched out the door waiting to get good seats, and it definitely wasn’t warm outside. Still, the excitement was undeniable.

I had heard nothing but great things about this group, so I was thrilled to finally see them for myself. I was especially excited to learn they would be performing with a horn and string section. I love the added power and depth those instruments bring, especially in a live setting.

The Band and the Build Up

Spencer and The Walrus features Spencer Albee, Andrew Hodgkins, Zach Jones, Anna Lombard, Sean Morin, and Jon Roods. Before the show even began, people were already gathering on the dance floor, buzzing with anticipation. It was clear this was going to be a Fab time.

Eventually, the lights dimmed, the band took the stage, and the crowd erupted. As soon as the music started, even more people rushed to the dance floor, singing along and dancing with friends. I couldn’t help but leave my seat and move closer to the stage.

The band delivered a fantastic mix of Beatles classics, including Cant Buy Me Love, Lady Madonna, Love Me Do, Paperback Writer, Help!, Ob La Di Ob La Da, A Day In The Life, and of course, I Am The Walrus.

They also brought plenty of humor into the show, poking fun at one another and playfully engaging with the audience. That sense of fun created a real connection between the band and the crowd and made the night feel even more special.

A Conversation With Spencer Albee

One of the highlights of the night was getting the chance to sit down with band leader Spencer Albee for a quick interview.

EW: What made you want to start Spencer and The Walrus?

SA: About 23 years ago, I was in a band and like most people starting out, there wasn’t a lot of money in it. I had a bunch of side hustles. I was booking and promoting a small club, and we needed one more really good Saturday night. I told the boss my band loved the Beatles and suggested doing a night of Beatles music. It went gangbusters. We did it again the next year, then moved to a bigger venue, and then another bigger venue. Eventually Lauren Wayne, who books the State Theatre in Portland, asked us to bring it there. We’ve been doing it at the State Theatre for over 13 years now and we’ve taken it on the road more and more each year.

EW: What would you say is your favorite part of the night?

SA: I couldn’t pull out one moment. I actually just moved my position on stage this year so I can see everyone better. My favorite thing is watching the band play great and enjoy themselves, and then looking out and seeing the audience singing along and smiling. When everyone out there is smiling, it feels like we’re honoring the material and giving people a great time.

EW: Do you have a favorite Beatles song?

SA: Next!
(laughs)

EW: Fair enough. Do you have a favorite Beatle?

SA: Not really. There’s no such thing. It’s all four of them. There’s no John without Paul, no Paul without John, George, and Ringo. We’ve been doing this a long time and if anyone was going to be sick of Beatles music, it would be us. But the more time you spend with it, the more you realize how cool they were.

Final Thoughts

I think we can all agree that The Beatles really are a very cool group. Sitting down with Spencer and talking about that shared admiration was such a treat.

Spencer and The Walrus may not wear the wigs, suits, or Beatle boots, but they take immense pride in learning every part of these songs. That dedication shines on stage through their smiles, their movement, and the pure joy they give off. It’s contagious. The audience felt it, and everyone was clearly having a wonderful time.

I’m already looking forward to seeing them again.

Thank you so much for reading. Is there a band you think I should go see, or a record I should give a listen to? Let us know in the comments below.

All the best,
Emily