They might seem like an unlikely crew, a chemistry professor, a student and a drum instructor, but one thing — their appreciation of the Beatles’ music — brings them together.
Collectively, they formed a Beatles tribute band called The Threetles. They will perform at High Dive, located at 210 SW Second Ave. in downtown Gainesville, on Friday. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m.
The tribute trio consists of Chuck Martin, a UF chemistry professor, on vocals, Ben Rophie, a 22-year-old UF graduate applicant, on bass and harmony vocals and Larry Thompson, a drum instructor at Academy of Music and Art & Gainesville Guitar Academy, on drums.
Martin, known as the “Colonel” to his students, said performing as a trio provides a unique challenge when executing songs originally performed by the famous quartet.
“A lot of people will tell you you couldn’t do it as a trio,” he said. “How you pull off The Beatles without that fourth guitar or without that fourth keyboard. So we work real hard at that.”
Martin’s favorite track to perform is “Blackbird,” the folk hit from “White Album.” He recognizes and appreciates the difficulty in mastering the quiet song.
While most songs on guitar are played with a pick, “Blackbird” is a fingerpicking song, meaning a guitar pick is not used, Martin said. He practices the song daily.
“You have to not only have the skill to play it, but you have to play it from the heart as well,” he said.
The trio spends a significant amount of time rehearsing to ensure they are doing justice to the Beatles’ music.
“You don’t want to go out and play the Beatles and be crappy,” Martin said. “You go out there and stink it up, and it’s going to really offend people.”
The Beatles musical style has the ability to transcend time and appeal to all generations, Martin said. People from all ages — college kids to 60-year-olds — all know and love the Beatles.
“I’ve played in bands my whole life; I’ve played all kinds of music; I’ve released six albums of my own, but nothing makes the impact on people like the Beatles music does,” he said. “It’s really quite remarkable.”
In fact, the dynamic of The Threetles alone is a testament to the music’s timelessness. Rophie said despite the age difference, they all have a close relationship and similar love for music.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Beatle, and I think this is the closest I’ll ever get,” Rophie said.
Martin said the success of the Beatles’ music is homage to the heartfelt songwriting.
“What brings people to it is the quality of the music, the catchy melodies, the heartfelt lyrics, the clever song structure,” he said. “Each generation listens to it and appreciates it for just the amazing high quality music that it is.”
It’s rare, he noted, that music of any genre can survive multiple decades.
“We really look forward to the people showing up and singing along,” he said. “It’s like a big love fest.”
For this show, High Dive is offering couples two-for-one door admission as a Valentine’s Day special. Tickets are $6 in advance, and $8 the day of the show. They can be purchased online at Ticketfly.com or at the door.
“The Beatles are one of the most universally loved bands of all time, so it makes for a great date night,” said Pat Lavery, a High Dive promoter.
