American Music Honors 2025 concert featuring Marc Ribler, Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne - photo by Danny Clinch
(DEAL, NJ) -- As a tribute to Sir Paul McCartney's upcoming 84th birthday in June, Jersey Shore musician Marc Ribler has put together an all-star lineup to perform "When I'm 84" at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, 2026.
"It occurred to me that Paul was going to be 84, and he was 24 when he wrote "When I'm 64," said Ribler, a singer/songwriter/musician who is music director for Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Darlene Love and the Bruce Springsteen Archives.
The Lennon-McCartney hit, "When I'm 64" will be one of nearly 30 songs the band will perform in McCartney's honor. Paul wrote the melody when he was 14 and at 24, John Lennon helped him write the lyrics and complete the song. The tribute will cover songs from the Beatles to Wings, Paul's solo years and all points in between.
"The body of work is so immense," said Ribler. "There are so many amazing hits to choose from. I'm a very nostalgic person, especially when it comes to music. I planned this show to help eternalize one of the masters. It's a high honor to share these songs with audiences who treasure the music as much as we do."
Like most baby boomers, Ribler grew up listening to the music of the Beatles. He recalls sitting on the couch with his family watching the band perform on the Ed Sullivan Show, later buying his first Beatles album, "Let It Be," and eventually becoming a musician in his own right. Still, he never imagined he would one day perform with the Beatles legend.
"I remember buying my first Beatles record and later learning to play the music," said Ribler, who has recorded and performed with Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Smokey Robinson and many others. "Then to one day be on stage with one of my heroes – it was magical."
In 2016, Ribler recorded Van Zandt's album, Soul Fire and after an American tour, they took the tour to the United Kingdom. Since the band members knew they would be performing a show at the Cavern Club – the Liverpool venue where the Beatles' musical identity was forged – they decided to rehearse some of the Fab Four's songs on the tour bus.
"Stevie said there was a good chance Paul McCartney would be at our show at the Roundhouse in London," said Ribler.
They rehearsed "I Saw Her Standing There" and "Got to Get You into My Life." McCartney confirmed his attendance but said he would just watch from the audience. During the show, however, he decided he wanted to join in.
"We didn't know this was going to happen," said Ribler. "We announced him as a special guest during our encore. We played "I Saw Her Standing There" and halfway through the guitar solo, Paul points to me to finish it. I felt like I was done – I was anointed by the king! It was surreal."
For the upcoming tribute, Ribler has put together a who's who of New Jersey and New York's best, including Andy Burton on keyboards; Muddy Shews on bass; Dave Moore on drums; Paul Geiger on sax and flute; John Martin on sax and trumpet and Mike McKernan on guitar.
"These guys all grew up with the music, so they connect with it on a deep and personal level," said Ribler.
Tickets for "When I'm 84" are $64 and $74 and are available for purchase online. Axelrod Performing Arts Center is located at 100 Grant Avenue in Deal, New Jersey.
