Jumping Jack Flash (tribute band)
Southern California Rolling Stones tribute band founded in 2005.
Jumping Jack Flash, a Rolling Stones tribute act, calls Southern California home. It was started in 2005 by Young Hutchison, who performs as Keith Richards. The group has toured across the U.S. and abroad.
The first lineup included Hutchison, Pat Hennessy (as Brian Jones and Ronnie Wood), Gary Roach (as Charlie Watts), John Burton (as Bill Wyman), and Mike Adams (as Mick Jagger). Their debut show was in January 2005 at the now-shuttered Freighthouse Saloon in San Juan Capistrano, California. Soon after, they landed a regular gig at The Renaissance (later renamed Stillwater Spirits & Sounds) in Dana Point, California, where they refined their appearance, sound, and following. Todd Loweth later replaced Adams as the band’s Mick Jagger.
On July 28, 2011, Jumping Jack Flash joined forces with Beatles tribute The Fab Four for a show called “Beatles vs. Stones” at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California. That concept evolved into “Beatles vs. Stones: The Greatest Show that Never Was!”, a touring North American production featuring Jumping Jack Flash as the Stones and Sgt. Pepper as the Beatles.
After singer Todd Loweth died in the summer of 2012, Joey Infante (known as “Joey Jagger”) took over the role of Mick Jagger. Infante, a former bassist turned lead vocalist, had played with several bands, including the 80s rock group Roxanne, which reached #63 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a cover of “Play That Funky Music.”
In early 2014, Gary Roach and John Burton left due to musical differences. Los Angeles drummer Jon McCracken stepped in as Charlie Watts, and bassist/guitarist Matt Quilter—whose brother Pat co-founded QSC and Quilter Labs—took over as Bill Wyman. Original member Pat Hennessy reduced his full-time involvement in 2018 because of health issues. Currently, guitarist David Williams performs as Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood.
Over the last ten years, Jumping Jack Flash has headlined larger, iconic venues such as the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nevada; the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Canada; and the Avalon Hollywood Theater, where the actual Rolling Stones made their first U.S. television appearance on *The Hollywood Palace* in 1964.
The band still performs regularly in and outside the U.S. In addition to their Rolling Stones set, they offer the “Beatles vs.
- Field
- Music (tribute band)
- Nationality
- American (Southern California)
- Known for
- Rolling Stones tribute performances, Beatles vs. Stones shows
- Founded
- 2005
- Founder
- Young Hutchison
Lore & Background
Jumping Jack Flash was founded in 2005 by Young Hutchison, who performs as Keith Richards. The band’s early lineup included Pat Hennessy as Brian Jones and Ronnie Wood, Gary Roach as Charlie Watts, John Burton as Bill Wyman, and Mike Adams as Mick Jagger. Their first performance took place in January 2005 at the now-closed Freighthouse Saloon in San Juan Capistrano, California. They soon gained a residency at The Renaissance (now Stillwater Spirits & Sounds) in Dana Point, California, where they developed their look, sound, and fan base. Todd Loweth eventually replaced Adams as Mick Jagger.
On July 28, 2011, Jumping Jack Flash teamed up with Beatles tribute The Fab Four to perform the original Beatles vs. Stones show at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa, California. This show continues to tour North America as “Beatles vs. Stones: The Greatest Show that Never Was!” with Jumping Jack Flash as The Rolling Stones and Sgt. Pepper as The Beatles. In the summer of 2012, after singer Todd Loweth died, the role of Mick Jagger was filled by Joey Infante (aka “Joey Jagger”), a career bassist turned lead singer who had performed with the 80s rock band Roxanne.
Gary Roach and John Burton left the band in early 2014 due to musical differences, and were replaced by drummer Jon McCracken and bassist/guitarist Matt Quilter. Original member Pat Hennessy stepped back from full-time performing in 2018 due to health problems. Today, guitarist David Williams performs as Mick Taylor and Ronnie Wood. In the past decade, the band has headlined larger venues including the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nevada, the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Canada, and the Avalon Hollywood Theater.
Reader's Guide
Jumping Jack Flash has sustained a decades-long career as a Rolling Stones tribute band, evolving through lineup changes while maintaining a consistent presence in Southern California and beyond. Their significance lies in their role in the tribute band circuit, particularly through their collaboration with Beatles tribute acts to produce the Beatles vs. Stones shows, which have toured North America. The band’s ability to adapt after the death of a lead singer and other departures demonstrates the resilience common in tribute acts. Their performances at venues where the real Rolling Stones once played, such as the Avalon Hollywood Theater, add a layer of historical resonance. The band also performs a Rod Stewart tribute show called Stones & Stewart featuring Martin Andrew as Rod Stewart, and another Beatles and Stones show called “Beatles vs. Stones: a Musical Showdown” featuring Beatles tribute Abbey Road. Their legacy is tied to keeping the music and stage presence of the Rolling Stones accessible to audiences who may never see the original band.
Did You Know?
- Jumping Jack Flash was founded in 2005 by Keith Richards impersonator Young Hutchison.
- After singer Todd Loweth died in summer 2012, Joey Infante (aka 'Joey Jagger') took over as Mick Jagger; Infante had been a bassist for the 80s band Roxanne, which reached #63 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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