Los Lobos - Tomorrow Never Knows (A Beatles Songbook, 1993)

A spectacular rendition of this Beatles classic.
Taken from the PBS Special "In The Spotlight: A Beatles Songbook" tv show, aired May 5th 1993.
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS OF THIS VIDEO

[@guitarist3813]

The mere fact that any band would even ATTEMPT to cover this Lennon classic, much less pull it off, is beyond admirable and worthy of respect.

[@humpys3947]

It certainly is the best stage cover of this song i have ever heard. Hidalgo's guitar performance is amazing and is a big part of them nailing this song. Not many bands would or could pull it off. When Lennon wrote this song it was only ever intended to be a studio recording and I don't know if they ever did perform it on stage. Likely not given all the different tracks in the recording with the limited technology at the time it would have be hard if not impossible to replicate on stage,

[@flapjackson6077]

My thoughts exactly! Lmao! Well stated!

[@mklsgl]

@@humpys3947 The Grateful Dead covered it dozens of times between 1992 and 1995

[@javiermartin9410]

@@mklsgl he isn’t saying this is the only stage cover for this song. He is sur stating it is the best one according to his own opinion. And I agree a 100%. Oasis and grateful death performed mediocre versions of it.

[@mrtv777]

@@javiermartin9410 Truly agree. I believe Los Lobos can pretty much play any genre of music. Musician extraordinaires indeed.

[@deanzadana2578]

NO question, the finest cover of one of the most difficult Beatles songs to cover.

[@delfinoyasociadosdiv.psico6788]

sin duda...

[@phillipschuman4307]

I've collected cover versions of this song for a while. I probably have 20+. So many different ways they play it. This is one of or the best cover version, I agree.

[@nanupin8467]

This song comes from a future that don't exist yet Beatles, forever... Greetings, from Buenos Aires

[@tacosnachosburritos]

David Hidalgo is one of the most underrated guitarists out there. I never see him ranked with the great guitarists.

[@stuartshire]

Totally agree - phenomenal

[@bruceh1922]

He's also an incredibly nice guy, as are the whole band. I've had privilege of hanging out with them a couple times

[@jadnyc]

I didn't know! But now I do -- ALL THE CLAPS

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

He’s been one of my favorite guitarists for decades now

[@tacosnachosburritos]

@@BaconTomatoCheese Ditto.

[@williamecaraway5085]

Yes I remember when REVOLVER LP was released we all played it over and over

[@bigtexmacgonigle444]

Hidalgo's sweet gold top Gibson shredding the sonic universe in a way rartely seen since the heyday of Jimi H.!!! Absolutely love this version of the Beatles' classic!

[@flapjackson6077]

Wow, what a strange song to hear a cover of. And Los Lobos had the balls to do it! Love it!

[@juanpabloaraujoarraga9398]

I always want to hear a cover of this song

[@Spartanm333]

Phil Collins did it previously - on his album Face Value. His nod to a great drummer and the band that he grew up with. He acted in one of the Beatles movies as a kid, 'Help' I think. Started off as an actor in his mums theatre school but loved Ringo and the drums more :)

[@flapjackson6077]

@@Spartanm333 That’s interesting! I’ll check it out. 🤙

[@JeanCuillerier]

IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BALLS ...THE BAND WAS JUST INSPIRED BY SOMETHING LARGER THEN LIFE...YA IMITATE...AND BLA BLA BLA...WHO DID IT...BOW DOWN BEFORE THE REAL GODS

[@abelmontalvo4052]

Nothing strange about this song

[@matthewbrandon931]

Once again Los Lobos surprises with their legitimacy in music. Truly rendered an impossible song.

[@patsycline70]

it takes gonads to even attempt this song and these guys nailed it. Guitar Solo, wow

[@ZavnorZ]

+Patty Becker I concur, REAL balls. Todd Rundgren did it, too. Great job.

[@motnosniv]

+ZavnorZ I'm a big Todd fan. When did he ever cover TNK?

[@daveshultz3718]

You got that right Patty! I'd never even heard the Beatles version till a couple days ago then I surfed and found this. Damn!! AWESOME!!

[@johnleeson6946]

This the “Third rail” of music... You’d better nail it or get out of town.

[@finnsterling6514]

And what's even cooler is that they didn't try to sound like The Beatles; they made it their own and it really is impressive.

[@NurseKathi]

Lead guitarist on fire! May be the best Beatles cover ever!

[@robertgosselin14]

When one stops and really thinks about it, Ringo came up with a pretty incredible drum accompaniment for this song. It took some thinking and imagination & it fits perfectly. Kudos Ringo, you were a great "song" drummer and much under appreciated. Peace & Love.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

And it took two drummers to reproduce it live.

[@chuckt4558]

I think Ringo's drumming makes this song, honestly.

[@jerryeberts]

There is much more to the percussion in TNK than Ringo’s drum set. There is backwards drums, tape loops, multi tracks of drums. I love Ringo, but the original song is pure studio work.

[@pr10s]

Perfect example of Ringo's contribution to the band/song as a whole. Notice all the peeps who "shout out" Ringo are generally drummers! Just sayin'

[@finnsterling6514]

Ringo deserves a great deal of credit for the overall Beatles' sound period. There are a couple tunes where Paul plays the drums ("Back in the U.S.S.R.", "The Ballad of John and Yoko") and you can just tell it's not Ringo playing. If you want to hear how creative he was as a drummer, listen to "In My Life." Perfect beat for that song that no other drummer could've created. (He is also left-handed playing on a right-handed drum set, which might have helped with his creativity.)

[@ursafan40]

I don't know why Los Lobos is never in the conversation for "Best Band in America".

[@leolorona4606]

Not arguing with you, but often get that in conversations I've been in!! Great band.

[@koho]

The certainly were in that conversation in the 90's.

[@higherpower77]

Amerikkka....

[@abelmontalvo4052]

Probably cuz of their Spanish name Los Lobos

[@dmmesa]

​@@higherpower77 I say it's more MTV's fault.

[@brainscott8198]

I love this rendition!!! So do my neighbors....😄😄😄😄😄

[@darrinbaker00]

Most People: “Nobody can do this song live.” Los Lobos: “Sostener nuestras cervezas.”

[@fawful94]

*sostengan

[@LarryStang]

Yeah right!

[@Jonny-Saurus-Wrecks]

Amazing. Thank you, Los Lobos.

[@kzinful]

I remember watching this program when it aired and this stunning rendition. When one considers that this song was created in the studio and never played 'live' only exemplifies further the brilliance that is Los Lobos And yes, the wolf will survive... Peace

[@jimciriful]

Los Lobos needs to be in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame!!! Wait a second are they in?

[@Spartanm333]

Phil Collins performed his version live also.

[@josephnelson2591]

Not just never played live but never considered playable live. A fine "hold my beer" moment from an awesome band.

[@greva2904]

No other drummer in the history of rock could ever have created the drum pattern for this song. Only Ringo could have created it. Talent and imagination beats technical ability every time. That’s why Ringo is a genius. And massive respect to Los Lobos for even daring to try playing this song live, never mind actually pulling it off.

[@Spartanm333]

I've said the same thing for the last 20 years - 4 genius in that band, George having 2 of his songs in most Top 5 Beatles tracks of all time lists (Something and While My Guitar gently Weeps). And Wah Wah written with Eric Clapton the same day they wrote Badge for The Cream together, and later 7 songs in 7 days with Bob Dylan in his kitchen for the Wilbury's - George was also a boss, like Ringo. Wah Wah of course a comment on his dismissal as a side player in the band. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3_Jc3eko7-sq9E George Martin said it too 'In any other band, George and Ringo would have been viewed as superstars, unfortunately they were stood next to Lennon and McCartney" However, as we know, they both made it solo post Beatles and bless them for it.

[@allanjones1680]

WHY IS THIS BAND NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME?????

[@humpys3947]

Just the fact that they could do this song on stage and do it justice should have gotten them there.

[@jeffrobell8751]

What huge balls you must have to try this,but they did it with style, bravo gentlemen bravo , I am impressed,thank you for that

[@DavidBrocklebank]

I never grow tired of listening to this masterful Beatles cover, if you wanna know how to do it, ask Los Lobos, xx❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@russellpoblano884]

Fantastic version by my homies from East Los ! Proud of you, Raza !

[@dr123hall]

Percussion A+, Hildago wandering psychedelic strings, and man, Perfect “Lennon-esque” Vocals! What a tribute rendition !!

[@outoftheirskulls5676]

This is probably one of the few bands if not the only band that could pull this song off. Let alone live.

[@Hansprivate]

I'm not a fan of Beatles covers but Los Lobos totally nailed this! BRAVO!!!

[@zanichbug]

Try the cover of A Day In The Life by Jeff Beck... from Live at Ronnie Scott's..... Also the 801 cover of this song (TNK).

[@susanwagersfarzalo8260]

Los Lobos, best underrated band in the US!!❤

[@bckm54]

This is the kind of song I could listen to for 25 minutes straight...

[@dalnat]

25 minutes? How about 50? www.mixcloud.com/andrewowenliles/50-minutes-of-tomorrow-never-knows-by-the-beatles-for-50-years/

[@duchess5218]

bckm54 probably because it’s repetitive

[@bms1927]

That was awesome Los Lobos were amazing musicians

[@Sysiphistication]

Best non-Beatles version of this I ever heard! I wouldn't have thought it was even possible to recreate on stage. Amazing.

[@Timothyojohnson]

Sysiphistication . You can perform this song live if you don't use the tape loops the Beatles did. They had to manually turn the tapes and push up and down on the volume faders. The sound of seagulls was Paul McCartney laughing speed up . And the trumpets were guitars sped up and reversed.

[@deus_ZOD]

Check out junior parker's version !

[@SKYSAW59]

@@deus_ZOD 801 is definitive version.

[@stephantelm4922]

Garaj Mahal has also covered it

[@samschmuck2290]

@@Timothyojohnson what’s your point?

[@thhomasmarks]

YES! YES! YES! YOU'RE HITTING THAT BEATLE SPOT!!!

[@imranshah1055]

Thank you Los Lobos! Amazing performance!

[@bigtexmacgonigle444]

David Hidalgo...is a guitar god!!!! His bombastic, soaring dive bombs lay waste to my ears...and I'm loving it!!!

[@steveeschweiler8603]

Damn. All new respect for Los Lobos.

[@bigtrain2445]

I cannot love this any deeper. Please play it at my memorial.

[@dougpeters1625]

Total respect for Los Lobos!

[@pdqlm]

These boys can do amazing things with just a few instruments. What incredible talent! With their Hispanic flare, they own it! The Beatles would be proud.

[@Villista619]

pdqlm I think they would be proud too

[@robertbrown7896]

Si

[@paulsholar9356]

Three Beatles were alive in 1993.

[@frankhoward4485]

Huge stones to kill a song on stage that the Beatles said they couldn't perform live. Respect to Los Lobos.

[@Beemerboy324]

Nobody but the Beatles can play this song well. Nobody can play this song credibly live. Well...two more suppositions shot to hell. NICE job, guys!

[@dtowndonnieb1]

It took a minute.But you are right.I have been playing forever and opened up for many great bands.I have listened to the Beatles forever.We are doing a reunion in Greenville,Mississippi September 6,2014 with our band Candy Shoestring(don't let the name fool you)and I want to do the Los Lobos version.They nailed it.

[@guitaroable]

I'm a huge Beatles fan and play about 30 Beatles songs . That said, I think E,W&Fire did as good a job on Got To Get You Into My Life as the Fab Four . Check it out ! Wow ! that guitar riff they scatted over is one of the all time great guitar riffs .

[@crewchieft6]

Maybe so but its a very nice version

[@dennismosercreativearts]

Guess you never heard of 801, eh? (Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, et alia)

[@TrippyWeekender]

Phil Collins does an admirable job on this song. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4Kmm3yQgNekfZI

[@fredkrissman6527]

Been a Beatles fan since '64, and a Lobos listener since early '80s, but never imagined the latter would play THIS song of the former... Kudos for pulling off this magic trip!

[@karenscigliano9787]

I saw Los Lobos play this once! I couldn't believe what I was hearing from them! Shockingly good and they managed to make it their own in so many ways, but still with reverence to Beatles version. I can't believe I found this and I wasn't dreaming that they played it so good--- cause this is a pretty dreamy song......😮💭🤯

[@ffcorona]

WOW !!! That was unbelievable. The Beatles would have loved what Los Lobos did to their song.

[@calabiyou]

the best cover of this song i've heard, they really understand it; it's about leaving your body and not being afraid of death and going on a trip larger than you when you are an expression of the universe churning through itself without begining or end. I bet these fellas might have tuned into similar awrenesses as the beatles

[@marcossantoyo3392]

Great music... Thank you.

[@timothyjohnson535]

calabiyou. Yes that’s right. This song is about leaving your body and not being afraid of death. The lyrics are from the Tibetan Book Of The Dead. The Tibetans read this book to people who were dying. It is called the Bardo todal in Sanskrit the language of Tibet. Basically that means Liberation Opon hearing on the after death plane. When our souls leave our bodies they go on a journey to the afterlife.

[@duanechez]

YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT

[@pierbassanini2416]

This song is about spiritual awakening. Is about being born spiritually. Part of you you have to die to be born. the end of the beginning.

[@mustangmikep51]

love your words of wisdom...im well into that larger trip into the universal consciousness...

[@marvinc999]

Now, THIS ain't bad....................................... Actually, it's BLOODY good !!!!!

[@fredmila]

Wow, it was brave of Los Lobos to play this song!

[@spacemanonearth]

Why? This has been played by so many artists in a wide range of music styles. This is a very very special song with an incredibly deep meaning. Am sure they wished to pass on this sacred truth to their listeners. I listen to every version I can, Phil Collins, Beatles, Tangerine Dream, Los Lobos, Alison Mosshart, Chemical Brothers, and so many more.

[@jeffjones1056]

Thank you John Lennon for tripping and writing this amazing song !

[@nyterpfan]

WOW!! I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by this!! These guys took what I thought was an IMPOSSIBLE song to cover and, in some ways, made it even BETTER than the original, if that's possible!! The original might have been a bit "trippier", but I think this version is more "spiritual"!! Wherever John Lennon is he better be sending eternal divine energy to this band for such a beautiful and moving tribute!! Los Lobos has my enduring respect for their efforts here. BRILLIANTLY done!!

[@bobtausworthe2671]

OMFG!!! This is the last song I ever expected to see done live much less by Los Lobos. And they did such a good job. Beautiful. When TNK was written, using tape loops and reversed samples was a form of unique expression. These days they are commonplace so I appreciate Los Lobos finding their own expressions of uniqueness to make this song meaningful to them. Well done!

[@jeph33]

I'm trippin, but I hear Jon Anderson singing with Cesar😎 Daniel Hidalgo? 🤯 and the rest of the group! Fkn masterful, amigos🤠

[@Xardox17]

If one had to pick a single moment that changed music forever, it is this very song on "Revolver." Released August 5, 1966. The Beatles knew this album would make a significant departure from what they were putting out. They were right. Their fan base changed overnight.

[@davereynolds2442]

I worked crew to their show at the UO Erb Memorial a couple years previous to this PBS special. They came out for an encore and did this one. Just pulled it out of the hat. Floored everyone. Wonderful band, consummate musicians and just the nicest folks you'd ever want to meet. And the loudest on-stage sound I'd ever heard up to that point.

[@drwinston]

This is one of my favorite Beatles songs so now and again I click on a cover of it. I'm so glad I dropped in on this one. I think I've found my favorite cover. The vocals, that brain melting lead guitar AND THAT DRUMMING! We see the reverence they have for the Beatles in the opening comments and then wonderfully displayed on stage.

[@Spartanm333]

Try this as well. Phil Collins adored The Beatles - Ringo was his inspiration to pick up the sticks. Him and John Bonham kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGnKiIhoeK1maLc

[@purplepeanutsjapanesecafe2415]

Gotta be the best and most difficult to cover. Amazing!!!

[@EDOGG62]

Love this band... I'm glad I got to see them bitd. So cool.

[@BubbaZen10]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I gotta say, i did NOT see this coming from these guys!! Might be the best cover of this song i've ever heard!!!!

[@BubbaZen10]

The guy playing lead is Cesar Rojas, right? He is incredible here!! And, i have got to say, i have never heard that drum beat played so right on before! It seems very easy, but, few do it that good.

[@gadwah]

BubbaZen10 David Hildago

[@BubbaZen10]

gadwah Thanks man. Yeah, i looked it up, and realized i got them mixed up. Love this band.

[@brainscott8198]

Now THIS is THE cover of a classic!!! David Hidalgo ...omg! Sonic overload!!!! His solos are like surfing a wild untamed wave off Cape Town, South Africa...40foot dive bombs in unchartered waters...hold on!!! It's gonna be wild! And Hidalgo delivers!!! WOW!! I've been looking all day for a decent cover of this magical tune by John Lennon; most have been lightweight renditions with groups and singers trying to be so hip as to render the song unrecognizable. Thanks, Los Lobos...u guys nailed it!

[@godfreydaniel6278]

I had NO idea they ever went there - what a GREAT cover! How Amazing to be in the audience expecting their usual eclectic fare wit a Latin flare - and they break into THIS. I bet the place went crazy - i know I would! I've loved these guys since I first heard them back in the day...

[@antwan_the_swan1314]

Awesome cover. Awesome guitar solo.

[@samiamdj8603]

Great cover. Lennon is smiling from above.

[@edwardcalvert]

I used to hear this song quite a bit when I was nine years old and liked and am really impressed and amazed with this re-recording. It's very beautiful work and even the key of B flat was a superb choice.

[@jpd66]

Outstanding work Los Lobos, this is one of the best Beatles covers I've ever heard. I would love to hear these guys do a whole set of Beatles tunes.

[@gr8fuljer]

They took this to an unbelievable level--spellbinding

[@jackweaver4564]

Beautiful! It's Sept 2022 and still a classic. I appreciate these guys so much.

[@jackweaver4564]

it's March 2024 and I still love these guys. That they dare to take this on.

[@greggobrien8636]

what an amazing tribute - guitars were on point

[@simongreensall1090]

My Goodness! The BEST cover (of a monumental song) EVER!! R E S PE C T

[@edwardliquorish8540]

The world is all together. Thank you. I will listen again and again.

[@greer15]

There is something so mystical about this song.

[@stevenculver6416]

David H is a total beast on the guitar...amazing musician and Cesar is amazing....so underrated it's a sin

[@kvernon1]

Two words: unexpectedly good. And broadcast on my birthday! Great!

[@chuckt4558]

He is so right about the levels of music in a Beatles song. So many layers and textures all intermingling

[@mayormaynot3513]

A very spiritual experience in the harmonics that spring from the gathering of strings and the tender attention that is rendered to them.

[@doctorzinc]

Mayor Maynot omg, the tender attention comment is a bit too dear. Spiritual exp3rience for me is going to Taco Bell. Cheers.

[@itriedmany]

My god... why am I hearing this version for the first time now in 2022? Mind blowing!

[@Geoduck54]

That's the best Beatles cover I've ever heard. What a band!

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Except for JOE COCKER performing " With a Little Help From My Friends" live at Woodstock ❗ The Beatles 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@liandro]

Wow, great version. That iconic drum beat, perfect.

[@tangoseven2]

Bands will come and go. this band is so consistent and continues to add fans and stills travels around not only solo but with a lot of other musicians around the world these vatos are great!!!

[@aliciacabrera-thomas9705]

Los Lobos & The Beatles Now YOU are talking

[@immediate66]

Wow... a very worthy version. Not many bands can pull off Beatles songs with conviction like this... about as good as you're going to get!

[@cheskybaba4864]

By far and away the best cover .

[@tkay4401]

Nailed it! Guitar solos are killer!!

[@TheJoenailer]

I actually saw this on the PBS fundraiser in 93, blew me away. Still gives me goose bumps. Better than the original

[@BeatlesBowieKrimson]

Joe Oertel um, no.

[@mheff28]

Everything was great, but THE DRUMS!!!! AWESOME.

[@charlesrandolph8441]

EXCELLENT! SHOWS JUST HOW UNIVERSAL THE BEATLES WERE/ARE. BOTH GROUPS-GREAT!

[@johnfitzgerald5931]

fucking awsome, the drummer and lead guitar is great

[@mpojr]

good job,,,,,, the Beatles were flat out great im 74 yr now and l still feel like im 18 when l listen to them.

[@georgebennett3197]

brilliant absolutely brilliant - well done

[@chuckstruzzieri8397]

This is a very hard song to perform Live... These guys nailed it!!!!

[@damianbegley]

This version is INCREDIBLE!!

[@77shard]

I'm not a Los Lobos fan, came here randomly while skimming Beatles tunes... so glad I did! I usually don't bother with rock covers, but this one is fantastic. Both the technical aspects and the feel of the tune are brought out incredibly well; this performance makes a fine tribute to both the Beatles and to Los Lobos, a band I will now go listen to more of. Have a great day!

[@roto528]

Lennon's voice is irreplaceable however this is the best live version of this song I've ever heard. Good job Los Lobos!

[@jeffrobell8751]

Omg,that was fantastic,unbelievable that you would even try, you guy's are amazing I am blown away

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Lead guitarist absolutely kills on this. Bravo.

[@karst41]

Is clear that Beatles has a revelation and knew that soon Los Lobos would need a Beatles cover that only LosLobos could perform. Hence Tomorrow never knows was written and arranged.

[@DavidBrocklebank]

This version is on my eternal play list, ad in finitum,and that’s that jack, xx❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@daveshultz3718]

What an awesome version of an old Beatles song.

[@PhullKnameNullContent]

best cover of an uncoverable song

[@wolfone30062]

Jeez that's might fine. Takes me back. Los Lobos are the most underrated band ever.

[@davidstevens5827]

Los Lobos.Some down to Earth cats 'n creative musicians. No wonder they've been known 2 gig w/some of the heavies.Luv the way that guitar man steps2 Johns lead,which is looped backwards in original recording. 🔥

[@bigtrain2445]

Beautiful, brilliant, unforgettable.

[@jeffrobell8751]

Man,you guys killed this, I didnt think it was possible but you did it, wow

[@aerch1968]

Great and deep performance

[@justiceforall6412]

To even try to do this song live is a feat in and of itself. Great job! Once again Los Lobos goes to show how exceptionally they are as a group

[@brupic8968]

the beatles exploded into the world's consciousness when i was 13....the perfect age. this song, only lennon could've done this, comes out of nowhere. it couldn't have been predicted from what came before. i'm not an art scholar, but i always liken 'tomorrow never knows' to bosch's 'garden of earthly delights' which he painted more than 500 years ago. it's a triptych hanging in the prado museum in madrid. it is so out of place and time that you can only look at it and shake your head in awe.

[@ajkaye5719]

There will never be another beatles! The scouse pioneers.. 🔥 🇬🇧 🔥 us scousers will live forever

[@SuperStratification]

Los Lobos is one of my favorite bands for a lot of reasons. And David Hidalgo one of my favorite multi-instrument players and singers (check out his work with Los Cenzontles!). This song shows just how versatile this "Band from East LA" is.