The clash of the Sixties titans hits York tomorrow as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones' tribute bands come to town. The Other Beatles play the Grand Opera House while The Rollin' Clones head to Fibbers.

Steve Mellin, the Other John Lennon, says there isn't any rivalry between the two tribute acts: "There's friendly competition but certainly no animosity."

However, Mellin has a stern warning to anyone entering the business trying to make a quick buck. "You should be in this business because you love to step on stage. I loved being on stage even when we were earning £20 a night," he says.

Guitarist Dylan Harrison, who plays Keith Richards in The Rollin' Clones, decided to go for The Stones at an early age. "They have always been my favourite band. To step into their shoes every night to people paying to see us is an honour," he says.

Stones devotee Dylan has no grievances towards The Beatles or their tribute bands. "The Stones and The Beatles sang on each other's records throughout their careers. They were all friends!" he says.

Mellin agrees that the starting point for any artist has to be The Beatles. It's no surprise that The Rolling Stones' first hit was a cover of The Beatles' Come On. "Whatever I'm listening to at the time, whether it's Oasis or Blur, I will always head back to The Beatles and John Lennon," he says.

Neither of the bands has met the originals but they both acknowledge them with fondness in every show. "With the release of 1, The Beatles' new album this week, we'll point it out on stage. When Paul was knighted and John's piano was sold for £1million, they all got a mention in the set," says Mellin.

The Rollin' Clones don't try to imitate their heroes as they are now, long absent from the singles chart. They try to recreate the band as if the Stones were still achieving number ones today. "I've seen them plenty of times at Wembley. We can't perform like Mick Jagger does on stage every night so we do it in our own way," says Dylan.

Hamburg club gigs and Sixties psychedelia set out clear images of The Beatles' career. Mellin prefers the rock'n'roll - just like Lennon. "When I'm on stage I like to perform the Sgt Pepper album but when I'm at home relaxing you can't beat the music that made The Beatles: they'll forever be remembered for the up-tempo number ones like She Loves You and I Feel Fine."

There will come a point when the tribute bands have to call it a day. Dylan will know when the sell-by-date is due. "I don't want to be playing when I need hair replacement," he says. "I think we'll know when to end it."

The Other Beatles, Grand Opera House, York, tomorrow, 8pm; tickets £10, £8, tel 01904 671818. The Rollin' Clones, Fibbers, York, tomorrow night, admission £7.