Backbeat Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to sing on the tour?
Of course not. Just sit back and enjoy the tour. We think you’ll want to sing, but that’s up to you. Singing along – or playing the tambourine or shaker – is kind of like going to a football game and doing the wave. It’s not the main reason why you’re there, but it’s fun, isn’t it?
Do I need to purchase my tour tickets in advance?
Advance purchases are always recommended, particularly on weekends, as we do get booked up.
Will you pick me up from my hotel?
We do not offer hotel pickups for our tours. The Backbeat Tours ticket window – the departure point for our tours – is located on Beale Street in the heart of downtown. We’re just a short walk from most major downtown hotels, and one block from the Main Street trolley (Beale Street stop). Have a car? There's plenty of parking nearby, too.
Is there parking nearby?
There are four different parking garages close by: on the northwest and southeast corners of Peabody Place and Second Street (one block north from our location); on Second Street just south of Beale Street behind BB King’s Blues Club (half a block from our location); and at Peabody Place and Third Street (two blocks from our location).
There’s also an open air public lot across Beale Street from the Orpheum Theater; the entrance to the lot is from Peabody Place.
You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or Peabody Place between Front and Second.
There’s also an open air public lot across Beale Street from the Orpheum Theater; the entrance to the lot is from Peabody Place.
You can try your luck with on-street metered parking, too, on Second Street just south of Beale; on Beale between Front and Second; or Peabody Place between Front and Second.
How can we find you on GPS?
You can find us at 140 Beale Street: 35.14004 -90053218 / N35° 8.4026', W090° 3.1931', to be precise.
Is the bus handicapped accessible? Does the tour involve getting on and off the bus frequently? How much walking or standing is there?
Our bus is not handicapped accessible, but if you have a walker or collapsible wheelchair, we should have no problem accommodating you; a walker or collapsible wheelchair can be taken onboard, or checked at our ticket window until after the tour.
You’re welcome to have a seat inside Blues City Café while waiting to board. There are four steps up into the bus; once on board, there is no need to get off the bus until the end of the tour. The Mojo Tour usually has a brief optional 5-minute stop at the Sun Studio gift shop about halfway through the tour, but you're more than welcome to stay on the bus during this time (many of our passengers do).
Our other bus tours (Sun / Stax, Graceland, etc.) do involve more getting on and off the bus, and more standing, and of course our Memphis Ghost Tour, which is a walking tour, presents its own issues. For more information, please see the “Frequently Asked Questions” for each particular tour at our ticket agent’s website, or give us a call at 901-272-2328.
You’re welcome to have a seat inside Blues City Café while waiting to board. There are four steps up into the bus; once on board, there is no need to get off the bus until the end of the tour. The Mojo Tour usually has a brief optional 5-minute stop at the Sun Studio gift shop about halfway through the tour, but you're more than welcome to stay on the bus during this time (many of our passengers do).
Our other bus tours (Sun / Stax, Graceland, etc.) do involve more getting on and off the bus, and more standing, and of course our Memphis Ghost Tour, which is a walking tour, presents its own issues. For more information, please see the “Frequently Asked Questions” for each particular tour at our ticket agent’s website, or give us a call at 901-272-2328.
Can I bring my dog on the bus?
Heck yes! We love dogs. If the bus isn’t too crowded and our other passengers don’t object, well-mannered, well-behaved small- or medium-sized dogs are welcome. Just keep your pet on a leash and in your control at all times. Ask at the ticket window prior to the tour for approval.
I loved playing my egg shaker during the tour. Can I take it home with me?
We understand that many of our passengers grow attached to their shakers. Please don’t just walk off with them! Our shakers are available for sale: ask your guide after the tour.
Can I bring food or drinks on the bus?
Yep: you can bring food and any alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages you like on board. Our tour guides are notorious mooches, though, so be prepared to share.
Where can I learn more about Memphis history?
The Guide to Historic Downtown Memphis is a good start. Copies are available for purchase at our ticket window.
