The highest-rated tour in the city!
Join us on a musical Backbeat tour to see the greatest attractions Memphis has to offer. Learn the musical history of the city, famous for its blues, rock, gospel, and soul. It's the only tour in town to put Memphis' musical heritage in the hands of real musicians, who will combine story, comedy, and live music to divulge the secrets of Memphis' history.
On this tour, you will see:
Join us on a musical Backbeat tour to see the greatest attractions Memphis has to offer. Learn the musical history of the city, famous for its blues, rock, gospel, and soul. It's the only tour in town to put Memphis' musical heritage in the hands of real musicians, who will combine story, comedy, and live music to divulge the secrets of Memphis' history.
On this tour, you will see:
- Sun Studio, where many renowned performers recorded some of your favorite hits
- Legendary Beale Street, the center of Memphis entertainment
- Stax Museum, the home of America's music roots and cultural heritage
- Lorraine Motel (site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination), Cotton Row, movie locations, and more.
What Is Not Included?
Food and beverages are not included on the tour. Feel free to bring your own!
Meeting Location
Near the corner of 2nd and Beale Streets, Downtown (Memphis, TN)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
- Tickets must be purchased in advance in order to guarantee your spots on the tour. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, book well in advance!
- Can children go on the tour?
- We love children! Children between the ages of 7 and 12 have a reduced priced ticket. Children under 7 can come on the tour for free but must also secure a ticket.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour will run rain or shine. As we are usually in the bus or inside, rain should not be a problem. In the event of unsafe or severe weather that would force us to cancel the tour, you would be able to reschedule subject to availability or receive credit for a future event.
- If the tour is sold out can I get on a waiting list?
- Unfortunately we do not have waiting lists for our tours. Check another date and time, or check out our other offered tours!
- Can you pick me up at my hotel?
- Unfortunately hotel pickup is not available for this tour. Please meet us at the designated meeting location, exact details for which will be provided to you immediately upon purchasing your tickets online or over the phone.
- Are there any stops during the tour?
- On most tours, there will be one quick stop to visit gift shops and use the restroom. The rest of the time will be spent aboard our one-of-a-kind bus with your musical guide!
- Will we go into any of the stops on the tour?
- On most tours, we will not be going into any of the stops on the tour. You may have the opportunity to visit a gift shop, but guided tours of each location are not included - if you're interested in touring Sun Studio or the Stax Museum, check out our Extended Mojo Tour instead!
- How much walking is involved?
- There is almost no walking on this tour as it will take place mostly on one of our buses.
- Where does the tour end?
- The tour will end exactly where it began!
- Who will my tour guide be?
- You will not be guaranteed to have any particular tour guide on the tour. All of our guides are certified, professional, local Memphis musicians who will provide you with a fun, unforgettable experience!
- Should I tip my tour guide?
- If you enjoyed the trip, tips are highly appreciated!
- What is the difference between your tours?
- The Mojo tour is a more general overview of Memphis; we visit all the major areas, learn all about the different genres of music so famous in Memphis, and more. The Extended Mojo tours include a one-hour guided tour of Sun Studio or the Stax Museum. Our Hound Dog tour is very focused on Elvis, his life, and the secrets behind the King's persona, and includes a one hour guided tour of Sun Studio. The Graceland tour takes you up to Graceland and provides you with a platinum pass so you can see all it has to offer! We also offer a daytime walking tour of Historic Memphis, and an evening tour of Haunted Memphis.
- Are there any foods or beverages on the bus?
- There are no foods or beverages served on the bus; however, there are some beverages available at the meeting location. Water and sodas are $2, and beer is $4.50.
- Can I bring my own food and beverages on board?
- Yes! You can bring any foods, alcoholic, or nonalcoholic beverages you would like on the bus.
- What should I bring with me on the tour?
- We recommend that you bring cash in case you'd like to purchase souvenirs at the stop on the tour. Bring your camera, but most of all, bring good spirits!
- Can I bring an instrument or sing along?
- Yes! Feel free to bring an instrument with you if you feel so inclined. The more music the merrier!
- Which bus will we be going on?
- We have two buses at Backbeat - our vintage bus, "Miss Clawdy", and a newer bus that is just as comfortable. No particular bus is guaranteed for any tour.
- Are there restrooms on the bus?
- No, there aren't restrooms on either of our buses. However, we will make at least one restroom stop during the tour.
- Is there assigned seating on the bus?
- Nope! Seating is first come first served.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- If you have a collapsible wheelchair and have limited mobility, we should have no problem accommodating you. Please click on the link to "Contact Backbeat" to let us know what you need. If you have a non collapsible wheelchair and no mobility, unfortunately our buses are not equipped to accommodate you.
- Is the bus heated or air conditioned?
- Both of our buses are heated on cold days and air conditioned on hot days. You will be comfortable for the duration of the tour!
- Do you offer private group tours?
- Yes! If you are interested in chartering our bus for a private group event, please click on the "Contact Backbeat" link for more information.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes! If you are interested in gift certificates, please click on the "Contact Backbeat" link for more information.
Backbeat Tours
Founded in 2006 by owner Bill Patton and a group of Memphis musicians who all share a common passion for Memphis music and history, Backbeat Tours has already gained a reputation for being one of the city’s most unique and entertaining attractions. Experience the music and high-energy fun while you see the sites where modern popular culture began.
In addition to a popular and entertaining city tour called the Memphis Mojo Tour (and the Extended Mojo Tour, with Sun Studio admission), Backbeat Tours also offers numerous walking and bus tours of historic and haunted Memphis. Check out these one-of-a-kind tours today!
In addition to a popular and entertaining city tour called the Memphis Mojo Tour (and the Extended Mojo Tour, with Sun Studio admission), Backbeat Tours also offers numerous walking and bus tours of historic and haunted Memphis. Check out these one-of-a-kind tours today!
