I was too young to see The Beatles perform live back in the 60s; although I have seen 3 or the 4 perform solo (George, Ringo, Paul). I remember when I first started really listening to them in the late 60s and early 70s, I would make my own mix tapes, trying to “create” a Beatles concert using dubbed-in audience sounds and bootleg versions of Beatles tracks, such was my obsession with seeing the band live. So, when The Bootleg Beatles came to Auckland, I decided I needed to see them. I’m not sure what I was expecting…I’ve never seen a tribute band before…but I figured, well, at least the songs will be good. They were, of course, but so was the band.
The Bootleg Beatles have been at it since 1980, way longer than the original Beatles, but two of the founding players, Neil Harrison (John) and David Catlin-Birch (Paul) left the act within the past two years, leaving Andre Barreau (George) as the solo original member. This explains why “the quiet one” seemed to do most of the talking on-stage at the ASB Theatre.
The show comes in two parts. The first is dedicated to pre-Sgt. Pepper tunes and finds the four faux mop tops decked out in “With The Beatles” outfits. Song-wise, the emphasis is on the rockers like All My Loving, She Loves You and I Saw Her Standing There.
The show started with a strange kind of unsettled vibe, as if the audience wasn’t quite sure how to react to what they were seeing and hearing. The band helped out by encouraging everyone to get up and dance and sing along. As it turns out, that really what everyone was there for…to sing their lungs out to these fantastic songs.
The band did indeed look authentic, particularly “John”, now played by Adam Hastings. His sound and look was uncanny. “George’s” guitar playing was also impressive.
“Paul’s” solo Yesterday, backed by a string quartet was a bit disappointing…his voice sounded thin to me, but, Steve White, who plays Paul, is new to the role, and will hopefully grow into it (his bass playing was very good).
The first set ended with a crowd-pleasing version of Twist And Shout, although “Ringo” seemed to lose his way halfway through the song, one of the few musical fluffs of the night.
After intermission, the band returned in full Sgt. Pepper regalia and were joined on stage by a string quartet and 4-piece brass section (local musicians) to help out with the more complex arrangements. These eight locals were simple amazing, particularly the trumpet and cello players. The piccolo trumpet solo was flawless and the string section really brought I Am The Walrus to life. In fact, as far as I was concerned, it was the highlight of the night. I got goose bumps.
After a lovely acoustic version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps (again with string section), the band returned in late-period Beatle clothing and rocked out with Get Back, Come Together and The Ballad Of John & Yoko, before closing with a big Hey Jude sing-along.
They returned for two encores, Back In The USSR and Long Tall Sally. The fans, mostly in their 50s and 60s left the venue hoarse from singing, but very happy.
So, yeah, going to see The Bootleg Beatles seemed kinda cheesy, but I’m glad I did it. It was definitely a mind blowing experience. I found if I looked away from the stage and just listened for a while then looked up at the four “Beatles” playing and singing, I actually felt like I was seeing the real band for a split second, before reality set in. For me, that was worth the experience right there.
Marty Duda
Bootleg Beatles set list:
- I Want To Hold Your Hand
- Please Please Me
- All My Loving
- She Loves You
- Love Me Do
- Roll Over Beethoven
- This Boy
- A Hard Day’s Night
- Eight Days A Week
- I Saw Her Standing There
- Yesterday
- I Feel Fine
- Can’t Buy Me Love
- Help
- Ticket To Ride
- Twist And Shout
Intermission
- Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
- With A Little Help From My Friends
- Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
- Strawberry Fields Forever
- Penny Lane
- I Am The Walrus
- Magical Mystery Tour
- All You Need Is Love
- Got To Get You Into My Life
- Sgt. Pepper Reprise
- While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- Come Together
- Get Back
- Birthday
- Don’t Let Me Down
- Here Comes The Sun
- Hey Jude
- Back In The USSR
- Long Tall Sally
The Beatles never sounded as good as the Bootlegs on stage, what a show !!!
While John, George,Paul and Ringo had a big influence on my youth and their music will have an impact for centuries to come. Thanks must go in heaps to the Bootlegs who have kept them alive and added a shine of their own.
AWESOMELY AUTHENTIC AMAZING AND AS REAL AS YOU WILL EVER GET – CLOSE YOUR EYES AND YOU WILL BE TRANSPORTED…
Everyone enjoyed the show – I saw people laughing, clapping their hands off, singing lustily, crying and dancing young, old and older –
Just a shame the critical mass of audience wasn’t ‘In” for these concerts as I can imagine these shows really ‘going off ‘ here, like they have in the UK !
Lucky Wellywooders & Cantabs – Wish I was there
BTW Three of the orchestra were locals – Jessica Hindin and Iselta Allison on Viola and Ben Zilber on Trombone. The others form the UK were amazing too, especially Annette Brown on the trumpet “All you Need is Love “, the versatile Steve Peters, Vanessa King on French Horn and Flute, Andy Maddick on Violin and ‘Fireman’ Rob Wollard on Cello and Extinguisher …
I saw them last night too, because the closest I got to them in the 60′s was when they appeared on the balcony of a CHCH hotel. This concert was staggeringly amazing in its authenticity that I had trouble believing this was not the actual Beatles. I loved it so much I bought tickets for the concert tonight and positioned myself right infront of John and danced my socks off!! Then we went to the stage door and met them. Paul is actually right handed but plays left handed and said he was the newest member (a month I think he said). John has been doing it for 14 months and was stunningly authentic right down to chewing the gum (which he still had when I spoke to him!). Ringo has been in for 9 years and George 30 plus. Let’s hope they get plenty of support and lively audiences for CHCH and Wellington.