We Hope You Have Enjoyed The Show

I'm back! 

I hope you've all been well whilst I've been without the Internet for the past two weeks. Our trip was pretty fantastic but I'll leave that for another post. Right now I want to talk about The Bootleg Beatles. 

If someone introduces me to another person for the first time, without a doubt it will go something along the lines of: "This is Lucy. She loves The Beatles". And it's true. So when I first heard over three years ago that The Bootleg Beatles were coming to town I had to book a ticket to their show. And my goodness, what a show. If you are a die-hard Bealtes fan like me you will see just how much work these four men put into recreating the essence of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and how successfully they do it. 

Last night I attended my third Bootleg Beatles show with my younger sister. As some of you may know, it is now 50 years this month since The Beatles toured Australia. Last night half a century ago The Beatles (with Jimmy Nicol replacing Ringo Starr) performed at Centennial Hall in Adelaide, Australia - the city where the fab four greeted a massive crowd of over 300, 000. Although I saw the tribute band locally, I still got right into the spirit of Beatlemania and dressed the part all the while pretending that I was seeing my very favourite band in concert way back in 1964.

Of course, I took my inspiration from Cynthia Lennon circa 1964, who you most probably know by now is one of my biggest style icons. I wore a new skirt and vintage coat that I picked up on our trip. 

The show was incredible. We didn't want it to end. We sang, danced and clapped along to every song and kicked into full blown Beatlemania mode. Being two young girls amongst a crowd of people from past generations, we got quite a few smiles from the four boys up on the stage which made us very happy indeed. A great set was played with songs spanning their Beatlemania to Sgt. Pepper's to Let it Be/Abbey Road days. An orchestra was present, which was incredible to hear as we witnessed a live performance of "A Day in the Life". During the show they also performed "In My Life". It was so wonderful that I had tears in my eyes, thinking of John and George and how much the music of The Beatles means to me. 

After the show I felt very much like this young girl here, holding her treasured Beatles ticket to her lips and seeming to be bursting with joy and excitement. Two women and a man after the show who had been sitting in front of us asked to take our picture as they were so glad to see young people from this day and age still living the legend that is The Beatles. We all had a good chat. The man had seen both Elvis and The Who back in the 60's, and was also wearing a coat that had once belonged to the great Vince Melouney.

If you have not yet witnessed the talent and accuracy that is The Bootleg Beatles you must watch this video from Delfien Taillieu of Adam Hastings performing "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" as John Lennon.

Have you ever seen The Bootleg Beatles?

"They Probably Know The Chords Better Than I Do" - George Harrison

On Saturday night, I finally saw The Bootleg Beatles in concert. And my, it was unbelievably wonderful!

 

The flyer read:

 The world's first and finest tribute band, The Bootleg Beatles, continue to thrill audiences with their performing of their acclaimed homage to the Fab Four.

Neil Harrison (former John Lennon); Andre Barreau (George Harrison); and David Catlin-Birch (Paul McCartney) met in 1979 when they were all cast in the hit West-End production, Beatlemania. When the show finished its run the band, knowing the repertoire inside out, decided to continue performing it and thus The Bootleg Beatles were born in 1980, along with the entire tribute genre.

What started as four musicians with black polo necks and a wig has evolved into The Bootleg Beatles' lauded show which combines note perfect renditions of Beatles repertoire, spectacular costume changes and a visually stunning video backdrop. The Bootleg Beatles faithfully re-create 6 phases of the Beatles' rise from a basement (The Cavern in Liverpool) to a rooftop (The famous Apple concert in 1969) via Shea Stadium, Sgt. Pepper's and the Magical Mystery Tour.

After 31 years portraying John in The Bootleg Beatles, Neil Harrison announced his intention to retire from performing in January 2011. Following an intensive audition process and much more media speculation, in Jul 2011 The Bootleg Beatles announced Adam Hastings would don the wigs and glasses in the band. His debut performances with The Bootleg Beatles have been met with rave reviews from fans and critics alike!

Adam Hastings (John Lennon) - guitar, vocals, keyboards

David Catlin-Birch (Paul McCartney) - bass, vocals

Andre Barreau (George Harrison) - guitar, vocals

Hugo Degenhardt (Ringo Starr) - drums, vocals

 The lead up to the night was exciting in itself. Each time I've been to see a Beatles tribute concert I pretend with all my might that I am going back in time to see my boys in the flesh. This night was no different. And with all my dolly gear and ten ton of trusty hairspray, I did my very best to look like an authentic screamie from the crowds of Beatlemania in 1964.

 

We booked out tickets early, and were lucky enough to get second row seats; the closest I've been at a tribute Beatles show yet! Scattered upon the stage were replicas of well known Beatle instruments, such as Paul's psychedelic bass and signature Hoffner, and George's 360/12 Rickenbacker, along with Vox speakers. I almost could not contain my excitement!

And then boom! Out they came!

They opened with "I Want To Hold Your Hand" in their black polo neck sweaters and beatle boots. After playing a set, they then went to exit the stage. I quite loudly declared my love for George, and he blew me a kiss. Then a minute later they returned in their Shea Stadium outfits and broke out with a brilliant performance of "She's A Woman". George did the most amazing job of playing the solo from "Taxman" live - amazing! Their resemblance to The Beatles was really quite stunning. But the star was definately Adam Hastings, the man who played John. I honestly could not believe how similar he looked to him. It was like having John Lennon right there on stage in flesh and blood. Each time he looked my way my heart jumped, as for a moment I really believed it was him. I could not tell you how much I wanted to jump up on the stage and tell John how much I love him and hold him forever.

 Adam Hastings as John Lennon

Andre Barreau as George Harrsion

"End of Part One. Intermission"

The gentlemen next to me (who I'd sing and dance with for the rest of the night like an old drunken friend at the pub with) complimented that my hairstyle took him way back to '64 when he saw The Beatles.

Another gentleman behind me compliment on my twist during "Twist And Shout", and I began talking with he and his wife. She'd been to see The Beatles in 1963, and had also visited the Dakota Apartment Building, as well as Strawberry Fields, in New York. I found that George was also her favourite, and for the rest of the night we shared smiles and knowing glances.

"End of Intermission. Part Two"

The most fabulous Sgt. Pepper's outfits I'd ever seen - custom made and identical to those of the actual Beatles back in 1967. Each little detail in each individual outfit was stunning. They were accompanied by a mini orchestra consisting of a trombone, trumpet, curved soprano and alto saxophones and a cello, and opened (of course) with "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" followed by "With A Little Help From My Friends". John looked even more like John with his cropped hair, moustache and national health glasses.

After this set they then changed into their "Let It Be" costumes. John continued to amaze me further more. I cannot tell you how unbelievably surreal it was.

What was also really beautiful was when the stage was left for George alone to play "Here Comes The Sun". My sister and I got tears in our eyes. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" did not help either. I closed my eyes, and for a moment I really believed that my George was right there in front of me. I could not have asked for anything more in my life at that moment.

Finally, they closed with "Hey Jude", which also almost brought me to tears. They took their bows and then left the stage. I did not want them to leave! But thankfully they came back to play "Back In The USSR" and finally a spectacular, spectactular, rendition of "Long Tall Sally". The lady who was sitting behind me pulled me out into the aisle and we danced like it was '63, completely in love with music, and completely in love with The Beatles. We shared a big, big hug afterwards. It was so wonderful to connect with strangers in such a sincere way through such a strong and shared love of something. The happiness I felt was immense. I had never danced so much in my life. My knees were wobbling when it finished. My little sister later told me that I looked as if I was completely in my own little world, in a time bubble. She also later told me that through the night I was enjoying myself and getting into it so much that everyone around me must of thought that I was drunk!

They played such a fantastic selection of songs, and some that I never ever thought I'd hear live, such as "Lady Madonna", "Strawberry Fields Forever" and "The Ballad Of John And Yoko", which I am so thankful for. Really, their performance was amazing. Each musician so accurately replicated the mannerisms of each of the Liverpudlian lads. Vocals, playing styles, foot stomping, facial expressions, humour. You name it. Even Paulie's winks and finger-pointing, and John's cheekiness and gum-chewing were present.

What also made the night so special was their interaction with the audience. They all smiled and winked at me all night, especially Paul, as I sang along with every single lyric and squealed at the introduction of every single song. I felt so proud of my love for my boys, and I'm sure that they were glad to be bringing so much joy at the same time.

All in all, The Bootleg Beatles are a must see for any Beatle fan.

Here is a rough list of the songs that were played on the night:

• I Want To Hold Your Hand
• Please Please Me
• From Me To You
• She Loves You
• Roll Over Beethoven
• This Boy
• No Reply
• Eight Days A Week
• You've Got To Hide Your Love Away
• She's A Woman
• I Feel Fine
• A Hard Day's Night
• Can't Buy Me Love
• Taxman
• Ticket To Ride
• Help!
• Twist and Shout

Intermission

• Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
• With A Little Help From My Friends
• Got To Get You Into My Life
• Lady Madonna
• Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds
• Strawberry Fields Forever
• All You Need Is Love
• Magical Mystery Tour
• Come Together
• Here Comes The Sun
• While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• Birthday
• The Ballad Of John And Yoko
• Get Back
• Hey Jude
• Back In The USSR
• Long Tall Sally

Red Dress - Red Shoes

Yesterday's Outfit:

- Red dress with blue floral print and bows on the waist

- Red Satin "Bettie" shoes by Pinup Couture

- Vintage white bag

A very simple outfit indeed. I didn't realize just how simple it was until I noticed that there were only three things that made up the outfit; something very unusual for me. But I love it!

So far May has been quite lovely. Trips to an empty beach skipping stones and climbing rocks, feeding the gulls on the most beautiful cliff-side looking out to the sea, trying my hand at skateboarding, watching hot chocolate spoil and buying popcorn and a choc-top from the cinemas, only to bring it home to watch a movie in bed. Yes, very lovely.

And tomorrow night shall only add to all this loveliness. I shall be seeing The Bootleg Beatles in concert and I am awfully excited. I bought a brand new teasing comb (my old one has mysteriously disappeared) just for the occasion! I am still yet to figure out what I shall wear. But I do know that it will be something that screams Beatlemania.

Can you believe the likeliness of these men to my boys? Baffling!

Though the gentleman who plays Paul does look a bit more like '65 George (without the mo' of course) than Mr. McCartney, don't you reckon?

Gift From A Friend - Gift To A Friend

Outfit:

- Navy blouse with lace collar and black tie
- Vintage red wrap-around skirt
- Black tights
- Black block-heeled mary-janes
- Vintage white bag
- Red plastic bangle
- Red stud earrings

Yesterday I met up with a friend of mine that I haven't seen in too long. Before we met up I made a little parcel up for her filled with magical things like Rose Quartz, a time-piece, and a soft leather journal with pages lined in gold and sprinkled with stars, all wrapped together within brown paper and string.

And being the amazing person she is, she also bought me a gift. She had been in England and visited some of the most wonderful places, including The Beatles Story museum in Liverpool. She was lucky enough to see the original instruments of The Quarry Men, items of clothing, flasks and writings by the Beatles themselves. Knowing how much they mean to me she took a stack of pictures for me. She bought me back a Beatles penny, two souvenir booklets, and a miniature replica of George's Grestch. She knows me too well. Whilst over the her uncle heard of how much I love The Beatles, and though we've never met he was kind enough to send back two Beatle books from his own collection to me. I am so grateful, and it is beautiful to see that there are such wonderful people in the world. With the little bundle of gifts she also gave me a key chain from the London Eye, one identical to another she bought, and a tiny diamond. For Christmas I got Beatles Monopoly, and I was a little disappointed that there was no playing piece for "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds", so she gave me one. I couldn't ask for a greater and more thoughtful friend.

Whilst out that day I also just happened to walk past the little pamphlet rack for our local theatre. And lo and behold, there were my boys! At least the closest I'll ever get to them!

In about a month from now The Bootleg Beatles will be playing. I am buying tickets today. I cannot tell you the excitement I felt when I saw this pamphlet. People think I'm nutty enough in the clothes I wear without having me squealing and dancing up to a paper rack like I've just won lotto. I've seen two Beatles tribute bands so far, but not this one. And apparently they are brilliant.

All the classic songs in one spectacular multimedia show

"Mind boggling accuracy" - Mail On Sunday UK
"Fastidious Authenticity" - Daily Telegraph UK
"Magically Real" - NME
"Flawless" - MOJO

Formed from the West End coast of the Broadway musical 'Beatlemania', The Bootleg Beatles' career begain in 1980 - almost ten years to the day since Paul McCartney announced the original's had split. It didn't take long for the Bootlegs' international reputation to grow immensely, mainly due to the band's many successful concert tours abroad.

Having seen the Bootlegs' at the '94 Glastonbury Festival, Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis asked them to be the support act for their record-breaking 1995 Earl's Court shows - culminating with both bands sharing the stage for 'I Am The Walrus'.

Since becoming regulars on the festival circuit, The Bootlegs have played Wembley with Rod Stewart and Elton John and shared the bill with The Corrs, David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Don't miss The Bootlegs, along with their mini orchestral ensemble in their very first Australian tour.

I became even more excited when I saw this video. They are going to play "A Day in the Life". Live. This is like a little dream of mine come true. Never in my life would I have ever dreamed that I'd see that song played live and before me. The orchestra ensemble even wears the masks, glasses and fake noses just like in the recording of the Beatles' version. I cannot wait.

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