I can't remember when I first heard them, although I suspect it was when I was fairly young and probably watching the cartoon series on TV. I know my uncle was a fan and he certainly shared a lot of my musical taste. But I've loved their music as long as I can remember.
I was three when they played their last live show, and six when they broke up. As a teenager I always hoped they would re-unite and I'd get the chance to see them live. That dream was shattered in December 1980.
Some consider me a bit of an expert on The Beatles. I've read as much as I can on them, I collect their music and recordings, videos, interviews and other assorted stuff. I've written articles on them, written stories based on them (or at least inspired by them) - even been acknowledged in a Beatles book.
One of the highlights of my life is the afternoon I spent in Abbey Road studios. I sat at the console in Studio 2, stood where they recorded much of their work and even played the piano Paul used on Lady Madonna.
I've never really been into tribute bands - I guess I always figured they weren't the real thing. And so in all my time as a Beatles tragic, I've never been to see a Beatles cover band.
Until last night.
I made the decision to go and see The Bootleg Beatles in the city. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I figured since I'd never really get to see the real thing, why not go and have some fun and hear these songs live. What I didn't expect was to become so emotional during the first number. The Bootlegs walked out on stage, velvet collared suits like the '63 fabs, and played a spot-on rendition of I Wanna Hold Your Hand. It choked me up completely. And then they continued with three costume changes and two-and-a-half hours of perfect musical replicas of the originals.
The banter, mannerisms, movements were authentic. And there were plenty of little nuances in there that only a Beatles trainspotter like myself would have noticed.
Thanks, Bootleg Beatles. You made a dream of mine (virtually) come true.
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