The Bootleg Beatles, world's longest running tribute band, talk about why they love performing in India
(Right) Adam Hastings takes on the role of John Lennon and Steve White plays Paul McCartney
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It was on March 26, 1980, that a 'look-alike' Beatles band performed their first ever gig at a college shindig in Tiverton, Davon. The band that had cut their teeth playing at clubs and colleges around UK, had given themselves six months to ascertain their future as a band.
Thirty-six years later, the Bootleg Beatles are the longest running and probably the most successful tribute bands in the world. "In fact, in 2002, when we met Paul McCartney at the Queen's Jubilee concert, he told us, 'I'm going to come to your show and heckle you from the stalls!'" says Neil Harrison, who took John Lennon's place for 32 years in the band he now manages.
On March 17, the band will perform in Mumbai at a fundraising event organised by NGO Cherish Life India Foundation, holding the event in aid of underprivileged children battling cancer.
The band that currently comprises Adam Hastings, Steve White, Stephen Hill and Gordon Elsmore, are familiar with performing in India. "It's an amazing country, full of contrasts. People are so happy to see you, so it is always delightful to visit," says Harrison.
The band plans to play songs ranging from She Loves You to Hey Jude. "Our show lists the songs in chronological order so that the audience can see how the music developed in the eight years that the Beatles were together," he says. Harrison feels the reason the band's success is for of their dedication. "We work very hard to recreate the songs to the exact note. Without our fans, we wouldn't be a band."
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