The Backbeat Beatles @ Leeds City Varieties
14 February 2003

Another show at the City Varieties, another sell-out. The Backbeat Beatles came to Leeds and rocked our lovely old music hall to its foundations.

This was my first tribute band show and I will admit to approaching it with some scepticism. But, with their terrific musical flair, stagecraft and self effacing humour, The Backbeats soon won me over.

As the show opened we were in the early sixties, the lads were dressed appropriately in suits collars and ties and they had The Beatles sound, movement and mannerisms off so well that I swear there were times when what I was watching flickered into black and white, it was so convincing.

But one thing that slightly concerned me was the audience reaction. The band was giving 110% and with songs like "Please Please Me" and "She Loves You" how could they fail? Yet, to me, the audience reaction seemed muted.

Things changed in the second half though as the Backbeats returned, appropriately attired, to cover the classic Beatles songs from the later sixties and by now the audience was in the mood to clap and sing along mightily to a wide selection of Beatles classics.

By the end of the night we were on our feet and clamouring for more, and more we got. But I really think that the best way to satisfy the by now vociferous City Varieties faithful would be to come back soon and do it all over again. Are you reading this, gentlemen?

Like I said, this was my first tribute band concert and if they are all as good as The Backbeat Beatles, it will not be my last.

John Hutchinson