British Export @ Liverpool Beatleweek 2001

British Export (originally called British Import and founded by Davey Justice, who is now 'Paul McCartney' in another fine Beatle Band; Yesterday) were the winners of America's Beatlefest in 1999. It's no surprise then, that this young band, from Chicago made such an impression at Beatle Week.

The band, Frank Canino (John), Paul Lynch (Paul), Erich McMann (George) and Jim Martin (Ringo), do an amazing job of imitating The Beatles. I personally think that Frank has got to be one of the best 'John' look-alikes I have ever seen. His versions of 'Twist and Shout', 'Dizzy Miss Lizzy' and 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' have you truly believing that John is present. The rest of the band are also excellent and we all think Jim is a "Right on Ringo!"

I enjoyed their shows and their enthusiasm and if I had the chance to give an award to the best new band of the festival, it would definitely go to these four guys from Chicago. The guys are all very down to earth and were happy to chat to fans after the shows. The Beatles classic hits were appreciated by fans of all generations and cultures, including 'From Me To You', 'Help', 'Roll Over Beethoven', 'Act Naturally' and many more. They were also very generous to The Word Is Love, donating CD's and pictures for our stall and even helping us carry boxes of merchandise, to and from the hotel! Jim was our "TWIL No1 Road Runner!" Thanks Jim! We really appreciated it!

So you've heard what we thought, but what was British Export's impression of Liverpool Beatleweek? Jim Martin talks to The Word Is Love.

The four of us in British Export, have been Beatle fans all our lives, and will always regard Liverpool as our Mecca; the ultimate journey to the roots of where it all began. One feels we can never do justice to the Beatles and their music until they have, so to speak, walked in their boots. Coming from the States, we have always been influenced by the culture that produced Rock n Roll. But it took walking down the streets of Liverpool for us to feel some semblance of how John, Paul, George, and Ringo chose the musical direction that changed the world.

We saw the bright and shiny spots of Liverpool, as well as many of the rough spots. Chicago in so many ways is a sister city to Liverpool. But we can honestly say that the people of Liverpool made us feel at home in more ways than we ever dreamed. We were concerned that our tribute to the Beatles might not measure to the high standards true Liverpudlians uphold. I was pleasantly surprised at the wonderful response we received at all of our shows. I feel the crowd appreciated our attention to detail, such as the lefty 'Paul', the accurate guitars and suits, but most importantly the accurate music. I often debated the wisdom of our attempts at the 'accent' on stage, falling short and appearing almost comical. Hence my decision to basically do away with that aspect of the show, and share my 'Chicagoness'. Nothing in my life will ever compare to that decent down those dark steps of the Cavern Club, each step an ever-increasing amount of anticipation to the ultimate performance venue in the world. We quickly forgot how hot it was when we strapped on the guitars and began to play. You can clearly see it on our faces from the home video tape - our excitement and joy. We are simply musicians from America fulfilling our life long dream, trying to carry on the music and legacy that was Beatlemania. We only hope the audience had some taste of the of what it was like back in the early 60's, when the four lads from Liverpool changed our lives, and the world forever.

Thanks Jo and Nina, for your hospitality and friendship. I will be your roadie any time! (Jim we'd have you back any time!!)

It's not surprising that British Export have won a number of awards back home in the States. Having already won the Chicago Beatles Festival, we think that they have now won the hardest award of them all - the hearts of the fans from Liverpool and the world!

Jo Rishton with Jim 'Ringo' Martin
TWIL Issue Six November 2001