Let me introduce you to... Danny of British Export!

British Export have a new 'George'… and here he is to tell you all about himself!!

Name: It says Daniel Philip Leavitt on me passport, but most people call me Danny or George when I'm on stage.

Birthday: September 6, 1983 Other bands prior to British Export: I was in a band called Revolution through junior high and high school. Even with a name like that, we weren't a tribute band; we did originals and some covers. I remember doing a cover of "All my Loving" when I was about thirteen. There's nothing like singing a McCartney tune before your voice has changed! I think just about anyone playing McCartney would kill to say their songs were too low. I joined my first tribute (as George) in high school with a band called Britbeat. Of course, after being beaten myself by British Export at Chicago's Beatlefest, I knew where I belonged.

Previous occupations: I actually haven't had a whole lot of work experience besides playing gigs. I'm a little worried about my resume or lack of one. I'm sure employers will look at me funny after seeing "George Harrison" listed as my job occupation. As for now, though, I'm chained to my books. I'm going to Northwestern University this fall, and I'll probably have to get a job there.

Best thing about being in a Beatles Tribute Band: Getting to be your heroes. When we're on stage, we do everything we can to trick ourselves into thinking we are the Beatles. As a kid I always fantasized about being a Beatle. Now, I am one...sort of!

Worst thing about being in a Beatles Tribute Band: Basing your career on someone else's career. Besides being Beatle freaks, we're all musicians and individuals as well. Personally, I'd like to someday write and record my own songs as Danny Leavitt. Of course, how could anyone resist being a Beatle? When we perform, as far as I'm concerned, I wrote Something, Here Comes the Sun, and all those other great songs. So I think I'm gonna be playing George for quite some time.

Favourite Beatles song to perform: "Yer Blues." I love soloing over the blues. There's nothing more expressive than that. It's a purging of the soul.

All time favourite Beatles song: I think many big Beatle fans would agree with me that this question is impossible. John, Paul, and George were remarkable songwriters, every song has something new and interesting. I know it sounds cliched when I say that music today would not be the same without the Beatles, but it's true.

What are you most looking forward to about Beatleweek?
Fish and chips, mushy peas, oh, and PLAYING IN THE CAVERN CLUB! Who would of thought that a humble, little suburban kid would be going to Liverpool and playing where the Beatles did. It's a dream come true.

Have you any ambitions for British Export - if so, what are they? I think I speak for all of us when I say that it's the band mission to do everything humanely possible to look and sound like the Beatles. If it means wearing the same brand of underwear the Beatles did, we'll do it! Everyday we're updating our equipment, clothes, and, of course, our sound. We're also in the process of conquering the world. We're making plans as we speak for a Korean tour. That'll be really exciting as long as Frank doesn't wonder off into the North with my acoustic singing "Give Peace a Chance" never to be seen again. That guitar cost a lot of money!

Anything else you'd like to say to the people out there in Pepperland? Thanks to all the British Export fans for welcoming me into the band, and making it such a smooth and comfortable transition. I really look forward to meeting everyone at Beatleweek, don't be afraid to say hi! I don't bite, that's Paul's job. I'll see you in a few weeks! Everyone take care, and keep the Beatle spirit alive!

Nina Douglas with Danny Leavitt
TWIL Issue Eight August 2002