The Beatals

In 1995, four musicians in Adelaide, South Australia decided to form a band that would play the music of The Beatles. They had suits and costumes tailor-made; they grew their hair, and originally performed under the name The Fab Four. Their aim was to recreate as closely as possible a live performance of the legendary Beatles. These were the humble beginnings of The Beatals: The Australian Beatles Show. Dubbed 'One of the finest Beatles acts in the world', The Beatals have developed their roles to such a high standard that their sound and appearance match that of the Beatles very closely. Since then, the band have performed at many of Australia's largest events, and also overseas in London, China, Fiji, Noumea and Singapore.

Over the years, the band has had a few line-up changes and this year Monty and Peter introduce two new band-mates to their Liverpool fans. Monty Ruggiero has been a session drummer for many years in both Australia and the USA and has been a Beatal from the very beginning. He started it all ten years ago and has been the businessman and core member ever since. A brilliant drummer and a perfect Ringo. Peter Martin has been in the band for six years. Studio owner, producer, bassist, pianist, guitarist; Pete is the showman of the group and looks a bit like Paul McCartney too - if only he was left-handed! Daniel Matejcic joined the band a year ago and at the age of 24 is already a highly respected musician and songwriter. Extremely gifted on the guitar and even the sitar, Danny has become an extremely valuable member of the team. Andrew Sellars became The Beatals' 'John' in January this year at the ripe old age of 19… A great singer, guitarist and songwriter, this kid already has more music awards to his name than just about anyone and is always a favourite with the ladies!

Since their first trip to Liverpool, it has been the band's aim to create their own Beatles Festival and to open their own Cavern Club - not easy tasks - but through years of careful planning by Monty and Bill Heckle both projects were finally achieved. The inaugural Australian Beatles Festival was held in June 2004, boasting special guests including Julia Baird, Pete Best, The Mersey Beatles, Hal Bruce and many more. This first festival was a great success and will now be an annual event. Adelaide's Cavern Club opened its doors for the first time on 19 August 2004 and continues to operate as a club/restaurant themed around The Beatles and the music of the 1960s.

Due to their responsibilities organising the Aussie Festival and The Cavern, Adelaide, the band was regrettably unable to make it to Liverpool in 2004, but can't wait to be there this year, which will be their fourth trip to Liverpool.

 

Nina Douglas