The Fab Five

In late 2000, local musician Paul Davie pursued putting his 'dream band' together. He asked four acquaintances in his musical travels, known for THEIR love of Beatles music...and they all gladly said 'yes'. But due to other commitments, the friends would only agree to a one off show. That was good enough for Paul. They quickly put three sets together, and to keep things interesting, learned a good percentage of songs from other British Invasion artists. There seemed to be only one name that fit - "The Fab Five", so off they went!

Having a knack for marketing, Davie thought, "what better night to have the show than Feb. 9, 2001...the 37th anniversary of The Beatles landmark appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show?", and see if the local papers and oldies radio station would pick up on it. They did. Unbelievably over 400 people came out in a snow storm to see their debut performance! They were hired on the spot for a private party, and the oldies stations' annual summertime festival. So...what was to be a one time thing, ended up being something MUCH bigger.

In 2003, A Fab Five CD followed, and their version of "This Boy (Ringo's Theme)" earned them an invite to BeatleWeek 2004! Along the way, the band performed two shows as backing band for Terry Sylvester of THE HOLLIES and Joey Molland of BADFINGER, and received more media attention than any other musical acts from the area, including a full page, cover story in The Syracuse New Times, and a live performance on their local ABC TV affiliate.

Unfortunately, soon after returning from BW2004, two members became disenchanted with the disciplined structure of playing in a tribute style, and quit. By year's end, the other two also resigned.

Undeterred, with never-ending faith, Paul kept his dream alive, and soon found replacements...but they actually found HIM. Ironically, all four were musicians who were well aware of The Fab Five's success, and all felt 'honored' to be asked to join. Drummer Gary "Bongo" Pittman was a natural first choice, having sat in with the group twice in 2004. He also was affiliated with "Beatlemania Now" as a drum tech.

Paul wanted to hire Joe Donelan for his vocal abilities the minute he walked into a local nightclub. The gods were shining, as Joe happened to cut into the McCartney part for "Magical Mystery Tour" just as Paul was walking in the door! Joe adds authenticity with percussion, acousric guitar and keys wherever needed!

Gary contacted an acquaintance from years gone by who he knew loved Beatles music...Charlie Kraebel. His high vocal capablilities,

and undying passion for 'playing it right' on his new Rickenbacker 12 (with George specs!) make him a perfect fit. And it took while, but Paul finally found the right fit for a lead guitarist, via Pat Hodson. One night, Paul walked in on Pat's duo performing "Norwegian Wood". ANOTHER sign of things to come. Pat proudly plays through a Vox amp, and loves the challenge of recreating George Harrison's intricate leads, as well as other British Invasion guitarists.

They are now just as much a family as they are a band. They backed up Terry Sylvester again in 2005, and he gives high praises to the 'new lineup', citing their performance as 'reverent and respectful to the original Hollies hits'.

The Fab Five are proud to have been invited back to Beatle Week 2006, and with the added honor of TWICE backing Terry AND Joey Molland in the place they call 'home" - Liverpool UK, and the place they helped to make famous - The Cavern Club. Cheers, from Liverpool NY USA!