A Life in the Day of... Det Betales.

Who are Det Betales?
Det Betales are: Paul McEplecart; John Ramon; George Harryseth & Bongo Star!

How did you get together?
We started the band about 20 years ago. We were 4 friends who loved The Beatles and we were always singing with an acoustic guitar at parties. One day we were asked to play as a band in a local theatre and since then...

What is it about the Beatles that you love so much, you wanted to be in a tribute band?
Most of all their great songs, you never get tired of playing and singing those great tunes!

What is your favourite Beatles/solo album and what your favourite song to perform live?
My favourite album is Revolver. I love to perform 'The Long And Winding Road' when we do it with an orchestra and choir.

What sort of places do Det Betales play?
We play in all kinds of venues from small pubs to big festival stages.

Has any of the band ever seen/met one of the Beatles?
We have never met any of the Beatles but we have bought Allan Williams a drink in the bar (who hasn't?) and we have been on tour with Tony Sheridan!

What has been your most Beatle-like moment?
When someone in Liverpool asked if she could give me a kiss because for her I was the nearest she could get to John, I felt kind of Beatle-like!

What has been your most memorable performance in Liverpool?
To play in The Cavern front this year (fantastic!)

Why do you think the Beatles are still so popular, 30 years after they broke up?
For many reasons but most of because of the great songs they made.

If you could be a fly on the wall at any moment in Beatles history when and where would it be?
I would like to watch them in the recording studio to see how they did everything that you can hear on the records.

If you weren't in a Beatles band what would you be doing?
I would probably be a troubadour singing Beatles songs.

What are your ambitions/hopes for the next year?
We really look forward to go back to Liverpool in August, and we also have this new record 'Beatles medley 2000' that we hope will be played on radio stations all over the world and give us the chance to do even more live gigs.

Have you any New Years Resolutions?
To be a better Beatles tribute band!

Nina Douglas with Tor Olsen of Det Betales from Norway.
TWIL Issue Three January 2001