The Fab Beatles @ Pontins, Southport - 6 April 2001

On the 6th of April, my friends Gill, Shaun, Heather and The Beat Brothers and I, all headed for Southport - our destination was Pontins. The reason - we went to see The Fab Beatles, from Devon. Though it looked like the Rain had set in for the weekend, thankfully, we were kept entertained by the sounds of 60's bands and The Fab Beatles.

After we had arrived and unpacked, we made our way to the hall where the lads were setting up for sound check! We kind of interrupted them, and as Kev looked up from the stage, we were clocked! It had been 9 months since we all last saw each other and we were welcomed with hugs! It was great to have a chat and find out what they had been up to! It was lovely to see them again and so great because, The Beat Brothers, Phil and Eddie, got the chance to meet them! The bands drummer, Peter, presented them with a couple of posters, which the band signed for them - they were made up!

The band had travelled a long way and it was their first concert 'up north'!! They were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of Beatles fans and familiar faces from Beatle Week!! The band took to the stage later than scheduled - 8pm! They wore the familiar turtle black polo necks, black trousers and were welcomed with a dance floor packed full of Beatles fans. They as usual looked the part and gained great response from watching onlookers and comments of praises! They played through all The Beatles hits - 'I Saw Her Standing There', 'Please Please Me', 'I Want To Hold Your Hand', 'She Loves You', 'Hard Days Night', 'Help!' Then played 'Penny Lane', 'I Am The Walrus' and many more and ended with the wonderful sound of 'Twist and Shout', Which consisted of an over packed dance floor, screaming along with Kev! At the high notes! Loud cheers! Of wanting more! And they still couldn't leave the stage! They finished with 'Hey Jude!'

Whilst watching around the room, I noticed the expressions on people's faces, they were, loving it! You feel so proud, knowing that you are a part of something that is so popular! It just proves that no matter what, The Beatles music, even in the form of a Tribute Band, still triggers that hysteria of Beatlemania! The Fab Beatles really left an impression on everyone's minds! We know that they are coming to play there again and will be back to see them, even if they do have to travel up the M6 motorway!! They are always welcome back with open arms!

Jo Rishton
TWIL Issue Four May 2001