Fab Faux returning to Liverpool for Beatleweek 2003

The Fab Faux With their energetic shows, zest for life, passion for The Beatles and fabulous musicianship, The Fab Faux are one of the most popular acts to have ever played Beatleweek. For anyone who doesn't know The Faux; the band consists of five highly talented and sought-after musicians - Will Lee, best-known for being the bass player in the Late Show with David Letterman house band, has worked with George, Ringo and Paul on various occasions. Jimmy Vivino, guitarist extraordinaire and band member of the other New York based chat-show, Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Jack Petruzzelli, keyboard player and member of Joan Osborne's band, Frank Agnello, guitarist and serious Beatlefan who has played in a number of Broadway shows and drummer, Rich Pagano who as well as running his own studios finds time to tour with a variety of artists including, most recently, Roseanne Cash. Every member of The Fab Faux also sings which gives them a far greater range when recreating Beatles songs from the various aspects of their career.

They last performed in Liverpool in August 2001 and just a couple of weeks after the festival New York City was devastated by the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. As part of the Paul Shaffer CBS Orchestra, Will performed with a star-studded line-up which included David Bowie, The Who, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards and Eric Clapton in the Concert for New York City. Paul McCartney closed the concert and Will joined him becoming a member of his band for the evening, playing bass and providing backing vocals.

In December 2001 Jimmy and his Conan band colleagues; The Max Weinberg 7 joined Bruce Springsteen to play a series of benefit concerts in The Boss's home state New Jersey. Jack has recently completed a 2-month tour of the US with Joan Osborne, supporting the Dixie Chicks, and then there is the strange occurrence of a Beatle impersonating a member of The Fab Faux… Ian Hunter, the Mott The Hoople front man, recorded his latest album 'Rant' at Rich Pagano's New Calcutta Studios. Co-produced by long-time friend and occasional Faux member Andy York, Rich engineered and played drums on a track entitled 'I Still Love Rock and Roll'. Ian Hunter then joined Ringo for his last All-Star Tour and sang that song as part of his spot, backed by Ringo playing Rich's drum part!

The Fab Faux have managed to fit a few gigs into their busy schedule's and having grown too big for the Bowery Ballroom have now moved to a larger venue, Irving Plaza, which continues to sell-out despite holding 1200 people. Any discerning music fan in New York knows of the band and they have attracted many Beatle-related followers including May Pang, Sid Bernstein and recently George Martin's son Greg who was highly impressed by the performance. The Faux are well on their way to achieve the unique record of having played every one of The Beatles original LP's live. Most memorably for Beatleweeker's they showcased Abbey Road in 2000, while in New York they have recreated Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and, the album they will perform on Monday night at The Royal Court; The White Album, which is probably the album least attempted by Beatles Tribute Bands.

The band are thrilled to be returning to Liverpool this year. Say's Will, "We love playing to the Beatle audience; they know and love the music and are delighted when we can deliver every detail! The Fab Four were so inspired and innovative, they created a treasure chest of music & sound, thought & emotion, images & dreams that really let the imagination soar. To see the looks on people's faces when The Fab Faux plays, is really our greatest motivator. Without the fans, it's just a rehearsal! Of course, the fans in Liverpool at Beatle Week are the crème de la crème and we can't wait to play BW 2003. Thanks Everybody!"

Their attention to detail is amazing! Yes, they have keyboards, and three guitarists which is an obvious advantage in recreating the heavily produced Beatles songs over their Mop-Top era colleagues, but their musicianship, charisma, harmonies and the obvious love for the music makes them one of the best live bands you'll ever see. The fact that the music they are playing is the best in the world, simply adds to the attraction!

Nina Douglas :: July 2003