An Interview with Rick Alan of Hare Georgeson

1. Who are Hare Georgeson?
A bunch of very patient musicians brought together about a fortnight before the Beatle Convention to rehearse some George penned tunes. We all play in different bands so it's difficult to find the time to fit in the rehearsals. Roy Hitchen (drums) plays with me in The Cavern Beatles; Pete Muldoon (bass) plays with Led Zed and Kappa & the Angeldust; Paul Kappa (guitar) also plays with Led Zed and Kappa & the Angeldust; Eddie Whelan (keys) plays with Abbasolutely Live; and Paula Wildman (b/v's) sings with Murphy's Sisters.

2. What are the dubious origins of Hare Georgeson?
I don't know that the origins are dubious, but, in 1995, Bill Heckle of Cavern City Tours, asked me to put together a band to perform at his intended "Solo Years Concert" at Central Hall (now The Barcelona)

3. I've read that you were always a George fan - what makes him so special to you and how does it feel to imitate one of your heroes?
I was always a Beatle fan, not especially a George fan, that's just Billy padding out the programme notes !! It feels really great when it is appreciated by Beatle fans, cos most of them know their stuff.

4. What do you think makes the Beatles a band which people want to emulate all over the world?
The music is so instant and it takes a very short space of time to become familiar with the tunes. They make people feel good. A band gets a lot back from an audience if they play songs people are comfortable with.

5. What are your favourite George/Beatles songs to perform live?
For You Blue, Crackerbox Palace, Something, Someplace Else.

6. What would you do if a former-Beatle turned up at one of your shows?
Pete Best did in Hamburg - I bought him a pint. Ended up playing a couple of songs with him and Tony Sheridan.

7. Do you perform solely George/Beatles songs or do you write your own songs too?
The former.

8. What do you think of Beatlefans?
We've all got good taste.

9. What would you say has been your most 'Beatle-like' moment?
Apart from recording at Abbey Road, which was a bit un-nerving, I think it was making the Fox's Biscuit Commercial a few years ago. The Cavern Beatles were on stage at club in Yorkshire and there were about 500 girls who were paid to scream while we performed. The noise was incredible. The girls at the front were the more experienced extras and they were crying and jumping up and down. It looked just like all those films we're all familiar with. At the end of a take though, they all went quiet. It was a bit of a let down.

10. What is it about Liverpool Beatles Convention that you enjoy so much?
Its only once a year!! It's great to let on to people whose faces you seem to know so well even if you don't know their names. The last few years I have not been around the convention that much because of the Mathew Street Festival. I remember it as being one long party. I think this year is the first year since 1981 that I haven't been to the Sunday Convention / flea market.

11. What would you say is the most inspiring/inspired Beatle/solo lyric?
I Am The Walrus.

12. Why did you shave your moustache off between Friday and Sunday's gigs at Convention?? (Lots of people want to know, honest!)
People kept telling me I looked like a 70's porno star, and food was starting to get stuck on it! It was the first time I've had a real muzzy - not sure I liked it!

Nina Douglas
TWIL Issue Two October 2000