An Interview with Aggeu Marques of Hocus Pocus

After hearing the wonderful sound of Hocus Pocus in the Adelphi Ballroom at 1.30 in the morning, sleep is the last thing on your mind! I became engrossed listening to this band from Brazil, and it was a real pleasure to meet them after the show. So even though it took me a while to track them down for 'The Word Is Love', I'm glad I found them!
Aggeu Marques plays the Paul part in Hocus Pocus and not only is he a talented musician - he is also a qualified doctor! (So if you find yourself feeling a little faint during one of their amazing performances - try and pass out in his direction!!)

When did you form your band, Hocus Pocus?
"The band was formed about 16 years ago in 1984. In the beginning we were a group of friends that used to play different songs, especially Beatles songs, so we all decided to form a Beatles Tribute Band. We probably were one of the first Beatles Bands in Brazil.

Tell us what Hocus Pocus means…
Hocus Pocus is an untranslatable word. It is a Celtic expression and it's a magic word. So calling us, you will do the magic of bringing back The Beatles' songs (we hope!)

How popular are the Beatles & Hocus Pocus in Brazil?
I guess when it comes to the Beatles; their music is still very popular over here. We are very well known as a tribute band. Probably this year we will be known for a special gig with orchestras and a choir. We are going to do that show in December. The media will want to know and write a lot about it.

What is the largest audience you have ever played before?
We played for 120,000 people last New Years Day - we live in a city with a population of 3 million!!

What are your favourite Beatles songs?
I like 'Oh Darling!', 'I've Got A Feeling', 'Dig A Pony', 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' and 'Hey Bulldog'.

Have you seen any of the Beatles perform live? "
I have seen Paul McCartney three times in Brazil (twice in Rio and once in Sao Paolo). I also came over to England to see Ringo at the Shepherd Bush Empire.

What do you think of Liverpool's Beatle Convention? "
Well it's great for me! You see the first time I played here was with my old band (I used to play with another Brazilian band called "Sgt. Pepper"). We played at Convention 5 times before we split up on 1998, so this year will be my seventh year!!

And we can't wait to have you back!!

TWIL Issue One July 2000