Instant Karma's Gonna Get You!

Jon Keats has been providing Lennon vocals in Instant Karma for many years now. They are a well-loved band at Beatleweek and he says, "Playing at convention is great! We are only doing two shows this year unfortunately, due to the fact that we have got other projects on the go." (One thing they are especially looking forward to is playing on a cruise ship!!)

"I myself will be playing at The Barcelona Bar, on the Friday afternoon. The plan is to join up with Bob Bartey, and sing the most unusual Lennon and McCartney numbers - solo years first and then ending with a joint partnership of Keats and Bartey!" With the talents of both Jon and Bob on one stage we imagine this will be one of the highlights of the week!!

Instant Karma have not had the time to get together since their last gig at The Royal Court on October 9th, where, along with Banned On The Run and Gary Gibson, they celebrated John Lennon's 60th Birthday in style! Jon explained, "It's not the fact we don't want to - we just have so many different projects on the go! For example I have started acting. It's something that I have always wanted to do and have been doing TV commercials (Littlewoods) and just recently Brookside," (where Jon played the role of a detective!). So will he be returning to Brookside? "Well possibly! Within the next 3 months, there could be a possible twist to the storyline of Max and Susanna and if there is, it means I will have to go back to the Close for some further filming! I'm not really sure when, we'll just have to wait and see." Something to look out for - you never know when Jon Keats could pop up on your TV screens - these tribute bands certainly are full of surprises!!

Jon isn't the only musical member of the Keats family!! His brother Nicky is also a talented performer and musician. He is currently writing and recording with his band, and have a CD - out now!

I have seen Instant Karma many times live and consider them to be Lennon at his best. I will never forget the first time I heard them perform 'How' and 'God', at Beatleweek 2000. Jon Keats has all the talent of John Lennon, but doesn't try to look like him or impersonate his character. He has the cheekiness that Lennon had, but also a maturity which gives you an idea of what John Lennon would be like if he was still performing now. If you ever get the chance to see Instant Karma, you will see what I mean.

And as if playing with Instant Karma, and acting isn't enough, Jon is venturing into another project! He's opening a bar at The Albert Dock in Liverpool! It's a musical themed bar; but you won't hear The Beatles here!! Jon's customers will be able to groove to jazz and chill out with the sounds of Frank Sinatra!! The bar will be open during Beatleweek so why not pop in and say hello!

Jo Rishton
TWIL Issue Four May 2001