Instant Karma @ The Cavern Club - 9 December 2001

It was an evening dedicated to the memory of George Harrison, who had sadly passed away the week before, but it also coincided with the death of John Lennon. Therefore amongst the Beatles band and George tributes the night at the Cavern also featured Instant Karma, probably the best Lennon Tribute band there is, (in my humble opinion of course.)

After spending the previous weekend mourning for my favourite Beatles, I decided my return to Liverpool should be in celebration of him and his fellow bandmate John. Of course this was easier said than done and emotions ran high at the tribute in the Cavern.

I did not stay for the whole night. I couldn't. I just needed to see friends and hear a little Beatles music. Finding Instant Karma on the bill was a bonus, a highlight amongst the emotion.

For the first time in a very long time I was sat with the people at the front, (lately I've moved more towards the back or the sidelines to watch bands), which provided a wonderful view up Jon Keats' nose!

All the regular John Lennon favourites were there. Instant Karma tend towards the early solo stuff, but anything that rocks also seems to be their forte.

Especially poignant for me was Jealous Guy, a song very significant in my friendship with my best friend. God proved an interesting choice for that weekend - containing the lines 'I don't believe in Beatles' (to which Jon added - why were we all there then?) and 'the dream is over' (which took on greater meaning in the circumstances). The song Instant Karma saw most people on their feet, dancing - that night we knew for a fact that 'We All Shine On' in a myriad of ways that we often don't understand.

Perhaps the real highlight for me was Jon's encore. Neil the DJ persuaded him to perform 'Serve Yourself' (with Neil himself playing the part of the music stand!). I missed out on hearing him do this at Beatleweek 2001, but I was present when he heard the track for the very first time and his face at the first barrage of cuss words from John was classic! I'm glad U got to hear it - it's a cracking version - I hope he keeps it in the act for a while.

It may sound odd that as a George fan I was only really eager to see a John Lennon tribute that night, but perhaps I just needed something that was safe and known to comfort me at a time when I needed it, and a rocking good time to make the world almost seem right again, even for a short time.

Anne-Marie Trace
TWIL Issue Seven February 2002