Band impresses with concert, show tributes past rock greats

Purdue Exponent, IN 14 July 2003
By Jason Tomcsi Editor in Chief

For those of a younger generation, the opportunity to see a groundbreaking band like the Beatles has passed.

But for those who were at the Long Center on Saturday night, the Legends of Yesterday brought back that opportunity with a nearly flawless tribute.

For two hours The Legends took the audience on a rock 'n' roll journey playing the music of not only The Beatles, but also the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly.

Wearing authentic looking costumes and wigs, The Legends' founder Don Bellezzo played the role of Don Everly and Davey Justice played the part of the other half of the brother duo, Phil. Bellezzo's vocals were a dead-on match throughout and was almost uncanny when hearing the songs "Bye Bye Love" and "All I have to Do is Dream."

After the Everly portion of the show, Danny Leavitt made his appearance as Buddy Holly, which proved to be one of the most memorable parts of the show.

His movements on stage in a crème colored tuxedo jacket with a matching black bow tie along with his vocals had everyone in the audience smiling. His vocals, including the famous Holly "hiccup" were fun to listen to. The rendition of "Oh Boy" concluded his segment of the show and charged up crowd causing many to dance around.

Leavitt also showed that the show was more about the music by staying in character in between songs.

Talking to the audience in a Holly-like southern voice, Leavitt was able to make the audience laugh. After singing "Everyday" Leavitt looked down at his watch and turned to his drummer and said "Dick, I think we missed our flight. I guess we'll take a train or something." The comment was in reference to the plane crash that killed Holly and fellow musicians Ritchie Valens and "The Big Bopper," J.P. Richardson.

The Legends returned to the stage as The Beatles in matching black suits much like those the fab four wore on the Ed Sullivan Show. Kicking off their set with "A Hard Days Night," Bellezzo once again showed his ability to imitate, this time sounding like John Lennon.

Dick Cunico played drummer Ringo Starr and showed his vocal talent during "Yellow Submarine." His vocals complemented the mannerisms and moptop look of the drummer.

Justice returned as Paul McCartney and did a wonderful rendition of "Hey Jude" to close out the evening. The playful banter between Justice and Bellezzo as McCartney and Lennon was an unexpected, yet pleasing, part of the show.

Leavitt also returned as George Harrison and just like he did with his Buddy Holly performance, he shined with a rendition of "While my guitar gently weeps," as a tribute to the late Harrison.

In the show's program, The Legends of Yesterday said that the audience would be experiencing the No. 1 legends tribute in the world — they weren't far off.