Following in the footsteps of The Beatles

Having spent the first afternoon of 2001 Beatleweek in the Cavern Club and Pub watching The Flying Postmen, we were looking forward to the first official event, held in Liverpool's historic Town Hall. Situated on Water Street, it faces Castle Street where in 1964 thousands of fans came to welcome their local heroes back for the Northern premiere of The Beatles first film, A Hard Day's Night. As I stood on that same balcony, admiring the view 37 years later, I mused over the fact that those four young lads, just at the beginning of their amazing journey, could never have imagined that all these years later, hundreds of fans would be travelling thousands of miles to hear the music they wrote, in the city they called home, and to stand in the places they had stood.

That wonderful music was celebrated this evening by three bands who had indeed travelled many thousands of miles to be here. Clube Big Beatles from Brazil, who are regular Beatleweek attendees and one of the first 'original' bands to visit the festival. They add their own style and humour to each song; Edu encouraging audience participation with his huge foam hands, or amusing us with his John and Yoko puppets. The music is great too! They mix lesser-heard Beatle album tracks with classic hits, and solo post Beatle numbers expertly. All five are excellent musicians and singers, and they got the week off to a great start!

Up next were Los Beat 3. Over the last three years, the group, from Venezuela, have made many friends and fans in Liverpool. To a warm welcome they entertained with a rocking set which included, for the careful listeners among us, the 'George Martin - In My Life' versions of 'Come Together' and 'I Am The Walrus'. Covered 'originally' by Robin Williams and Bobby McFerrin, and Jim Carrey respectively, Los Beat 3's renditions maintained the unique style of the original artistes - a real treat! They also played 'One After 909', 'Rain', (which you don't hear very often!), 'Strawberry Fields Forever' and 'All You Need Is Love'. The number they are best known for, of course, is another cover version of a Beatles song - Joe Cocker's take on 'With A Little Help From My Friends'. Many of the crowd at the Town Hall had obviously not been honoured to see Axel and the band perform this amazing song before, and they all seemed to experience the same shiver down the spine as me!! Over the past three years, Los Beats 3 have become good friends with us here at The Word Is Love, and their support for the magazine and at our stall on the Sunday, proved that they truly live up to the name of their own classic performance, 'With a Little Help From My Friends'.

Finally, drawing the evening to a close; A Hard Night's Day from Texas. They are well known for their 'early years' sets - the ultimate of which would be performed on the Saturday at the Royal Court Theatre, in a 'Hamburg' theme. This evening they played a variety of songs - 'Leave My Kitten Alone', 'Besame Mucho', 'Soldier of Love' and lots more rarities!

We made our way back to the North Western Halls, shunning the dancing and more bands at the Cavern, for an early night - it was to be the only one of the weekend!!

Nina Douglas
TWIL Issue Six November 2001