The Mersey Beatles at the Epstein Theatre: Memories and Review

I first saw the Mersey Beatles in 2007, not long after I moved to Liverpool to take up my job at the University of Chester. For the next few years, I was a regular visitor to the Cavern, where the Mersey Beatles were the resident Beatles tribute band, sometimes seeing them play two or even three times a week. No matter how many times I saw them play, each performance was as fresh and exciting and engaging as the first time that I'd seen them -- when I'd ended up dancing with Julia Baird! For a couple of years, I had the pleasure and privilege to work part-time for the band, and I formed friendships that I'm sure will last forever.

Then things changed. The demands of my job and my ever-growing role at St Peter's Church, as well as the increasing demands placed on the band by tour bookings around the world meant that, until the show at the Epstein Theatre last Friday, it had been a couple of years since I saw the boys play live. But, as soon as I walked into the theatre, it was like I had been down the Cavern, surrounded by friends and listening to fabulous music, only the night before. It was like going home again.

I can't say that it was just the same as it always had been ... because it was better! Two of my favourite songs -- "Lady Madonna" (nearly the Eric Morecambe tribute version, which made me smile and brought back great memories) and "Hey Bulldog" (yes, I've been requesting that for about five years, but it really was worth waiting for!); hilarious interaction with the audience -- the count-in to "She Loves You" is not something to be forgotten; poignancy and respect for the music and the city where all the band were born -- "In My Life" dedicated to George Martin and the 96; even "Yellow Submarine" ( ... yeah, let's not go there!); and a night of fabulous, fabulous music played with style, panache, and absolute sheer talent.

It was an amazing, memorable night. And, somehow, I don't think it will be another two years before I get back to where I once belonged ;-)

The Mersey Beatles at the Epstein Theatre, May 20, 2016

Review by Donna Jackson

Last night, Liverpool’s own Mersey Beatles got back to the Epstein Theatre after a sell-out tour of the United States and proved, once again, why Julia Baird calls them the best tribute band that she’s heard.

Mark Bloor as 'John'

From the opening notes of “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” to the last triumphant note of “Hey Jude”, the Mersey Beatles owned the stage of the Epstein Theatre, named in honour of the Beatles manager, Brian Epstein, and they did Brian, The Beatles and Liverpool proud, holding the enthusiastic and appreciative audience in the palms of their hands.

The atmosphere was magical as the boys took the audience on a journey through the Beatles musical career, from the heady excitement of the early hits to the sophisticated sounds of Abbey Road, with three different costume changes, appropriate guitars for each era and song, and original artwork appropriate to each song as the backdrop. The quality of the music was superb with each song performed live and reproduced in the original key, with spot-on harmonies and perfect guitar solos that had the audience marvelling at the sheer quality of the talent on display.

The magic of the Mersey Beatles isn’t just the quality of the musical performance, though; it’s also the genuine Scouse charm, wit and humour that exudes from all the boys. Mark Bloor, as ‘John’, was on particularly good form, interacting with the audience, ‘larking about’ and frequently inducing fits of laughter from the audience.

Steven Howard as 'Paul'

Steven Howard, as ‘Paul’ added to the charm and wit but was clearly in control of the night, calling for requests from the audience and then adjusting the setlist accordingly; Dave Howard, as ‘George’ was the quiet one, letting his musical talent speak for itself while Brian Ambrose, as ‘Ringo’ looked as if he was having a great time, especially during his spectacular drum solo at the end of the show.

David Howard as 'George' and Brian Ambrose
as 'Ringo'

Because of this, the Mersey Beatles aren’t just any other tribute act. They don't claim to 'be' The Beatles, they don't use scripts or reproduce the lines made famous by the original Fab Four, and they don't try to impersonate the men they acknowledge as their heroes. They are simply themselves -- lads who are all Liverpool born and bred, but who have the same charm, wit and intelligence as The Beatles. Thus, they bring The Beatles 'alive' in a way that allows those who were around in the 60s to relive happy memories, and to give to those who are too young to have 'been there' a taste of something they can otherwise only dream about. And so, last night, we were transported back in time. We, in the audience, experienced the music, the energy, the passion and the excitement of four lads from Liverpool who went on to conquer the world.

The Mersey Beatles with the amazing Tony C
on keyboards

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Beatles tribute bands around the world, but only a handful that can rightly claim to have that little something special that sets them apart. The Mersey Beatles are one of the select few. It's not just their musical talent -- many bands can legitimately make that claim -- although musical talent is clearly a key element in their success. It's not just their abundant charm and charisma. It's not just the chemistry that exists between all the boys. It's not just their passion and enthusiasm for the music of The Beatles that is so evident as they play. It's not just the respect that they have for the music, for the audience and for The Beatles. It's not even just a combination of all these elements. It is that combination plus that added spark that defies description but which everyone in the Epstein Theatre last night witnessed first hand, and which had us all on our feet begging for more.

The Mersey Beatles performed in the Cavern club more times than their musical idols but, like the Beatles, they have outgrown the small stage in the best of cellars in Mathew Street. Similarly, in a way, they have outgrown Liverpool and, like the Beatles in 1964, are now conquering America. Having just returned from a triumphant sell-out tour of the United States, they are already booked to returned to the Midwest this summer, playing dates in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois, with further tours planned for next year.

If the Mersey Beatles are playing near you, don’t miss out on the chance to see Julia Baird’s – and Liverpool’s – favourite tribute band! A splendid time, and a trip down memory lane that will have you laughing, singing and dancing in the aisles, is guaranteed for all!