The MerseyBeat

By Joanne Tamburro

Did you ever wonder what it would have been like to live in Liverpool just at the brink of the British Blues / Rock & Roll / R&B era? A time just before the British Invasion on America when The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Hollies, and others from that time in the early 60’s when English musicians got inspired by American music and began playing it in a style all their own which changed the music of the world so radically that no one has come close to accomplishing such a feat even to this day.

If you were too young to experience that magical time in music history, get down to see and hear The MerseyBeat and they will take you there. Performing at The Rose, 290 Smithtown Blvd. in Nesconset on Saturday night, January 14th, it was like stepping into a time portal back to the 60’s, Austin Powers style! This band portrays The Beatles back to the time when they were performing in Liverpool at The Cavern, and before they were known out of their hometown. The biggest trip is they are authentic from the instruments they play such as Gretch, Rickenbacker, Gibson, and Hofner guitars, a Ringo Starr reissue Ludwig drum kit, to the Vox amps the fab four used in those days. As for the clothes, these guys leave in every detail from the Shea Stadium safari jackets or the lapel less suits and the boots made by the same designer in Liverpool who originated the style for The Beatles.

. There are other Beatle tribute bands around, but most of them play the music of the later Beatles and not the early years, such as this tribute portrayal does. Not only do these guys deliver the great Lennon and McCartney material like "I Wanna Hold Your Hand", " From Me To You", "All My Lovin", "Help", Hard Days Night", and so many others to perfection, but they stay in character complete with English accents and referring to each other as John, Paul, George and Ringo!

Speaking with the group backstage on a break was the total trip down "Penny (memory) Lane". These guys stayed in character for quite awhile giving everyone present the feeling of what it could have been like hanging out with The Fab Four! Sal founded the group back in 1985, and honed in on the authenticity of the sound playing the Long Island club scene. Richard Neale, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Paul McCartney, is an authentic import to the group from England. Hearing him do some of McCartney’s songs solo on acoustic guitar like, "Yesterday" and "Eleanor Rigby", is uncanny and almost a little creepy in how realistically authentic he has copped Paul’s vibe. George is responsible for supplying all the authentic instrumentation. George owns a vintage music store and is an avid collector. 

In 1996, Mr. Bill Harry, the editor of MerseyBeat Magazine, (A Good Times style publication in Liverpool) helped the band to play at The Cavern Club in Liverpool England, where it all began for The Beatles. "It was so exciting for us to have the privilege to play in this venue and feel a little of what it must have felt like for the original group!" Sal said. "We were well received by the club and its patrons, even George Harrison’s sister, Louise was there and spoke with us for a time afterwards", Rusty says as he reminisced the experience of a lifetime.

You have to see this band to believe it! The MerseyBeat will take you back and treat you to a special era marked in rock & roll history forever. Check them out when they come back to The Rose, a 25 and older, proper attire nightspot, reminiscent of the dance clubs of the 70’s, with cozy tables, a large dance floor, and friendly people. Or check out their website at: www.merseybeatband.com

Or call for more info at Maxxmania Music Productions, ,631- 484-9729  or  516 378 - 1419 for a Ticket To Ride to Twist & Shout!