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In a bid to give Chennaiites a true Beatles experience, the Counterfeit Beatles' show will be complete with authentic costumes, stage setups, props, instruments, and even a left-handed bass guitarist! These guys are set to transport audiences back to the 60s when Strawberry Fields were forever.
The Counterfeit Beatles have a tight act. Peter Bailey, to whom playing Beatles' songs means the world, is in the garb of Paul McCartney, and plays the bass. He says, "Most people enjoy singing along to Beatles' songs, but for me, to play all my favourite songs is a dream come true." Reuven Gershon (as John Lennon), a Beatle fan since he first discovered them when he was nine, is the vocalist. Martin, like George Harrison, is the guitarist and minces his words, a role that's quite befitting. He's been playing the guitar since he was 15 and is an active songwriter. And last, but not the least, Fred (as Ringo Starr) plays the drums, "but mostly plays the fool," keeps the mood light with his humour.
Peter says, the founder member of the band, "The Beatles were thorough professionals. When I analyse the mechanics of each song, I see that the arrangements are perfect. So, if we are paying tribute to them, it will have to be authentic." Reuven says, "Our musicianship is top priority. When it comes to the look, we ensure that costumes and props are as close to the original. We use the actual equipment that they used - the same guitars, no special mix, authentic lighting, the whole works." Adds Peter, "We even look at little details like where they used to stand. We want people to get the almost-real experience of watching The Beatles."
On the legendary status that The Beatles enjoys, Peter states that they were the rightful leaders of their era. "They were the great artistes of their time. They worked for years on end building up their reputation, unlike artistes who look for quick fame these days," he says. Reuven adds, "Artistes these days are often not given the same space like artistes of that era had. They are not given enough time to mature." In India for the first time, the guys are a little taken aback. "Everyone drives like crazy. And oh, the horns," says Martin. The funniest thing, says Reuven, "was a mom on a motorbike with one little girl clinging to her back and another little one standing in front and holding on for dear life. If that ever happened in England you would be arrested and put away in an asylum," he laughs.
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