The Beatlemania spirit

Those who spent their growing-up years in the ’60s, especially the Baby Boomers, are fortunate to have experienced one of the most eventful and exciting times of the 20th century. The ’60s was a time of great and significant social and cultural developments when the Beat Generation, Flower People, Women’s Lib, Sexual Revolution and Space Race dominated the world scene.

In the US, there was the British invasion of its music scene when four moptop heads, the musical group called the Beatles dominated the American pop music scene. The Beatles was an English rock band from Liverpool that phenomenally rose to fame for its exhilarating beat, extraordinary harmonies and exquisite style. The famous foursome of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr has captivated millions with its innovative tunes that helped define the music of that era.

Aside from its musical contributions, The Beatles is also recognized for its cultural and social impact as its songs, clothes, hairstyles and public statements made John and company trendsetters in pop culture and its influence extended to significant developments sweeping the ’60s. It established a record not only as the best-selling musical act of the 20th century but as one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed popular bands. In the UK, the Beatles released over 40 different singles and albums that reached No. 1, a commercial success repeated in many other countries, that by 1985, its record company, EMI, estimated the band had sold over one billion discs or tapes worldwide. The Beatles was certified by the Recording Industry Association of America as the highest-selling band of all time based on sales of singles and albums in the US. As it became an overnight sensation, The Beatles’ fame stirred worldwide attention, giving birth to the phenomenon known as Beatlemania.

Although The Beatles has split up over 38 years ago, its musical legacy continues to live with the proliferation of several tribute bands that feature Beatles look-alikes and sound-alikes who perform the Beatles’ greatest hits in various venues across the globe.

The sound, style and spirit of Beatlemania will return to the local music scene when The Apple Band, one of the hottest Beatles tribute bands in the world, comes to Manila for a series of performances highlighted by a major concert at Aliw Theater in Pasay City at 8 p.m. on March 24. Billed as The Beatles Forever! With The Apple Band, the three-night gig mounted by Steve O’Neal Productions and George Montero in cooperation with Hard Rock Café and Hyatt Hotel and Casino-Manila will kick off with a show at Hard Rock Café in Makati City at 7:30 p.m. on March 23 and end with a dinner-concert at Hyatt Hotel and Casino at 7 p.m. on March 25.

The Beatles Forever! With The Apple Band will recreate the Beatlemania phenomenon for thousands of Pinoy fans more than 40 years after the Fab Four toured Manila on July 4, 1966 and performed two sold-out shows before an estimated crowd of 40,000 at the Rizal Football Stadium. The musical event, considered as the ultimate Beatles concert in four decades, will feature the immortal hits of The Beatles as performed by The Apple Band comprised of David Leon as John Lennon, Jeff Toczynski (Paul McCartney), David Brighton (George Harrison) and Mike Sarafian (Ringo Starr). The Apple Band has been acclaimed as the best-looking, best-sounding Beatles tribute group because of its members’ looks, sounds and quality of performance of timeless Beatles tunes that average 35 to 40 songs per show.

Playing the role of John Lennon is David Leon, hailed as the best John Lennon impersonator in the trade whose appearance, mannerisms and voice beat a close similarity to Lennon’s. Jeff Toczynski brings to his performance, the charm, verve and enthusiasm of Sir Paul McCartney. His act gives precise attention to the finest detail as he plays the bass guitar left-handed just like McCartney. David Brighton is considered the best artist to play George Harrison, the same role portrayed in "Beatlemania." Not only does he look and sound like Harrison, he delivers on a note-per-note basis the artist’s singing style and guitar licks with great authenticity and accuracy. Precise drumming and vocals best describe Mike Sarafian in his role as Ringo Starr as he captures with uncanny authenticity the personality and spirit of rock’s most famous drummer.

Guest performer is actor Michael Sherman in the role of Ed Sullivan, who will introduce the group and provide comic entertainment. Also appearing as special guest is local band M.O.B.B., dubbed as the "Dave Clark of the Philippines."(Tickets for the Aliw Theater concert are priced at P2,060, P1,545, P1,030 and P515 and available at Ticketworld outlets at National Bookstores, Ayala Malls, Robinsons Malls, Tower Records/Music One, or call 891-9999. For reservations at the Hard Rock Café show, call 893-4661 to 64, while reservations at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino-Manila performance may be made by calling 245-123.)