MANILA, Philippines - It was 44 years ago today when the guys who created Sergeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band came to Manila for a couple of concerts. After their horrifying experience in the Philippines on July 4, 1966, the Beatles altogether stopped performing live concerts as soon as their tour was over a month later in San Francisco. Four decades later, only three original members survive. Paul McCartney, Richard Starkey aka Ringo Starr and original drummer Pete Best.
Pete Best? Yes Pete Best was the Beatles drummer before Ringo. Pete was part of the historical gigs at the Casbah Coffee Club and numerous clubs in Hamburg where the Beatles polished their musical genius. There were several rumors why Pete was fired as the Beatles drummer but the most credible one was because George Martin, the Beatles erstwhile producer wanted him out despite resistance from manager Brian Epstein. In fact, George Martin didn’t also like Ringo’s drumming on Love Me Do that he used a session drummer for the Abbey Road recordings.
After the Beatles, Pete went through bouts of depression despite Brian offering him various projects which he turned down. When he snapped out of the depressive state, he formed the Pete Best Band. Although members of the band have changed through the years, Pete still actively tours the world. I tried booking him two years ago and only got the opportunity this September. The show at the Aliw Theater on Sept. 11 is called Beatlefest 10 and will feature some of the best Pinoy artists who are Beatlemaniacs at heart. Ely Buendia, Rene Garcia, (Hotdog), Ramon RJ Jacinto, Mcoy Fundales (Orange & Lemons & Area One), The Glass Onion Band, etc.
It will be an all-night treat for all Beatles fans. Beatles music will be performed exclusively and there will be a finale All Star Jam featuring all the guests with Pete and some surprises. Pete will also have a Q & A portion with the audience for those who have questions about his experiences with the Beatles. Pete will play drums and perform with the Glass Onion band early Beatles hits like I Saw Her Standing There, Rock & Roll Music, Love Me Do, PS I Love You, Long Tall Sally, Roll Over Beethoven, etc.
Also to be featured at the Aliw Theater lobby is an Early Days exhibit of Beatles memorabilia from Steve O’ Neal’s extensive collection, individual collectors and the Beatles Booster club of the Philippines. Pete will also sign autographs and pose for photos at the end of the show.
Beatlefest 10 is presented by Steve O’ Neal productions in collaboration with Hyatt Hotel & Casino, the official residence, Zest Air, the official airline, Business Mirror, PCSO, Hard Rock Café, Mang Inasal, St. Francis Square, Perez Optical, Megamall, 99.5 RT, Wave 89.1, Jam 88.3, Magic 89,9 and the official concert station RJ100 FM.
Tickets are available at Ticketworld, National Bookstores, Robinsons and Ayala Malls. Log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph for ticket and seat details or call 891-9999. Tickets are priced at P800, P1,500 and P2,500 plus handling fees.