The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Magic Of The Beatles
Rothes Halls, Glenrothes, December 22
You might imagine trying to pull off an imitation of the greatest band in rock history would bring pressure, but it’s a test Dave Peterson relishes.
The Newcastle-born bassist plays the part of Paul McCartney in his tribute band Magic Of The Beatles and says it’s the actual challenge of recreating every last detail about the Fab Four’s sound and image that makes his musical career so enjoyable. “Every time the Beatles played live they had the same gear so we make sure our equipment and costumes matches up,” says Dave.
“If you don’t have the Hofner bass, for example, people would soon remark on it. It’s an iconic guitar and it’s known as the Beatle Bass because Paul McCartney never had another bass when he played live. He still uses it now. You’ve got to have those instruments to get the sound right as well as the visuals.”
Dave started the band in the late-’90s in Newcastle, where their reputation swiftly grew by constant gigging in the city’s pubs, clubs and student unions. Nowadays they play almost 100 shows a year across the UK and abroad as well as private and corporate events, with promoters in Vietnam the latest to inquire about their availability.
The band’s colourful two-hour show features more than 40 songs and chronologically splits their idols’ career into four parts, starting with the suited “Beatlemania” period from 1963-65.
After an initial costume change the band returns to play tracks from the albums Rubber Soul and Revolver, before covering the psychedelic Sgt Pepper’s phase.
The conclusion includes Beatles’ final 1969 concert on Apple’s rooftop, with songs from White, Abbey Road and Let It Be, followed by a reprisal of early hits. “It’s difficult choosing a set from the Beatles’ catalogue,” Dave admits.
“They had 27 number one singles alone, so it’s hard to leave songs out. One of the good things for us was a few years ago when Xbox brought out The Beatles Rock Band and all the kids were learning their songs.
“The first thing that turned me on to music was hearing Please Please Me and you always remember their catchy hooks.
“Sometimes we’ll have three generations of families coming along, with little kids in Beatles T-shirts quite a common sight.”
Dave – the band’s senior member at “over 40” – says Glenrothes has become a second home. “It’s the fourth time we’ve been and it’s always a good night,” he adds.
“Plus, we know which way to go to find the road in now. You’ve got to go round that shopping centre and we used to always get lost. I’m looking forward to it – it’s our last show of the year so it’ll be like our own band Christmas party.”