The Bootleg Beatles
We are delighted to welcome The Bootleg Beatles to our stage on Thursday 31st July. They are the world’s premier Beatles tribute band. Arguably they are the most well known tribute band of any band. Incredibly they have performed for over four decades and 4500 live shows whilst touring the world. They have become an institution in their own right with their note-perfect recreation of hits from every era of the world’s most famous songbook.
In 1979 ‘Beatlemania’ opened in The West End at The Astoria Theatre and four British hopefuls (Neil Harrison, Andre Barreau, David Catlin-Birch and Jack Lee Elgood) became the UK cast. After the show run ended, ‘look-alike band’ The Bootleg Beatles was formed, signing up to the late Brian Epstein’s NEMS Agency. Their first gig was a college shindig in Tiverton, Devon. The band cut their teeth playing clubs and colleges around the UK.
Over the next 40 years and with many line up changes they are still going from strength to strength. In 1998 the group supported Rod Stewart at Wembley Stadium. The following year they were the last band to play at the old Wembley Stadium at a gig featuring Elton John and football legend Pele in the audience. The band have also supported, Simple Minds, The Coors and David Bowie.
In 2017 they performed (twice) at Glastonbury, the Royal Albert Hall and toured Australia. Their now traditional Spring and Winter tours of the UK are unmissable! The Bootleg Beatles, continue to thrill audiences with performing their acclaimed homage to the Fab Four.
The current band members are:
- Paul Canning (John Lennon) – guitar, vocals, keyboards, harmonica (2024–present)
- Steve White (Paul McCartney) – bass, vocals, keyboards (2012–present)
- Stephen Hill (George Harrison) – guitar, vocals (2014–present)
- Gordon Elsmore (Ringo Starr) – drums, percussion, vocals (2016–present)
