Post by wingsj0 on May 3, 2006 19:38:37 GMT
2005 International BeatlesWeek Special.
There are endless reasons why Beatle fans love The Overtures. But maybe the most important reason is the band's incredible high energy performances and wide range of 1960's music, which nobody throughout the entire International BeatlesWeek do quite like The Overtures do. With over 400 songs in their repertoire they have built up a reputation as the finest 60's covers band in the country. During an Overtures set you'll hear every aspect of sixties music from the early 'Merseybeat' of The Beatles and The Searchers, through to the 'surf' sound of The Beach Boys. You'll groove to the Rhythm and Blues of The Rolling Stones & chill out to the folk music of The Mamas and The Papas. The band recreate accurately and respectfully all the great 60's artists from the close harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel to the psychedelic power of Jimi Hendrix. Whether you're a Hippie, Mod, or a Rocker... a splendid time is guaranteed for all! The past couple of years have seen a change within the bands line-up and the musicians chosen have continued to surpass the standard of musicianship we have become accustomed to within The Overtures and the band continue to grow from strength to strength!
Not only do the fans of Beatle Week love The Overtures, they have lots of famous fans too! The Overtures were the only band booked to play Sir Elton John and David Furnish's wedding reception in December 2005. The boys had the honour of entertaining the biggest names in show business -from the host himself to ex- Beatle Ringo Starr, Victoria Beckham, Bryan Adams, Jamie Cullam, Liz Hurley, Cilla Black and many more. These were just some of the names on the dance floor during their performance and we Overtures fans know they will have all gone home more than happy with the band's 90 min set!!
Not only do The Overtures include some of the finest musicians in the country but their knowledge of the 60s is as impressive as the bands Performance!
This band have always been my favourite 60s cover band and will continue to be so for a very long time because for me and hundreds of other fans who attend the festival, nobody plays 60's music quite like the Overtures do!
Loud and proud from Hertfordshire, ladies and gentlemen... The Overtures!
The Bootleg Sixties Official Promo
How old were you when you first discovered The Beatles, and why was it such a memorable event?
Den Pugsley: I was about 5. I think it would have been one of the Palladium shows that I first saw them - or quite possibly the 1963 Royal Variety Show - and it would have been 'She Loves You'.
Chris Skornia: I’m old enough to remember when The Beatles crept into the charts to about No. 17 with “Love Me Do” in 1962. I think I was more excited about B. Bumble’s “Nutrocker” that year, but then I was destined to become a keyboard player!
Jamie Cook: I can first remember hearing the Beatles when I was four years old, my father was and still is a big Beatles fan so I grew up listening to them.
Phil Evans: 9 years old. Unfortunately the day John died.
What is it about the Beatles music you love?
Steve Phypers: : Their originality, their sense of humour, but most of all, their love for each other. They were solid together.
Phil Evans: I think Beatle songs are all so melodic and very memorable. They have all got such a great sound about them, It’s hard to believe they were recorded all those years ago.
Den Pugsley: The fact that it just satisfies on every level. It seems that no matter what you look for in your music, The Beatles will have at least something for you.
Phil Evans: Harmonies, diversity, experimentation. From Love Me Do to Strawberry Fields Forever in four years speaks for itself.
What is it about the 60s you love?
Steve Phypers : The sheer productive innovation and excitement of the decade.
Chris Skornia: The 60’s were exciting, colourful, vibrant and full of promise and diversity. The following decades have not been.
Jamie Cook: The music of course, strong song writing and instruments played by people. Fashion (some of it!)
How old were you when you discovered you had the ability to play an instrument and who influenced it?
Chris Skornia: My mother influenced it. At home we had an old upright piano in the living room that I used to mess about on. One day she said, “If you’re going to keep tinkering on that thing you should learn to play it properly!”. So I had lessons for about a year. I don’t think it shows though.
Den Pugsley: I was 13 when I realised I could actually buy a guitar for myself and it wasn't just something pop stars could own!
Jamie Cook: 11 years old. The Beatles & The Shadows
Can you remember the first Beatles song that you learnt to play and how did it feel?
Phil Evans: The first beatle song I learnt was Yellow Submarine (before you say anything I was *very* young!)
Den Pugsley: I think it was 'Money'...although it probably didn't exactly sound a million dollars.
Jamie Cook: 'I Feel Fine'. It felt fine.
Steve Phypers: It was Day Tripper, in 1978... and it felt wrong!!!
How did you meet the new members of the Overtures line-up?
Steve Phypers: We met through the usual advertise/audition process and through word of mouth, recommendation etc.
Phil Evans: I'm the newest member. They met me when Jamie went on his honeymoon and they needed a dep for a couple of gigs.
Your shows in Liverpool were awesome. How long does the whole process take when it comes to compiling The Overtures show?
Steve Phypers: Since we're always working together, it's a combination of gigs, meetings, conversations and rehearsals over a period of months.
Den Pugsley: We'll always try to tailor the set for each show we do. The nice thing about playing at Beatleweek is it gives us a rare opportunity to perform some of the
lesser known Beatle songs. We don't get to perform 'Dr. Robert' or 'Love You To' at many of our corporate shows - unfortunately!
Why is it important to you as a band to keep the sound of the 60s alive?
Steve Phypers: I guess so we can continue to demonstrate it's great worth as part of popular music culture, and it's great element of fun and creativity as well. We're just musical postmen really, so it's all about the songs at the end of the day.
Phil Evans: The 60's (along with the late 50's) was the most important musical era and there aren't many bands playing it the way it should be played.
Chris Skornia: It’s not the so much the sound that needs to be kept alive as the spirit. The spirit of optimism, enthusiasm and passion.
How did you go about choosing the songs for your set list?
Steve Phypers : Den usually decides most all that stuff! but we all chip in ideas really.
Den Pugsley: We just try and present a flavour of that era. You haven't got time to feature all the great artists of the 60's, but for me it's important to try and give some perspective of the musical climate that The Beatles music evolved in.
What does playing at Liverpool Beatles Week mean to you & The Overtures?
Steve Phypers: It's a rare opportunity to get some broad exposure and appreciation from real music fans, and to meet genuine people. It's a great place too, Liverpool is mega!
Phil Evans: It’s a huge pleasure to be asked to play at BeatleWeek especially as it’s where it all started.
If you where asked to describe BeatleWeek to someone who hasn’t been before what would you tell them?
Steve Phypers: I’d say you’re missing a ‘great happening’ that is growing bigger year by year and encourage them to go.
Phil Evans: A great experience with some bad wigs!
What’s the highlight of BeatleWeek for you?
Steve Phypers: Doing a big show maybe say, at the Adelphi, then finally climbing on stage and seeing all the people, some of which we haven’t see for along time, doing a great show, then sinking a few brandies with them all in the bar afterwards!
Phil Evans: This year it was the Sunday night/Monday morning gig we played at the Adelphi.
Chris Skornia: This year it was finally getting some sleep after three shows in 24 hours!
Who were your favourite bands from Beatle Week 2005?
Den Pugsley: Fab Faux. When I saw Brian Wilson’s fantastic band last year it occurred to me how his band seemed to make my appreciation of those records even greater. Well The Fab Faux I think, are The Beatle equivalent of Brian’s band….top drawer musicians that invite you to feel like you’re hearing these songs and albums you’ve known and loved for years in some new aural technicolor! (oo-err!).
Steve Phypers: I went to see the Tearaways, with Phil and Chris at The Cavern pub, they were good. The Prellies, The Repeatles and of course The Faux! But hey there’ all good!
Jamie Cook: Fab Faux
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Steve Phypers: Playing at the London Palladium.
Phil Evans: Playing at Elvis Costello’s wedding with Sir Elton John standing a foot away watching. Meeting Paul McCartney at the same gig.
Jamie Cook: The highlight of my career has got to be performing ‘Drive My Car’ to Sir Paul McCartney. I have noticed that this has appeared back in his set since then, I like to think it has something to do with us!!
Why do you think The Beatles music has stood the test of time?
Jamie Cook: It just seems to sound as fresh as ever…and they were the first of their kind. They’re the band that every band since has had to try and aspire to.
Den Pugsley: Because their music and their story continue to inspire. They helped pioneer the making of pop music as an art form and took the world with them. If you’d suggested to singers and musicians of 1963 that pop could be thought of as an ‘art’ they would probably have laughed at you. 5 short years later, if you’d suggested to those same musicians that their music *wasn’t* an art they probably have hit you!
If you were asked to describe The Overtures show how would you word it?
Steve Phypers: I guess you’d have to ask the people who come to see us regularly from an audience perspective, but I suppose when we’re at our best we try to put it across as ‘real’ as we can. With energy, sensitivity, spirit, feel, and power.
Den Pugsley: We endeavour to catch the essence of that artist we love, without compromising the natural flow of our own band. A band needs to express their own musicality, or it’s really just painting by numbers isn’t it?
Chris Skornia: I like to think it will be passionate, exciting, colourful, vibrant and full of promise and diversity. Just like the 60’s.!
Phil Evans: Authentic 60’s music played with the attitude and energy it deserves.
Where can people who love the music of the 1960’s come and see you live?
Steve Phypers: All our public gigs are posted on our ‘gigs and news’ page on our web site www.theovertures.com Just check it out folks!
Who’s your favourite Beatle and why?
Jamie Cook: Paul McCartney: For his musicianship, his songs, his voice.
Steve Phypers: George was always my favourite, I liked his attitude and he always seemed to have his feet on the ground.
Den Pugsley: George – for his music, his slide, spirituality, integrity, humility, and for giving us all his nervous system.
Phil Evans: George. Dignified and never felt the need to shout his mouth off. The song writing underdog who went on to rival John and Paul. A fantastic and underrated guitarist.
Chris Skornia: Harpo!
I’d like to thank the Overtures for taking the time out of there busy schedule to do this interview.
Jo Rishton
With The Overtures.
This article, interview has been approved by The Overtures.
Official Site: www.theovertures.com
The Overtures without a doubt are the BEST 60's covers band in the UK.
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
To book tickets or to find out more about International Beatles Week visit here: www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/beatleweek
You can read Paul and Pam Clarkson excellent review 'The Overtures at Beatle Week' here: booweb.proboards75.com/index.cgi?board=articles&action=display&thread=1146396772
Photos from Beatle Week 2005 can be viewed at: www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/beatleweek/history/2005/BWscrap2005.htm
There are endless reasons why Beatle fans love The Overtures. But maybe the most important reason is the band's incredible high energy performances and wide range of 1960's music, which nobody throughout the entire International BeatlesWeek do quite like The Overtures do. With over 400 songs in their repertoire they have built up a reputation as the finest 60's covers band in the country. During an Overtures set you'll hear every aspect of sixties music from the early 'Merseybeat' of The Beatles and The Searchers, through to the 'surf' sound of The Beach Boys. You'll groove to the Rhythm and Blues of The Rolling Stones & chill out to the folk music of The Mamas and The Papas. The band recreate accurately and respectfully all the great 60's artists from the close harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel to the psychedelic power of Jimi Hendrix. Whether you're a Hippie, Mod, or a Rocker... a splendid time is guaranteed for all! The past couple of years have seen a change within the bands line-up and the musicians chosen have continued to surpass the standard of musicianship we have become accustomed to within The Overtures and the band continue to grow from strength to strength!
Not only do the fans of Beatle Week love The Overtures, they have lots of famous fans too! The Overtures were the only band booked to play Sir Elton John and David Furnish's wedding reception in December 2005. The boys had the honour of entertaining the biggest names in show business -from the host himself to ex- Beatle Ringo Starr, Victoria Beckham, Bryan Adams, Jamie Cullam, Liz Hurley, Cilla Black and many more. These were just some of the names on the dance floor during their performance and we Overtures fans know they will have all gone home more than happy with the band's 90 min set!!
Not only do The Overtures include some of the finest musicians in the country but their knowledge of the 60s is as impressive as the bands Performance!
This band have always been my favourite 60s cover band and will continue to be so for a very long time because for me and hundreds of other fans who attend the festival, nobody plays 60's music quite like the Overtures do!
Loud and proud from Hertfordshire, ladies and gentlemen... The Overtures!
The Bootleg Sixties Official Promo
How old were you when you first discovered The Beatles, and why was it such a memorable event?
Den Pugsley: I was about 5. I think it would have been one of the Palladium shows that I first saw them - or quite possibly the 1963 Royal Variety Show - and it would have been 'She Loves You'.
Chris Skornia: I’m old enough to remember when The Beatles crept into the charts to about No. 17 with “Love Me Do” in 1962. I think I was more excited about B. Bumble’s “Nutrocker” that year, but then I was destined to become a keyboard player!
Jamie Cook: I can first remember hearing the Beatles when I was four years old, my father was and still is a big Beatles fan so I grew up listening to them.
Phil Evans: 9 years old. Unfortunately the day John died.
What is it about the Beatles music you love?
Steve Phypers: : Their originality, their sense of humour, but most of all, their love for each other. They were solid together.
Phil Evans: I think Beatle songs are all so melodic and very memorable. They have all got such a great sound about them, It’s hard to believe they were recorded all those years ago.
Den Pugsley: The fact that it just satisfies on every level. It seems that no matter what you look for in your music, The Beatles will have at least something for you.
Phil Evans: Harmonies, diversity, experimentation. From Love Me Do to Strawberry Fields Forever in four years speaks for itself.
What is it about the 60s you love?
Steve Phypers : The sheer productive innovation and excitement of the decade.
Chris Skornia: The 60’s were exciting, colourful, vibrant and full of promise and diversity. The following decades have not been.
Jamie Cook: The music of course, strong song writing and instruments played by people. Fashion (some of it!)
How old were you when you discovered you had the ability to play an instrument and who influenced it?
Chris Skornia: My mother influenced it. At home we had an old upright piano in the living room that I used to mess about on. One day she said, “If you’re going to keep tinkering on that thing you should learn to play it properly!”. So I had lessons for about a year. I don’t think it shows though.
Den Pugsley: I was 13 when I realised I could actually buy a guitar for myself and it wasn't just something pop stars could own!
Jamie Cook: 11 years old. The Beatles & The Shadows
Can you remember the first Beatles song that you learnt to play and how did it feel?
Phil Evans: The first beatle song I learnt was Yellow Submarine (before you say anything I was *very* young!)
Den Pugsley: I think it was 'Money'...although it probably didn't exactly sound a million dollars.
Jamie Cook: 'I Feel Fine'. It felt fine.
Steve Phypers: It was Day Tripper, in 1978... and it felt wrong!!!
How did you meet the new members of the Overtures line-up?
Steve Phypers: We met through the usual advertise/audition process and through word of mouth, recommendation etc.
Phil Evans: I'm the newest member. They met me when Jamie went on his honeymoon and they needed a dep for a couple of gigs.
Your shows in Liverpool were awesome. How long does the whole process take when it comes to compiling The Overtures show?
Steve Phypers: Since we're always working together, it's a combination of gigs, meetings, conversations and rehearsals over a period of months.
Den Pugsley: We'll always try to tailor the set for each show we do. The nice thing about playing at Beatleweek is it gives us a rare opportunity to perform some of the
lesser known Beatle songs. We don't get to perform 'Dr. Robert' or 'Love You To' at many of our corporate shows - unfortunately!
Why is it important to you as a band to keep the sound of the 60s alive?
Steve Phypers: I guess so we can continue to demonstrate it's great worth as part of popular music culture, and it's great element of fun and creativity as well. We're just musical postmen really, so it's all about the songs at the end of the day.
Phil Evans: The 60's (along with the late 50's) was the most important musical era and there aren't many bands playing it the way it should be played.
Chris Skornia: It’s not the so much the sound that needs to be kept alive as the spirit. The spirit of optimism, enthusiasm and passion.
How did you go about choosing the songs for your set list?
Steve Phypers : Den usually decides most all that stuff! but we all chip in ideas really.
Den Pugsley: We just try and present a flavour of that era. You haven't got time to feature all the great artists of the 60's, but for me it's important to try and give some perspective of the musical climate that The Beatles music evolved in.
What does playing at Liverpool Beatles Week mean to you & The Overtures?
Steve Phypers: It's a rare opportunity to get some broad exposure and appreciation from real music fans, and to meet genuine people. It's a great place too, Liverpool is mega!
Phil Evans: It’s a huge pleasure to be asked to play at BeatleWeek especially as it’s where it all started.
If you where asked to describe BeatleWeek to someone who hasn’t been before what would you tell them?
Steve Phypers: I’d say you’re missing a ‘great happening’ that is growing bigger year by year and encourage them to go.
Phil Evans: A great experience with some bad wigs!
What’s the highlight of BeatleWeek for you?
Steve Phypers: Doing a big show maybe say, at the Adelphi, then finally climbing on stage and seeing all the people, some of which we haven’t see for along time, doing a great show, then sinking a few brandies with them all in the bar afterwards!
Phil Evans: This year it was the Sunday night/Monday morning gig we played at the Adelphi.
Chris Skornia: This year it was finally getting some sleep after three shows in 24 hours!
Who were your favourite bands from Beatle Week 2005?
Den Pugsley: Fab Faux. When I saw Brian Wilson’s fantastic band last year it occurred to me how his band seemed to make my appreciation of those records even greater. Well The Fab Faux I think, are The Beatle equivalent of Brian’s band….top drawer musicians that invite you to feel like you’re hearing these songs and albums you’ve known and loved for years in some new aural technicolor! (oo-err!).
Steve Phypers: I went to see the Tearaways, with Phil and Chris at The Cavern pub, they were good. The Prellies, The Repeatles and of course The Faux! But hey there’ all good!
Jamie Cook: Fab Faux
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Steve Phypers: Playing at the London Palladium.
Phil Evans: Playing at Elvis Costello’s wedding with Sir Elton John standing a foot away watching. Meeting Paul McCartney at the same gig.
Jamie Cook: The highlight of my career has got to be performing ‘Drive My Car’ to Sir Paul McCartney. I have noticed that this has appeared back in his set since then, I like to think it has something to do with us!!
Why do you think The Beatles music has stood the test of time?
Jamie Cook: It just seems to sound as fresh as ever…and they were the first of their kind. They’re the band that every band since has had to try and aspire to.
Den Pugsley: Because their music and their story continue to inspire. They helped pioneer the making of pop music as an art form and took the world with them. If you’d suggested to singers and musicians of 1963 that pop could be thought of as an ‘art’ they would probably have laughed at you. 5 short years later, if you’d suggested to those same musicians that their music *wasn’t* an art they probably have hit you!
If you were asked to describe The Overtures show how would you word it?
Steve Phypers: I guess you’d have to ask the people who come to see us regularly from an audience perspective, but I suppose when we’re at our best we try to put it across as ‘real’ as we can. With energy, sensitivity, spirit, feel, and power.
Den Pugsley: We endeavour to catch the essence of that artist we love, without compromising the natural flow of our own band. A band needs to express their own musicality, or it’s really just painting by numbers isn’t it?
Chris Skornia: I like to think it will be passionate, exciting, colourful, vibrant and full of promise and diversity. Just like the 60’s.!
Phil Evans: Authentic 60’s music played with the attitude and energy it deserves.
Where can people who love the music of the 1960’s come and see you live?
Steve Phypers: All our public gigs are posted on our ‘gigs and news’ page on our web site www.theovertures.com Just check it out folks!
Who’s your favourite Beatle and why?
Jamie Cook: Paul McCartney: For his musicianship, his songs, his voice.
Steve Phypers: George was always my favourite, I liked his attitude and he always seemed to have his feet on the ground.
Den Pugsley: George – for his music, his slide, spirituality, integrity, humility, and for giving us all his nervous system.
Phil Evans: George. Dignified and never felt the need to shout his mouth off. The song writing underdog who went on to rival John and Paul. A fantastic and underrated guitarist.
Chris Skornia: Harpo!
I’d like to thank the Overtures for taking the time out of there busy schedule to do this interview.
Jo Rishton
With The Overtures.
This article, interview has been approved by The Overtures.
Official Site: www.theovertures.com
The Overtures without a doubt are the BEST 60's covers band in the UK.
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
To book tickets or to find out more about International Beatles Week visit here: www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/beatleweek
You can read Paul and Pam Clarkson excellent review 'The Overtures at Beatle Week' here: booweb.proboards75.com/index.cgi?board=articles&action=display&thread=1146396772
Photos from Beatle Week 2005 can be viewed at: www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/beatleweek/history/2005/BWscrap2005.htm