Liverpool Legends are in Branson to stay - Tri-Lakes Tribune

The Liverpool Legends are in Branson to stay July 23, 2008 Remember…they used to look like this! The Liverpool Legends are not only sound alikes to the Beatles, but also look very close to the real thing. From left to right are Greg George as Ringo Starr, Davey Justice as Paul McCartney, Marty Scott as George Harrison and Kevin Mantegna as John Lennon. The Starlite Theatre now belongs to four of the most familiar looking and sounding lads. The talented Liverpool Legends with their tribute to the Beatles, along with their additional accompanist, Bob Dobro, and their manager Louise Harrison (last name sound familiar?) are in Branson for the long run. The Liverpool Legends have been taking the strip by storm the last couple years winning the Branson Critics Award for Best Show and Best Band for 2006 and 2007. Their show is great, the guys are great, you can buy all kinds of Beatles and Liverpool Legends souvenirs in the theater lobby, and soon (hopefully spring of 2009 or even sooner,) the four, along with Louise, who is George Harrison's sister, will have established a new Beatles Museum for all to enjoy. Louise is even donating many personal items from her collection of Beatles memorabilia to help out in the effort. For years after the Beatles broke up, the whole world wished they would patch up their differences and get back together. However, after the slaying of John Lennon and the illness and death of George Harrison, everyone knew that was never going to happen. In Branson, however, the town of great music and great celebrity tributes, the Liverpool Legends are providing the spark that makes fifty and sixty somethings feel 17-years-old again, and brings audiences of all ages the pure essence which was "The Beatles." Liverpool Legends is comprised of four extremely loveable and talented impersonators who bring the Beatles back to life – at least it feels that way. Harrison's first pick when originating the Liverpool Legends, was to find someone who she felt comfortable with in the position of her brother George. When she saw Marty Scott and heard him play George's amazing guitar solos, she was sold. Marty has become a great friend and almost kin to her throughout their relationship with the band. In fact, a while back she introduced him to Sir Paul as her "new adopted baby brother!" Marty played George with the group American English, where Louise heard him play, an experience that brought her to tears with reflection of her little brother, George. Another previous member of American English and a great friend of Scott is Kevin Mantegna. He just happens to be the spitting image of John Lennon – not just in the way he looks, but also the clowning around, the voice, and his slight irreverence in his playful actions on stage. He plays his classic short scale Rickenbacker guitar, the piano and even the alarm clock during the show, and audiences are mesmerized at the resemblance to the slain Beatle. During a meeting where Harrison introduced Mantegna to Sir Paul McCartney, Paul even declared "Hey, that's You! I could spot John out anywhere! You make a great John!" Scott and Mantegna have been playing in bands together since they were young. When talking about Beatles music, he says "Good music is what makes you get well." Singing the famous Paul and John duets are left to right Davey Justice and Kevin Mantegna from the Liverpool Legends Tribute Band. They also play similar authentic instruments to make the experience one to remember. Playing Paul is Davey Justice, who has gained worldwide respect with his portrayal of the living legend. Justice has performed on five continents, solo and with many famous artists, such as the Grass Roots, Lovin' Spoonful, Spencer Davis, Andy Kim, America, Gary Lewis, The Buckinghams, Otis Day, Sha Na Na, Chicago, Peter Noone, The Moody Blues, Billy Idol, Sting, and Pete Best. Before joining the Liverpool Legends, he performed with the Beatles groups Yesterday and British Export (originally British Import.) He also performed with Legends in Concert in Las Vegas. Rounding out the Liverpool Legends is Greg George as Ringo (Richard Starky.) Again, George is a dead ringer of his character, from the drumming style right down to the nose! No wonder he is known as the Ringo impersonator most in demand in the world. This is his third year with the band, and was a founding member of "1964 The Tribute" where his thousands of performances with that venue, even included several at Carnegie Hall. He also played his counterpart in a film Hard Day's Day. George has been making a living playing the drums since he was 12 years-old; has played with all types of bands over the years; and has been the warm-up act for many national acts such as Simon and Garfunkel, Peter and Gordon, Paul Revere and The Raiders, The Real McCoys, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Vogues, and Sam The Sham and The Pharoahs. Between that, Gregg also found time to earn a B.A. degree in psychology. The show reflects several stages in the Beatles musical lives, all extremely well done, and all fun to share and remember.  They do a variety of songs from many of the albums, but since the show can't go on all night (even though the audience would like that to happen,) they may not play your absolute favorite. The best part is that they enjoy each other and interacting with each other. It is obvious in their enthusiasm during the show. They are musicians and they are actors. When asked if it is difficult to separate themselves from the parts they play, Scott explained that they are not delusional enough to think that they are really the Beatles. They get into their characters for the show, but leave that persona at the theater. None of them would reveal their ages, but Scott explained that as their characters, "they begin the show in their twenties and end in their thirties." When the members of a tribute band love the music they are performing, the tribute reflects that affection. Thus is the case with the wonderful Liverpool Legends. -- http://www.bransonedge.com http://www.bransonmissouri.blogspot.com