Denny Doherty - RIP

I am so sad today...Denny Doherty passed away yesterday at 66. He was to visit this area this summer and I was looking forward to meeting him for the first time. But even as I type right now, I feel like I've lost an old friend.

He was one of my Top 10 vocalists of all time. And my son loved him as the Harbor Master on 'Theodore Tugboat'.

God Bless You, Denny - Say 'hi' to Papa John and Cass for all of us. Thank you for all your wonderful memories.

FFP

Top 10 in 2006!!!

We're number SIX! We're number SIX!

Every year, The Syracuse Post Standard (daily paper) has the 'year in review' for several categories, including 'Top 10 Concerts'. Music Editor Mark Bialzack listed The Pete Best Band @ Hooligan's at #6, beating Dr. John at JazzFest, The Outlaws at Turning Stone, and Trick Pony at B-JAM. And who were in the top 5? Welllllll...only James Taylor, Billy Joel and Little Feat. Not bad company!

Here's what Mark had to say:

"The gentleman who played drums for The Beatles over Liverpool way before he was placed by one Ringo Starr brought a U.K.-savvy band to Hooligan's in our very own Liverpool. They made it quite easy to close your eyes and imagine you went back in the day when these great 1960's blues-rock songs were all the club rage."

Now before you even think "Where is the mention of The Fab Five?"...don't you worry. We got mentioned in two Post articles, including Mark's review of the show. We were featured on WCNY's "Hour CNY" show, as part of the entire PBB experience. And don't forget, there were 400 jam-packed inside Hooligan's who heard us before and after Pete's set.

People are STILL talking about how impressed they were with our performance! Just 2 days ago at the supermarket, I ran into someone who attended the concert....she went on about how cool it was that one of The Beatles actually came to Liverpool New YORK! I am so glad we went through with putting the show together....it created memories that will last lifetimes!

But 'Best' of all, is that Pete - one of only 6 people in history who can truthfully lay claim to being a BEATLE - has accepted us into his circle of friends. Never in a million years would I ever have dreamed that we would share a stage with a Beatle, and eventually share respect for each other.

Pete & his brother Roag have expressed their desire to visit their sister city of Liverpool in the future, and we welcome them with open arms. Stay tuned to find out when they are coming back.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

We're BADFINGER! (kind of) WHO KNEW?

(For those coming in 'late' - This was originally posted on myspace.com/fabfivepaul on Sept 6th)

Here it is...the LAST blog. I think I have cowbell tunnel syndrome creeeeeeeping into my wrists. Oh well, I must carry on. This is the moment that I've been waiting for the last 18 months... headlining International Beatle Week, backing up Joey Molland of Badfinger in The Cavern....a true honor. We've come a long way since I thought this band up, way back in December of 2000. I hope you don't mind if I share some thoughts & feelings in reflection right now....

This Fab Five entity/brand has taught me more lessons in life than I could ever have expected. The biggest lesson, I guess...is that we need to follow our 'calling' - that passion, that inner drive...the burning desire within us to succeed NO MATTER WHAT anyone thinks. Whatever your passion, if you stick with it, DAY AFTER DAY...you will feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, motivation and excitement, that is pure joy. No amount of money in the world can take the place of pure joy.

This band project saved me from a serious bout of depression in Sept 2003. My marriage of 12 years was crumbling apart, and she had asked for a divorce several times...but we kept trying to save it (I respect her for trying).

When the band was invited to play in Liverpool UK that month (Sept03), everyone at work & all of my friends were so excited for me. But when I told my then-wife of our invitation - she said 'when are you going to put that damn bass away, grow up and set an example for our kids'?

Divorce....granted.

It was the best decision of my life. Since then, so many doors have opened for me in business, in life, in happiness...all because I stuck with my vision of what The Fab Five should be. And I AM setting an example for my kids - that dreams CAN come true - that I don't want them to find out at 39 years old ...instead, I want them to experience that sense of accomplishment at 10 or 12 years old. To me, it's like giving them a compass and just a little guidance. I am a better father because of this band - my kids and I are very close, and I am proud to say that we have an unbreakable bond of trust.

Who knew when I recruited two professional musicians and two local 'heritage' players in 2000, that 'The Fab Five' would eventually play at The Cavern Club and in front of 20,000 at The Mathew Street Festival in Liverpool UK, August 2004?

Who knew along the way, we would twice back up Terry from The Hollies, and Joey from Badfinger. Two of my 'heroes' from the world of rock music? And, who knew that with them, I would develop lasting friendships that transcend the music...they have mentored me in 'life', in so many ways.

Who knew that the week after the UK trip, The Fab Five would be on the front page of The Syracuse New Times in full color...interviewed on WSYR, TK99, WSEN and SUNNY 102 radio stations...and perform LIVE on WIXT-TV?

Who knew that same week, the two pro musicians would quit on me...via e-mail...with no thanks whatsoever for all the hard work I put into making the trip happen? And then the other two quit, two months later...again via e-mail? Nice. You're welcome very much. Here's the kicker - all so they could start their own Beatles/British Invasion band around here? OK...so they stopped buying into MY vision. But they didn't have to be jerks about it.

Who knew that I had a support system all along, that helped me piece together a new Fab Five over a 12 month period...one that would eventually turn five (more 'semi' than 'pro') musicians who loved the Beatles more than any other group, into a tight, well structured music machine?

Who knew this band would reunite me with a girl I went to college with 20 years ago....develop a deep friendship....and then a relationship....and then to exchange wedding vows at Strawberry Fields (with one of HER favorite musicians 'giving her away'?) "...and I know that when I'm ready, 'Love Is Gonna Come At Last'." (from Badfinger's Airwaves LP 1981)

Who knew that this new lineup would work so very VERY hard, that we would back up Terry & Joey again in 2006, and earn their blessings as 'a better band than the first one?' And that we'd make the same impression on the owner of The Cavern, Beatle Week committee, other BW bands, Joey's mates (from The Merseybeats and The Swinging Blue Jeans)? And that I can proudly say 'The Spencer Davis (actually...DAVIES!) Group' twice opened up for ME?

I'll tell you who knew...The Source (whom I choose to call God...you may use another name or interpretation). He WANTS us to be happy, and to share our journeys to inspire others...which is why this particular blog is so long! I Want To Tell You ...follow your heart. And I'm damn happy to jam on Badfinger tunes with Joey Molland.

Here's our set list from The Cavern shows:

Baby Blue, Come & Get It, Suitcase, I Got You (from Say No More), Hero (brand new song), Love Is Gonna Come At Last (Airwaves), Sweet Tuesday Morning (Joey solo), Day After Day, Without You, Come Down Hard (Airwaves), No Matter What. The evening set included two encore songs of Roll Over Beethoven and I Saw Her Standing There.

(Joey's son Jojo and his musical partner Andy, played two songs to open for us. They call themselves 'Relapse' back home in Minnesota. I know Joey was quite proud....all smiles, and very proud of his son.)

All I can say about those two 'Fab-finger' shows..they ROCKED!! Loud...sweaty...fun... musically tight...our ripped throats (from 7 other sets in sauna-like conditions) did the best they could to harmonize. Tommy was ace, and Stan sat in for the last couple of songs in the second set - he kept the groove and excitement going just fine! Papa Joe focused on backup vocals, and sang his a$$ off with Joey for 'Without You'...I believe it was the best received song of the night! Charlie held the bass down like never before, while I switched over to piano for three songs. One personal highlight was 'Come & Get It'...knowing that I'm doing the piano part as Sir Paul originally played it for Badfinger in 1969.

What can I say about Frank Agnello....The Professor...my security blanket. He played all the 'little things' from the original recordings, that made each song sound SO authentic. There were many magic moments when Frank, his old friend Tommy Allen and I would look at each other while Joey was singing a verse or playing a solo. We all had those little smiles on that said it all 'is THIS really happening'?! Pure joy.

I give the MVP award to our Pat Hodson. He played all of his guitar parts FLAWLESSLY, and wailed on all his solos. Joey was definitely getting a great vibe of ya, Pat. We're all sorry we stood in front of you in order to sing all week, but all those stages are meant for four people! Way to go...you are the unsung hero!

Bill from The Cavern expressed his delight with the Fabs after the show, citing a better lineup than before. Joey was 'dead chuffed' that HIS heroes from The Merseybeats were in the late set crowd. It was VERY flattering to hear that Billy Kinsley (a LEGEND in his home country) told Joey that he had a 'killer band'.

It was fun to chat with Spencer Davis backstage. He and I have a mutual struggle with our last names...his is Davies and he's been called 'Davis' since 1966. I'm a Davie, yet I'm ALWAYS called 'Davies' OR 'Davis'. I asked if it was OK for me to say I'm his distant cousin in either instance, and he laughed. His joking response... 'ah, why don't you ask Ray Davies about that one?!'

The after-party across the street was quite anti-climactic, as Linda & I were dead tired. But we promised to meet Joey, JoJo & Andy there. It was our last chance to see 'myfriends'...The Prellies, Repeatles, and other musicians complimented me on the show, and most others also congratulated Linda & I on the wedding earlier in the day.

We all had one pint, and were ready to hike back to The Adelphi. It was just the five of us on the quiet city streets, and I got to chat with Joey one last time. The paradigm shift is truly amazing. It used to be, that I had a 'rock star' who happened to be a friend. NOW....I have a good friend, who happens to be a rock star.

What's the NEXT dream that will come true? (Note on 12/18: you'll see when I blog about the show on Oct. 21st!)

I'd like to thank:

* Frank Agnello ('Fab Faux Frank')

* Tommy Allen

* The Fab Wives

* Joey Molland

* Stan Bullock

* Joe, Charlie and Pat - we are a band of brothers. It's so fulfilling playing our favorite songs together. Yes, we fight sometimes...but we have worked out every problem through open and honest communication. I love you guys. Let's keep doing this until we're in our 70's!!!!! There's loads of work in Orlando!

* My kids - Ciara, Connor & Caitlin. They inspire me everyday to keep band going, too.

* Last, but not least - is MY Lovely Linda. I'll love you like Strawberry Fields...FOREVER!

Let Me Take You Down To Strawberry Field (no 's')

Tuesday morning at ni-i-i-ine o'clock as the day begins...

We thought it was going to rain on our wedding, but the swirling clouds off the Sour Milk Sea ;^) passed to the south. It started to warm up at about 11am...only one hour before the ceremony. YAY!

I arranged for the shuttle to pick up everyone at 11:30am, and it did...right on "shed yule". Everyone was ready with guitars in hand, as we were going straight to The Cavern for sound check at 1pm after the service. Because of those logisitcs, Linda & I kept things...such as our 'wedding attire'...casual. But she STILL looked beautiful WOW and glowing in that gorgeous creme top, holding the fresh flower bouquet I picked up from the market earlier in the day!

Let's see - me & Linda, Joe & Holly, Charlie & Denise, Stan, Tommy, Dale, Pat & MaryJean, his three grown kids and sister MaryLou...who are we missing? JOEY! He said he wanted to come, too! So down the hill we went to The Adelphi to pick him up.

On the way to Strawberry Fields (15 minutes of stop & go city traffic in 30-40 MPH), it was great listening to Joey talk with the driver (a local about Joey's age) and say things like "there used to be a cinema there...that Chinese food place has been there 45 years!...here's where I went to school...we used to jump the bus, and go into that place to cause trouble...". It was SO cool to hear about his childhood in Liverpool on the way there.

We arrived at just after 12noon, and there were about a dozen local folks waiting for us! How sweet. One was "Phil" who kind of adopted us as his favorite band, and followed us EVERYWHERE, including backstage to the Badfinger shows! He plans to visit every single City/Town/Village of Liverpool in the world between now and the next Beatle Week. He brought his camcorder to all our shows, and eventually taped the vows. We can't wait until he visits us here in NYState...he is most welcome. A very nice man.

Another attendee was from the Liverpool Echo newspaper - Deputy Photo Editor Eddie Barford. He snapped photos of the Beatles in the early days. The continued 'spiritually connected elements' of this wedding just keep popping up for us...we are SO blessed.

** Eddie shot the myspace photo you currently see on myspace.com/fabfivepaul!

And just when I thought it couldn't be any MORE special...as we were walking towards the gates of Strawberry Field, I asked Joey to 'give' Linda away, and he agreed. This was a very meaningful surprise for Linda. She's a Beatles fan, but not as hard core as me. She's more of the Cheap Trick, Raspberries (power pop) vein. Badfinger is one of her faves...she knows all the lyrics to every song. She was moved to tears that Joey 'filled in' for her own Dad. This truly turned into a full blown rock & roll wedding!!

Fab Five 12 stringer, Charlie Kraebel, is an ordained Baptist minister, and administered a traditional Elizabethian-era, Anglican service. It lasted only 15 minutes or so, but the language within was so beautiful. The vows were a mouthful for me to repeat-eth, but only 2 short lines for Linda to quote. (Luck-EE) After the rings were exchanged, we kissed and it was over before we knew it.

The band...or should I say, the WEDDING PARTY broke out a bottle of champange as Eddie took some nicely arranged photos, the cups were poured, and we were ready to be toasted.

Our 'Badfinger-only' drummer Tommy Allen just jumped right in and offered a toast to us. It was 'genius' all the way. Would you believe Tommy was Linda's first 'real date' back in 1982? Thank goodness for me it was just ONE! LOL

They stayed friends throughout his days in The Flashcubes and Screen Test. During their friendship in the early 80's, Tommy turned Linda on to Badfinger...so, who could have EVER guessed that Joey Molland AND Tommy Allen would BOTH attend Linda's wedding? It's...it's...GENIUS. (Love ya, Tommy!)

As Eddie B was taking one last picture, the crowd started an impromptu version of John Lennon's legendary song about his childhood - 'Strawberry Fields Forever' - about Lennon's first childhood memory at 4 years old. He heard the Salvation Army Band playing in Strawberry Field (an orphanage and private park, just around the corner from his Aunt Mimi's house). After she explained to him what 'that sound' was, John told Aunt Mimi..."I'm going to play in a band someday, just like the one at Strawberry Fields".

We loaded the bus, and drove to The Cavern. On the way, I strummed on Joe Donelan's acoustic (since I had some room up front) and we sang songs all the way there...a really nice experience. 'All Together Now', 'If I Fell', 'No Matter What' (sorry, Joey...it's "our" song!) and 'Jealous Guy'...my favorite Lennon tune of all time since I was 8 years old. Yet again - a true spiritual connection...Joey played acoustic guitar on that track in Lennon's studio during the Imagine sessions. Who'd have ever believed I would someday be friends with someone DIRECTLY connected to John Lennon in that way?

Eventually, Joey asked to play the "GI-tarr", and he strummed and sang a new original tune that was really beautiful. Unfortunately, his song hadn't quite ended when the shuttle stopped to let us off. I'll have to ask him the title, and if it's coming out on his new CD later this year.

Now...as our week in Beatle-land draws to a close, only one dream is left to come true:

Backing Joey Molland in the place he helped to make famous, by performing live in the late 60's and early 70's...with bands like The Merseys, Gary Walker & The Rain, The Masterminds and of course...

BADFINGER!!!

(Today's date - 12/10: Last blog about BeatleWeek to be posted soon. Thanks for following along...)

Magical Mystery Tour,, Molly & Malloy's

On Saturday afternoon, after meeting Mike McCartney, Charlie/Denise, Joe/Holly, Dale and Linda/I bought tickets for the Monday 9:30am 'Magical Mystery Tour', that left from The Adelphi. (We hadn't met up with Pat & his family yet.) It was the only one left for the week not sold out! What a drag, getting on that bus with only 4 hours sleep! But at least we got the actual MMT bus from the movie. Only 1 tour out of 4 can have the movie bus!

Tour guide Eddie Porter was fantastic...you'd never know he's been spewing out the same info for the last 22 years! Les, the driver, was just as funny, throwing out all kinds of jokes and puns that made for an enjoyable morning.

We drove past St. Peter's church, where The Quarrymen played a garden fete' on July 6, 1957 where John met Paul for the first time. CHILLS!

We went to the boyhood homes of John, Paul & Ringo, as well as Brain Epstein's house. A "life moment'/highlight of the week for me, was while Eddie was talking in front of Paul McCartney's house at 20 Forthlin Road. As Eddie explained the background of the house, the front door opened and "Molly" (a shepherd mix) came out onto the lawn and sat. Everyone thought...how cute....must be part of the tour.

30 seconds later...would you believe that Molly sauntered through the gate opening, onto the sidewalk, and came RIGHT to me & Linda??!! Out of 50 people in the tour group, she came to see "Paul & Linda"! She sniffed & licked us, while we petted and rubbed the back of her head. When others tried to pet her, she calmly just turned around and trotted back into the yard. I truly believe that Molly 'knew' who we were...as if Linda and I were 'meant' to be together, and meant to be wed in the land of Lennon/McCartney. I hope that Molly finds her own Desmond someday.

We saw all of the literary icons from Penny Lane - the shelter & the roundabout, the bank, the firehouse, the barbershop; and then onto our wedding site for the next day - Strawberry Fields. Word had gotten out to Eddie about us, and he was very charming in letting the tour group in about our plans.

There many other sites that were pointed out to us, all with history & meaning, but too long to mention here. So after we were dropped off at The Adelphi, we trodded back up the hill.

Our next two gigs were FABtastic. First a 2pm show in the Cavern Back Stage. What a luxury to have all that room, and a monitor for everyone, including Stan on drums. Dale told me afterward that it was our best set of the week, and that it drew people from the the front stage area...including Bill Heckle, the Cavern owner.

The last gig was up on the crazy-busy Victoria Street pub called "T.P. Molloy's" at 6pm. The Mathew Street Festival was in full force, and the streets were closed down for the "Bank Holiday". Only 300,000 were in town that day!!!

This was our last gig of the week (excluding the Badfinger shows on Tuesday) so I think we were ALL in the mindset to give it our all. The set was glorious.

Pat soared on his solos, Joe, Charlie & I sang SO well in three part for 'Help', 'Tell Me Why' and our now-famous 'Searchers Medley'. Tommy Allen sat in for 'Dizzy Miss Lizzy' and 'You Can't Do That' while Stan came up from to sing. The atmosphere was ELECTRIC! And, it was my only occasion of the week to sing 'Ferry Cross The Mersey'...with the waters flowing just two blocks away. Sniff...sniff....

A fellow from Chicago who watched, wanted us to play at the Chicago Beatlesfest...Pete Best's tour manager from the states caught us there and wanted us to open for him next summer if we were available! And to add a little local flavor - there were 4 old scousers who saw Linda & I on the 'telly'. They loved us, and all bought t-shirts or CD's. Many autographs were signed after the Molloy's show.

It's very heartwarming that 5 average working stiffs from America could be treated like rock stars!

Dale, Tommy, Linda & I joined up with Gary Quinn & Lynn later in the evening, and went to the glorious Empire Theater to catch The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Merseybeats, and The Searchers. Those lads, now most in their early 60's, can STILL rock & roll...all with amazing, youthful voices.

We lasted a little bit longer up at the Adelphi for the "VIP Party". This is where I got to meet and chat with many of 'my friends' on myspace. Joey & Tommy hung out with Fab Faux Frank, talking shop of course! Linda & Lynn talked for the longest time, while Gary & I watched them... LOL... as we downed those 'super-chilled' pints of Fosters!

Lastly, the best band of the week performed there - The Overtures. You HAVE to check them out at www.theovertures.com. They played SPOT ON renditions of songs like 'Itchykoo Park, Look Through Any Window, and Sir Cliff Richard's On The Beach.

Tomorrow Never Knows - Because - Tuesday afternoon is never ending...

Cavern Shows 2 thru 4

Let's just say, by time Sunday rolled around, we started to win some fans over. Some who would follow us all week long, which is quite a compliment. At this annual festival, there are some 'long time favorite' bands like The Repeatles (Sweden), Instant Karma USA, The Prellies (UK) and The Tearaways (LA, USA) - and it's tough to 'tear away' fans from their loyal legions.

As the gigs rolled on, we got to know some of myspace friends here - Martin, Sandy Sunshine, Gaelle from France (who made every show!), Rhian, Louise, Suzie, Alix, Hare Rama Radio, Tony from The Shakers, Flashback Kevin, Fab Faux Frank, Ashleigh, Trev & Gaz Prellie...it was heartwarming to meet kindred spirits who until this week, were just connections on the internet!

Our late Cavern Pub show went VERY well. We followed a trio from Japan - Ricky Hiroto's band - and they carried Beatles as a three-piece extremely well. They were ab-so-rute-ry amazing with Helter Skelter! After their loyal Japanese contigent left, the pub emptied out a little. But no worries...we kept the place going well until closing.

Our new friend, Steve from North Carolina (who took mine & Linda's photo with Mike McCartney earlier in the day) and his son Chris came to see us. Chris, only 23, sang and danced to pretty much every song. It's good to know The Beatles/60's music is still loved by people under 30!

Aside from the usual small-stage, on-stage bumbling over the microphones (4 singers...3 mics...crossed-up cords...AAAAHHHH) we did great. Our version of "If I Needed Someone" moved a fan from Swizterland to approach me after the show, and he said it was 'as if The Beatles were right in front of me!" (Wow...THAT'S what it's all about!)

On Sunday, we did two more Cavern Front stage shows. Both killer!! In the 2pm show, we had a little fun...

Towards the end, I called up 'road manager' Dale to the stage because 'something was wrong with my bass'. Not really...the band wanted to thank him for his HELP all week long - surprising him by letting him play bass for a song on stage. We wanted him to truly be able to say 'I played at The Cavern Club'.

At the same time, I also called up a great soul and friend Gary Quinn from The UK...a one man wrecking crew of a solo artist. He was to play in the Cavern Back stage at 3pm, but was watching our set. So I called HIM up, too...and the extended-family Fab Five set out to do a ROCKING version of "Slow Down". I swear...it was so cool, the Cavern was being lifted up an entire floor. The crowd was eating it up.

After a rest and a pint, we walked up the hill to The Adelphi Hotel for our 5pm slot in main bar area. We donned our white shirts and thin ties, and looked like a 'real beat group'. We were graced with the presence of Badfinger's Joey Molland, who came down from his room to support us (and have a pint or two, as well!).

I truly believe, this was the moment that we won over faithful Beatle Weekers...as many music fans were skipping the sweaty Cavern shows, and opting for the comfort of The Adelphi to see The Pete Best Band, to hear Donovan being interviewed, or to browse the huge memorabilia auction in the ballroom. This was our first exposure to hundreds of locals...and as we played, the roomy lounge kept filling up, and filling up, and...

We played our kick-a$$ Searchers medley - seamless transitions between 'Love Potion No. 9', 'When You Walk In The Room', and 'Needles & Pins'. The Searchers were considered by many to be the the next biggest band behind The Beatles...especially with the locals. With Charlie's chiming 12 string, Pat's driving rhythm guitar, Stan's perfect pounding of the tom-toms, and the angelic 3-part harmonies from me Charlie and Joe....this was our most glorious musical moment of the week.

After the show, an older lad (60?) named Peter from Everton UK came up to me as Linda and I were chatting with Joey. He shook my hand and said, "Thank you...thank you for playing The Searchers...they're MY Band. You did them so well, I felt tears coming to my eyes. You brought me back to my teenage days. You were brilliant....thank you." And he continued to talk to me for what must have been 5 minutes. Such is the beauty of the gift of music...it bonded two generations of strangers from across the ocean.

How ironic. Deservedly so, Joey is always the one that has Badfinger fans coming up and showing appreciation. For once, the shoe was on my foot. I must say, Joey was getting a kick out of it, and joining in with Peter about how great the band is. Peter knew full well who Joey was, but today...he just felt like giving The Fab Five high praise. Um... hello?! This is amazing stuff!! It reinforces the belief that ANYTHING is possible, and the wildest of dreams can come true.

The All-Nighter at 1am in The Cavern was a blast. The BeatBrothers were before us...a 17 year old guitarist/vocalist, a 15 year drummer (brothers) and their Dad on bass. They were the hit of the week. I can see them making it big someday with their energy and talent.

After a great intro from Trev Prellie (calling The Fab Five 'good friends') we kicked out our 60's set - Dave Clark 5, Who, brought back the Searcher medley, Hollies, and what went over well was our KINKS medley. The place was vibrating with cheers and dancing.

Word about us must have gotten out, because SEVERAL other bands were 'eyeing us' for that set. I'm sure that playing other 60's bands, on top of Beatles, brought our 'street cred' up several notches. It was great to hear praise from The Shakers, The Repeatles, and especially the duo from The Overtures. I consider them the PRIMO band at BW. ELTON JOHN does too....he hired The Overtures to play his wedding earlier this year!

Tomorrow...the Magical Mystery Tour, McCartney's marvelous mutt Molly & Malloy's.

CAVERN CLUB SHOW No. 1 - Moment of Truth

OMG...it's 8:45pm, and it's 15 minutes to go before our first 45 minute set on the stage where The Beatles played 292 times, and made famous...The Cavern Club.

For those of you who have never experienced this nightclub, let me describe:

We entered the front door at 8pm with our wristbands showing, which was great considering over 200 were in line to get in. Then came the journey down 3 floors. YES FOLKS...THREE floors down from street level!

After only one set of steps, the 'sauna effect' hits you. 600 others had established themselves inside already - drinking, dancing, sweating (and in England) smoking....with NO ventilation system. The ceiling and walls are dripping with condensation. But I wouldn't trade this for anything in the world!

With 7 sets to play at The Cavern in four days, this weekend will definitely be a lesson in survival. Immediately, I am reminded how tough it must have been for The Beatles and other Mersey Beat groups to perform there, and other clubs, 2-3x/night in the 60's.

We head to the back room for musicians, and get the guitars used to the humidity, which made tuning a tough chore. Thank God for our 'roadie' Dale. He was able to keep Charlie's tricky-Rick 12 tuned in those 'orrible conditions.

Instant Karma USA, a FANTASTIC band from Chicago, that Linda & I saw at Abbey Road On The River in May, are on before us. And, in usual fashion...they are kicking a$$. The singer sounds JUST like John Lennon. But I cannot concentrate on them. I am too nervous about our set, and how WE will go over.

The BeatleWeek community is fiercely loyal, and word spreads quickly. I did not want to let the crowd of 300 down. (The other 300 were out at the newer 'Back' stage watching Los Escarabajos from Spain.) We HAD to rise to the occasion tonight, to set the tone for the rest of week. Then, 'The Word' about US could spread.

IK-USA ended their set strong, and the crowd went nuts, asking them for an encore. At that moment, in the back room leading to a slightly fresher-aired underground car park, I asked Charlie (an ordained minister, who was to conduct the vows for Linda and I at Strawberry Fields on Tuesday) to lead us all in a prayer of thanks...it was just what we needed.

It gave us a little time to reflect on all the blood, sweat and tears it took over the last 18 months to get here...and rightly so, Charlie asked for strength for us to have FUN and give the crowd a great show.

All of the members of The Fabs and their spouses are all just as much family as a band. We've been there for each other through many ups and downs, and we all deserved this night. And coming into BeatleWeek without a drummer, we had to 'adopt' a new brother into the fold.

Luckily for us, through a network of mutual friends, we arranged a few weeks prior to have Stan Bullock from Wonderwall (North Carolina) sit-in all week with us. Another prayer answered. His presence saved us from the stress of finding drummers for each show.

A familiar face to me from BW2004, "Neil B" (upgraded from Magical Mystery Tour guide to house DJ/compere') stomped up on stage ready to announce us after a 5 minute 'plug in and play' setup. I warned my bandmates of this, based on my 2004 experience...as there are NO sound checks anywhere during BW.

Linda handed me a pint of 'super-chilled' Fosters (which by now had been naturally downgraded to 'kinda-warm' in the Cavern conditions), and a good luck kiss...both of which calmed me down immeasurably.

Without notice, Neil does his thing: "LADIES & GENTLEMEN...here's a band we had here 2 years ago (ONE out of five guys, anyway...at least the brand name still works!)...and they have a sign hanging on our wall in the back, from their last visit. (OK...NOW I start to get emotional)...they're from LIV-ERRRRR-POOOOOOOOL...(crowd doesn't just cheer...they ROAR!)...New York, USA, that is...(Neil's getting them right we want them with THAT comment!)...put your hands together for...The Fab Fi-i-i-ve!!!!!!!"

All I remember is counting off "1-2-3" and sliding the bass note up on "4" to start 'Please Please Me'....and Stan's perfectly timed, three-part harmony ending ("...oh, yeah, and I'll please YOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-oooooooh").

Insert your own sound FX: Crowd ROARS

We made it, Johnny. To the toppermost of the poppermost.

'They' say "Truth is Beauty, and Beauty is Truth". The truth is...our first set at The Cavern was beautiful.