The Bootleg Beatles

The Bootleg Beatles

The Bootleg Beatles are a rock group from London, United Kingdom. They begin in 1980 and perform as a tribute act centred on the music and image of the Beatles.

Formation and membership

Neil Harrison, Andre Barreau and David Catlin-Birch meet in 1979 when they are cast in the West End production Beatlemania. After that show ends, they continue performing the material and form The Bootleg Beatles. The group’s current members are David Catlin-Birch, Andre Barreau and Adam Hastings.

Style and repertoire

The Bootleg Beatles build their show around close recreations of Beatles songs and stage presentation. Their performances include costume changes, a video backdrop and an eight-piece orchestra. They present six phases of the Beatles’ career, moving from the Cavern Club in Liverpool through Shea Stadium, Sgt. Pepper and the Magical Mystery Tour period to the rooftop concert at Apple in 1969.

Live work and reputation

The group tours major venues in the United Kingdom and becomes known for a performance that combines detailed musical imitation with theatrical staging. It also performs songs from the later Beatles catalogue that the Beatles themselves never play live.