Growing up as an adolescent in the 60's was a real honor. Yes, many people were engaging in things they shouldn't have ...but for the majority of us, we were content with the wave of Beatlemania, the British Invasion, buying 45's and albums, hanging pictures all over our walls of our favorite groups. Music became a centralized connection with others. The out of control premieres of A Hard Day's Night and Help at the State Theater in South Bend...the long lines waiting for a seat...the new hairstyles and suits and Carnaby St. and Twiggy were all the rage. To me, they were much more than a singing group...they were my escape from a world that during my early years was difficult and full of adult issues that I didn't understand....I just knew that in my room, with walls covered in Paul McCartney photos, and his songs playing on the little record player, I was safe, happy, and focused on this very handsome young man from across the Atlantic. It was much later that I had the opportunity to meet this man. Living in a posh neighborhood in London's exclusive neighborhood, St. Johns Wood, where the famous EMI Recording Studios were and the famous crosswalk featured on the cover of Abbey Road, I was able to meet and thank him for his music. He was genuine, kind, patient with this very nervous redhead from the states. I gave him a piece of artwork I had painted of him...and he graciously made me feel like Picasso. A short talk of about 15 minutes, talking about why I was in London, where I lived in the states, and that I was grateful for the chance to meet him and then a nice "have a nice holiday" from his pretty wife, Linda, and I was off and walking down Cavendish Avenue.
All of these wonderful memories came rushing back this evening. My great friends Deb and Butch invited me to go see a group at the South Bend Civic Theater. Yesterday and Today, A musical Tribute to the Beatles led by Billy McGuigan, was one of the most fun, inspirational, and best performances I have ever seen. The talent of this group of talented gentlemen was amazing. Not a copycat band. No one was trying to be the Beatles. They were all themselves. Their show celebrated the music of the Fab Four. The entire set was comprised of handwritten requests from the audience before the show and during intermission. Each was read and a personal interview with the requester personalized the show to the audience. Dedications to loved ones such as Let It Be for Deb's brother Kevin, Help for a lady that needed a job, and a song for the redhead that once upon a time met who would truly become royalty, Sir Paul McCartney.
Bravo to those who celebrate the lives and music of others. Bravo to those that honor and remember them through the words, sounds, and moments shared because of the music that changed the world forever. Thank you, Billy McGuigan and Company. And..thank you to Deb and Butch who love me enough to offer me moments like this!
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