Yesterday And Today: An Interactive Beatles Experience Concert Review
Image Source: Photo Taken By Author
Though The Beatles were only together for a brief 10 years from 1960 to 1970, they produced some of the finest music in the history of pop and rock genres, and have thus influenced a generation of musicians. Some have used this influence to create their own groups that pay tribute to The Beatles’ musical legacy. These groups often dress like the group and imitate them as well, giving the audience the experience of watching a Beatles concert. However, some simply choose to play the music as closely as possible without feeling the need for wigs and accents. Yesterday and Today: An Interactive Beatles Experience is one such group that focuses more on the music than the theatrics. However, this is not what makes them stand out; rather, what makes this act unique is the fact that the setlist is mostly comprised of audience requests. I had the chance to see this group at the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen, Virginia, and though my heart will always belong to more theatrical tribute acts like The Fab Four and 1964 the Tribute, this was quite the experience and one that has the potential to be different every time.
The story behind this act is rather interesting. The band consists of brothers Billy (guitar, keys, and vocals), Matthew (guitar, keys, and vocals), and Ryan McGuigan (bass and vocals) alongside Jay Hanson (vocals, guitar, keys) and Brandon Bakke (drums). The McGuigan brothers anchor the band and grew up learning about The Beatles and how to play their songs from their father, Bill McGuigan, to whom each show is dedicated. Rather than dress up as The Beatles, however, the band members perform as themselves, and they make a huge point about that early on. Despite this, their dedication to the legacy of The Beatles is evident.
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Image Source: Photo Taken By Author
As mentioned earlier, a huge majority of the songs played during the concert are selected by the audience. They are invited to fill out request cards before the show and during intermission with their name, the song they want to hear, and why they chose it. Then, once the show is about to begin, the band collects these cards and makes a set list incorporating as many as they can. Before they play each request, they read the reason why each person chose the particular song they are about to play. These reasons range from the songs simply being their favorites to emotional stories related to them, and can be touching or sometimes humorous. Either way, reading the reasons in addition to simply playing the songs adds a human layer to the experience, showing that these songs form the soundtrack to many people’s lives.
The band performed each song rather well. Each song is recreated note for note and sounds exactly like the record. However, this does not mean the individual style of the brothers isn’t shown; mixed into these recreations is a unique style that is occasionally a little harder and more grungy than the sounds of the 60s. This fusion of new and old is definitely welcome.
Image Source: Photo Taken By Author
Also welcome is their inclusion of humor in the show. While the band is clearly not as theatrical as some other Beatles tribute groups, it still has its fair share of onstage antics. One such example is when their musician tech, Max Meyer, was featured on cowbell during the song “A Hard Day’s Night.” He could have simply stood to the side and played it, but Max had other plans; he took center stage and made playing the cowbell into a comedic bit, and it definitely gave the song a rather humorous and playful edge to it. One joke that landed a little flat was their repeated mentioning of not being one of “those” Beatle bands that dress up as the group. It got to the point where it almost felt like they were mocking that type of act. Regardless, it was a joke that overstayed its welcome, but a minor hindrance to the overall show.
Yesterday and Today put on quite a good show and presented a rather unique concert concept overall. The band leaves the audience with a memorable experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else, as each concert is truly unique to the venue. It’s clear that the McGuigan brothers have a special connection to the music of The Beatles, and it shows through their performance. Be sure to check billymcguigan.com/yesterdayandtoday for more information on the show and tour dates!
Rating: 9/10
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