Beatles fans flash back to the “Swingin’ 60s for one night
CAIRO: Not quite “Beatlemania, but a small fan club gathered at the Nile Hilton Thursday night to listen to the leading Beatles tribute band, “The Complete Beatles, perform.
But first, we were treated to a three-course dinner by Executive Chef Denis Gourand. The meal was rich, but not too heavy so that we could dance off the calories of the delicious crème brulee ice cream on a rich, decadent chocolate tart. The audience warmed up to a performance by the Riff Band singing classic tunes in true Frank Sinatra style.
Finally, the biggest act of the 20th century was about to perform.
The band received a hesitant, lukewarm response as they entered through the audience. Decked in shiny, tight-fitting suits and sporting bowler haircuts, the band introduced themselves in their Liverpool accents. As they kicked off their first song, some people began drumming their fingers on the table, bopping their shoulders as they danced in their seats. A couple braved the dance floor. But by the time the band started their third song, “Love Me Do, there was no room to rock ‘n roll on the dance floor. Couples jump-started their dance skills, hopping energetically to the music doing the shag, waving their arms doing “The Swim. When the band started singing “Roll Over Beethoven dancers pulled out all their rock ‘n roll stunts.
The band’s live performance was able to capture the spirit of The Beatles during the early 60s, and they kept in character as they bantered in between songs. “We believe that tribute bands, at their best, are about capturing the essence, energy and spirit of The Beatles themselves, says Ian Roome, who plays the role of Ringo.
The audience did catch on to the band’s energy as they rocked the night away. For just one night, the audience flashed back to the “Swingin’ 60s, to a time where music changed the world.
