I
was alone I took a plane, I didn't know what I would find there...
The magical journey begins at JFK International Airport, where
in February 1964, before it was named Kennedy Airport, The Beatles
landed in America and conquered the land of plenty. Each traveler
was greeted by our tour host, founder and guide Charles F. Rosenay!!!,
who presented us with our tickets to ride and a personal souvenir
laminated name badge branding us as official MMT2001 guests.
We boarded our British Airways flight on Aug 18 to fly off to
the country where dreams become reality. This year was a special
one, with our tour starting off in the beautiful country of
Scotland. Upon arriving in London, we meet up with the rest
of the tour group, who flew in from Chicago, and LA. There were
travelers of all agesand ethnicities, from all walks of life.
The youngest were in their teens, the 
oldest
in the fifties. There were some married couples, a mom and son,
a bunch of repeat tourmembers, and a whole lot of new ones on
their own.
Due to uncooperative weather conditions (it rains 60 percent
of the time in Scotland), our flight was delayed from Heathrow
to Edinburgh. A group singalong started at the airport by MMT
traveler Nicole, who got out her guitar and began the ball rolling
with "Eight Days a Week." She then started taking
requests. Though our plane was delayed our spirits were high.
Soon we were off and bound for Northern Scotland. Landing in
Edinburgh, the capitol of Scotland, one of our hosts, Andy,
welcomed us to Scotland with open arms. Grabbing our luggage
and heading for the coach, Vic our driver got us loaded in the
rain and we were on our way. It was an hour drive to Dundee
from the airport, most of us feeling a little tired grabbed
a few winks, while others enjoyed the vast countryside of Scotland.
Our hotel accommodations were at the Swallow Hotel. Once arriving
there, we had time for a quick check-in and we loaded our bus
again. The tour had begun!
The Caird Hall was our stop this evening for a night of Beatles
music and live performances by Johnny Gentle and Dougie Martin.
It was in May of 1960 that Beatles manager Allan Williams arranged
with impresario Larry Parnes for the Silver Beatles to do a
9-day tour of Northern Scotland backing Johnny Gentle. On May
20, the tour began and the rest, as they say, is history. The
promoter who organized the shows in Scotland, Andy Lothian,
was the MC and special guest that evening, relating a few stories
and taking claim to be the man who coined the name "Beatlemania."
Dougie Martin & The Poor Souls opened the show. He is one
of Dundee's best-known musicians, but more importantly, his
band opened for The Beatles when they played Caird Hall in 1963.
This was pretty historic! His repertoire was a mix if 50's and
60's classics, with some scorching versions of Beatle hits.
He can still rock! Johnny Gentle didn't sing 
any
Beatle numbers, but we were entertained with songs such as "Runaway"
and "Poor Little Fool," which were songs he sang while
on tour with the Silver Beatles. Johnny is very classy and reserved,
and he told us some stories of The Beatles' first tour ever
in between songs. Also performing this first evening was Dead
Ringer, members from Tripper and The Shoes, combined with the
group Ringer. Live Beatles music at last! Nicole and I were
invited to jump up the very same stage that The Beatles had
performed on, and we were the go-go girls for Dead Ringer's
last song, "I Saw Her Standing There." Glasgow's sixties
tribute band "Itchycoo Park" closed the show.
After the show, we had a one-on-one meet & greet with Johnny
Gentle. We were able to buy his book, snap photos and get autographs.
One of our more exuberant tourmembers, Clare, gushed over Johnny
for a short while before she took her picture with him - sitting
on his lap!
A group of us had a midnight dinner with the members of the
band Tripper, while a few of the more adventurous continued
the late-night partying at an area hotspot, Oxygen, where we
were invited to be v.i.p. guests.
I
read the news today oh boy
After our Scottish breakfast, tourmember Bob started off our
day by handing out Beatle cards to all his fellow travelers.
We were then we were given a guided tour by musician Steve MacDonald,
a native of Scotland, and the McCartney-lookalike from the bands
Tripper, The Shoes and, for many years, Ringer. He is the same
guy who played with Denny Laine, Laurence Juber and Steve Holly
on their semi-Wings reunion in Liverpool some years ago. We
took a scenic tour of Dundee, stopping off at a park where The
Beatles did a photo shoot while on their tour of Scotland. On
the coach, we had some world-class singalongs, with great vocal
harmonies by Meredith, Lisa and the Themelis sisters. Running
over some "sleeping policeman" (speed bumps in the
road) we headed down the coast and back to the Caird Hall for
a private tour of the famous venue. We were allowed to go back
stage and see, walk around, and absorb the dressing rooms that
the Beatles had once gotten ready for the show. Just to think
they had their trousers down in those rooms, CHA CHA BOOM!!!
We were able to roam around the theater and then, finally, stand
on the same stage as The Beatles. What a thrill. For lunch,
we went to a local pub where we were able to relax and eat.
Charles organized a scavenger hunt game at the pub involving
several of our tour buds, sending them searchin' around the
room for various items. Marlon won the game by being the first
to find a bra He was so excited that he even modeled it for
us ("Dude, let me touch your arm"). His prize was
a Scottish plaid apron and a Silver Beatles CD. Congratulations.
We were unleashed to walk the streets of Dundee to tour the
city on our own. Many of us walked the narrow streets shopping,
discovering, snapping photos and taking in the beauty of this
marvelous city. There were some excellent collectors shops.
Meeting back at the pub, we were welcomed back aboard our coach
by Vic and Andy, who hurried us back to the Swallow Hotel, to
unload our souvenirs, take a brief breather and head back out
for some more partying at the Caird Hall.
On the second night of their quasi-Beatles Convention, we were
treated to live music by The Junkyard Dogs (alternative versions
of Beatles), Tripper (one of Scotland's top tribute bands, who
supported Paul McCartney at the Cavern Club and who played the
Liverpool Beatles Convention), The Fabz (another top Scottish
Beatles band who play the Liverpool Convention every year),
Ian Cussick & Steve Cooney (a unique vocal performance of
Beatle tunes) and a finale with all the bands.
After our show, we headed to Yates, another pub, where we danced
the night away with Tripper. We were treated to a rare performance
of "Money" by Tripper with our own Charles F. Rosenay!!!
on lead vocals! Supposedly, that was a MMT first!
Bright and early looking very much alive, we left the Swallow
Hotel with baggage in hand. Vic cruised us along the country
side of Scotland towards the airport in Glasgow, also known
as "Dear Green Place" for all of it's magnificent
gardens. Every person was given departing some gifts from Scotland:
a souvenir commemorative poster of the 1st ever Dundee Beatles
Convention (courtesy of Steve and Andy) and a great cassette
tape of the band Itchycoo Park, courtesy of the bands' members
(with some covers of Rutles tracks, no less!). Along the way
to the airport, we did a little sightseeing and even took pictures
of some glorious castles, one of which was William Wallace's
("Braveheart"). Before too long we were in the blue
suburban skies headed for London. 
Back at Heathrow Airport, Dave Jones from Cavern City Tours
was waiting with open arms to welcome us with. Our fabulous
hotel in London was the Forum Hotel, currently renovating for
a name change. After checking in and not quiet even situated
yet, a few of us stopped into the hotel pub and made a toast
to surviving the last couple days and to more enthusiastic days
to come.
With some free time to ourselves, we broke off into small groups
to do our own thing. Some went souvenir shopping, others went
CD hunting, while a few headed for Leicester Square. I took
a double-decker bus around Piccadilly Circle and roamed the
city a little on my own. Then I had to Get Back to my room to
change and take yet another deep breath. Alice was heading down
towards the rabbit hole and she was taking our group with her.
It seems as though its something you'll only read about, yet,
after being there, it's more breathtaking than anything else
in the world: ABBEY ROAD!! First a quick stop at Paul's house
in Cavendish, where my jacket made quiet an impression. It features
a striking shot of Paul rendered by the internationally acclaimed
artist Shannon. Several tour guests posed at the gates of 7
Cavendish wearing my jacket. A few blocks to the left, we made
it to the zebra-crossing, the mother road where on August 8,
1969 The Beatles made their famous crossing and on Aug 21, 2001
our group recreated it several times (all the while dodging
cars and risking our lives all for the love of The Beatles).
AHH!!! We crossed one last time and then went to the studio.
Gathering on the stairway to heaven, we posed for a group shot.
The doors opened and we were allowed to enter.
There was a table at the bottom of the stairs inside, with merchandise
from the studio, t-shirts, key-chains, books, and other gifts
with the Abbey Road logo. We were escorted down the hall, and
into Studio 2, where the Beatles recorded 95% of their 200-plus
songs between 1962 and 1970. As you enter through the doors,
a chill runs up your arms, your heart begins to pound to the
beat of "All You Need Is Love," than increases to
"Helter Skelter." The happiness you feel forms a daisy
chain around you and it seems that you'll never quit smiling.
As I looked around the room, some of my fellow Beatle pals had
tears accumulating in their eyes, some were in a state of shock-meets-bliss,
some simply smiled. One (but we won't mention her name, because
we wouldn't want to embarrass Clare) was crying before she even
got inside. There was no reason for her to speak, I had just
seen a face, and the joyful expression was all she needed.
Comitatus - a Beatle band from Brazil was in the studio when
we entered. Gathering around the piano, embracing one and other,
and swaying back and forth, we began singing "Let It Be,"
and several other songs. Fans were taking pictures standing
at the various microphones and instruments, capturing memories
that will be with them forever. You pray that the walls would
begin replaying moments from time. To be able to hear John,
Paul, George, Ringo and George Martin hard at work rehearsing,
laughing, and molding their sound that they produced for all
of us to cling to and love. We wanted to stay there forever.
Now it's time to say goodnight, and we climb the stairs to the
toppermost of the poppermost, the control room. You take one
last glance back at the studio, and enter the room where Sir
George Martin used his ears and ingenuous musical technique
to put our boys onto vinyl and into our lives. Then we're gone,
hopefully not for the last time.
Back at the Forum a small group of us gathered to listen to
a surprise guest Alistair Taylor, "Mr. Fix-it, "Brian
Epstein's assistant. He was at the hotel visiting perennial
traveler Patti Seckers, and he was there to share with us his
tears and memories he shared with the boys. It was a beautiful
night.
Woke
up fell out of bed dragged a comb across my head, found my way
downstairs and grabbed some English breakfast.
Waiting for us outside was our tour coach, which would take
us on our panoramic guided tour of scenic London. Look kids:
Big Ben, Parliament, London Bridge, Tower of London, Harrah's,
Westminster Abbey, Oh London Town! With a little help from my
friends and a little lunch, we're rejuvenated once again and
ready for our walking tour of London, with the famous Richard
Porter. The author of "Guide to the Beatles London,"
and a recent guest at U.S. conventions, Richard took us to sites
where the Beatles met the loves of their lives, their London
offices, homes, and even famous venues where they performed.
We visited MPL, the Apple building, Miranda Club, the Indica
Gallery, and even had time for a stop at London's Beatles shop.
A special treat for our group was when we visited the Rahnah
Krishna Temple. We removed our shoes, got to our knees and we
prayed for our George. Afterward, rice and veggies were served
which we ate with our hands. Now, everyone in the cheaper seats
clap your hands and the rest of you just rattle your jewelry.
GRIN!
Our group loved to party so much, we headed out for the London
nightlife. Down to the London Hard Rock Café, which was the
first Café to open their doors to the public 30 years ago, for
our very own private Beatle party on the lower level. Shortly
after we arrived, we were joined by our Mexican Beatle fan club
friends. Our special guest is Gordon Millings, who, 
along
with his father Dougie (as seen in the film "A Hard Day's
Night") produced 500 variations for the Beatles, including
the beloved collar-less jackets. Gordon carries on the family
tradition with style and panache.
It won't be long before we do some twisting and shouting, but
first most of us do some Hard Rock souvenir shopping, and visit
"The Vault," containing the rarest items of the Café.
Our host with the most, Charles F. Rosenay!!!, is our DJ for
the evening, and the party starts with some special introductions.
Along with Gordon Millings, we discover that there are some
other notables amongst us this evening. Radio personality Joe
Johnson of "BeatleBrunch" fame joined our group with
his family and members of his staff. Carmen Salmon, head of
the "Come Together" Beatles fan club and producer
of the San Diego "Beatles Fair" convention, was there
with her husband. Lynda Murphy of Club Beatles of New England
is also introduced (she helped produce the last "Boston
Beatles Convention" a few years back). We also meet the
London/Liverpool-only travelers who didn't start off with us
in Scotland, including radio station winners Joyce & Dan,
and also party animals Shaun, Steve and Wayne, and they all
fit in immediately.
At the Hard Rock, we rocked and rolled into the night, jamming
to Beatles and solo Beatles tunes. We caused a commotion by
doing the "locomotion" to Obladi Oblada and celebrated
some travelers' birthdays with a rousing singalong version of
"Birthday." A few non-Beatle songs are sneaked in
by request, and Batya acts out songs from "Grease"
while Bob (the "cool" guy), Jeff (not too happy about
playing the nerd role) and Charles does the song "Strokin'!"
(no further comment). There's a twist contest and Steve S. and
Jennifer are named winners. After more dancing and raucous fun,
including air guitars and even a vocal of "All My Luggage"
by Lynda (don't ask), we finally end the night with "In
My Life" and it was back on the coach and home to the hotel.
The Magical Mystery Tour is hoping to take you awayyyyyyy
If you were ready to cool your heals, don't even think about
taking those dancing shoes off. We had breakfast and headed
up M6 to the birthplace of The Beatles, LIVERPOOL. Richard Porter
rode along with us pointing out important sites, including Chiswick
House and Gardens, where promo films for "Rain" and
"Paperback Writer" were filmed. Along the way, Charles
we took part in an on-board "penny auction," and several
of the travelers bid on some really great Beatles merchandise.
A splendid time was had by all. Arriving the right way, we ferried
'cross the Mersey and ported at the dock. At last, the holy
land, Liverpool, home of Liverpudlians and a certain fab four.
We were here at last. Pools of sorrow, waves of joy, can only
describe what you feel inside. Mixed emotions of various stages
of happiness are on everyone's faces. Back aboard the coach,
we take the short and winding road to our home-away-from-home,
the Adelphi Hotel. This magnificent olde hotel, designed by
the White Star Line, still glows with the elegance of the early
20th century. Spectacular! We check in and find our way to the
room, but we leave until tomorrow to unpack our case, kick off
the shoes and begin to relax. We love being in NY, wait it's
Liverpool, is that the place, ok then Liverpool, we were moving
so fast. Some of us grab some fish and chips and some rush to
visit familiar haunts.
In the evening the entire group marches en masse through the
streets of the 'Pool as we head on down to the Liverpool Town
Hall. Bill Heckle of Cavern City Tours greets everyone with
sparkling wine and properly welcomes us to Liverpool. We take
pictures outside where The Beatles saluted their Liverpool neighbors
all those years ago. Back inside and situated in the royal hall,
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool gives us a very warm welcome from
the stage. We all burst into applause as Charles receives special
recognition from the Lord Mayor for bringing the Americans over
to Liverpool every year. This took Charles by surprise! Los
Beat 3 and Club Big Beatles are the warm-up acts, but the highlight
is the rousing performance by A Hard Night's Day. What a show,
if you closed your eyes, you would swear you were hearing the
Beatles live, this group from Dallas, TX is that good. Many
of us got the opportunity to meet The Beatles' first manager,
Allan Williams, who is recovering from quadruple by-pass heart
surgery. He was in great spirits. Best wishes to Allan for a
speedy recovery.
Look into these eyes now, tell me what you see…
…a Magical Mystery Tour bus waiting out in front of my hotel
for me. Although we are far away from our real homes we are
made to feel right at home as we board the MMT bus with Les
and Eddie "The Walrus" Porter. A select few of us,
who had been on the tour many other times, went off with cheerful
guide Hilary, for a very special MMT. Hilary is the tourguide's
guide, the ultimate pro and she was the person who took many
of us on our first tours many years ago. She takes these multiple-repeat
travelers to uncommon locales seldom seen, including Julia's
gravesite and the newly named John Lennon Airport at Speke.
The rest of us Rolled Up, and let them take us away. As you
can imagine we were all smiles. We began our journey, where
any Beatle journey should, at the Maternity Hospital on Oxford
Street where at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 1940, John
Winston Lennon was born. It is now flats (dormitory) for students
from the local colleges, but there is a plaque on the wall marking
this building as the birthplace of our one and only John. Traveling
through the streets of Liverpool we are taken to many significant
places, including places where the other beloved Beatles were
born, lived and attended school. Other must sees: Paul and Johns
meeting place, Eleanor Rigby's grave, Woolton Parish Church
(where Katie from our group went on her own and even walked
on the stage at the church). Mar
garet
Grose, who now lives at 10 Admiral Grove, opened her doors to
our group and allowed us to enter Ringo's boyhood home and take
photos. It was simply lovely of her to do this for us, for only
the second time on a MMT. Lots of love to Margaret. Penny Lane
and Strawberry Fields soon followed. We all felt like we were
flying. Last stops were at John Lennon Drive, Paul McCartney
Way, George Harrison Close, Ringo Starr Close, Epstein Court,
Apple Court, Cavern Court, and even Sutcliffe Road. Eddie Porter
entranced our group with his warm, humorous and enlightening
stories about our boys. Driver Les even recreated his "Free
As A Bird" performance. Love to both of them, thanks for
sharing your memories.
That evening we attended the concert at the Royal Court Theater
starring British favorites The Overtures. Their show was embellished
by a superb multi-media slide & video show. Their energy,
musicianship, vocals and stage presentation with the video screens
taking us through the amazing journey of the sixties were just
some of the few reasons they are the best 60's cover band. Their
versions of classics by the Byrds, Searchers, Stones, Who and
others were as strong as their Beatles material. Opening for
The Overtures was Brazilian tribute band Club Big Beatles (complete
with Beatle marionette) Japan's The Parrots and Canadian soloist
Hal Bruce. After the concert, it was on to the Adelphi for some
more live Beatles music to carry us into the wee morning hours.
Good Morning, Good Morning… Sitting on a cornflake, a
small group of us gathered early to wait for the van that would
take us from Speke Hall and then onto 20 Forthlin Road, Paul
McCartney's boyhood home (where, if I had lived in Liverpool
in those days, I would have spent many hours). To be able to
enter the house where my favorite Beatle composed with his friend
John Lennon was a most memorable experience. Not to mention
that we got to go to Paul's Bedroom, we also toured the kitchen,
living room, and dining area. John Halliday, who is paid to
by the National Trust to live in Paul 's house, greeted us at
the door and handed out headsets, with commentary by both Mike
and Paul McCartney. For 30 glorious minutes we were allowed
to wander the house, and hear the stories behind the photos
on the walls and the history in each of the rooms. The feelings
I had were so tremendous, I shook, I shivered I exploded with
joy. We were not allowed to photograph inside the house. After
touring the back yard and attempting to climb the same pole
that Paul did when he lived there, we were let out the front
door, where we were permitted to snap away. My fave poses were
knocking on Paul's door, skipping on his sidewalk and rolling
around in his front yard. YEAH, YEAH, YEAH!!!
Most of the tour group attended the annual Liverpool auction,
held at LIPA, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (often
called Paul's "Fame" school). One member of our group,
Greg, got some true rarities at very decent prices. Others visited
the Liverpool Record & Collectors convention at the Blue
Coat Chambers, where they also had a Lennon lithos exhibition
(and next door was a comic
Book convention).
The afternoon was simply beautiful, the definitive summer weather.
That was perfect, because at a local grassy area near the Albert
Docks, Chavesse Park, from 2pm until 7pm, musical acts recreated
the "Rock & Roll Circus." This was just one of
many performances at several different parks and venues. The
Rock & Roll Circus featured Kyra (Jethro Tull tribute band),
Maximum Who (Who tribute band), the Counterfeit Stones (self-explanatory),
New York's Fab Faux and local legend Gary Gibson, a John Lennon
impersonator, who gave only one performance this year. As described
by some of our other guests, it was like being at a live John
Lennon show. With carnival rides, beer gardens and food &
ice cream vendors, it was a great atmosphere.
There was Beatles everywhere: live music in the park, recorded
music in the pubs (including the John Lennon Memorial Bar) memorabilia
in the shops (especially The Beatles Shop on Mathew Street and
the new From Me To You store in Cavern Walks) and there was
joy & laughter in the streets. Atop the Beatles Shop, the
Mathew Street Gallery was exhibiting artwork by Klaus Voorman
and Astrid Kirscher, and at The Beat
les
Story, the Lennon piano was back in the White Room. For us on
the tour, and the people in this city, all was right in the
world. Even on the television that afternoon, longtime Beatle-buddy
and fellow NEMS recording artist Cilla Black was the host of
a stupid human tricks-type of game show called "Moment
of Truth."
In the evening, we returned to the Royal Court Theater, where
we were once again entertained by live music with the theme
of The Beatles' live years, featuring Hollywood Bowl, Candlestick
Park, Rooftop Concert, Hamburg days and the Cavern Club. Several
of our favorite Beatle sound alike bands performed these memorable
performances, including the amazingly versatile A Hard Night's
Day (who played an incredible set of BBC/Decca/Hamburg/Cavern
ravers), the Australian Beatles (first-ever Beatles tribute
band from down-under at the Liverpool fest) and another set
by the Overtures, who were called in last-minute to fill in
for The Snails. The running joke was that The Snails were still
on their way, but they were just slow.
Get out the maracas, because it was Samba time at the Adelphi
for the Brazilian party that followed. The trio of Beatle bands
were Comitatus (who were with us at Abbey Road), Sgt. Pepper
and Hocus Pocus.
Picture
yourself in a ballroom of Beatles…
It was finally Convention Day! Picture yourself in the ballroom
of the Adelphi, with crystal chandeliers, tapestries on the
walls, elegance at its finest and amidst it all: Europe's Largest
Beatles Marketplace crammed with merchandise from all over the
world (from across the universe, actually!). A collectors dream,
and a reason to leave room in your suitcase when packing for
the tour. 25 bands in a day, rare video room, art exhibitions,
autograph sessions, interviews, etc. Special guests on the bill:
Pete Best, Julia Baird, Allan Williams, Bob Wooler, Klaus Voorman,
Astrid Kirchner, Alf Bicknell, authors Keith Badman and Mark
Featherstone-Witty, BBC Merseyside's Spencer Leigh, artist Shannon
and Gordon Millings. I (Michele)
was fortunate enough to have Gordon Millings ask me to model
one of his jackets that Paul McCartney wore during the 1963
tour to France. Also there as a special guest, making his first-ever
convention appearance, was Mike Smith, the man at Decca Records
who turned down The Beatles. After a full day of shopping, shmoozing,
socializing, waiting for autographs, listening to guest speakers,
and having the time of one's life, you'd think the day was done.
Not nearly!
We meet at the Adelphi restaurant, the Crompton, for a very
special and exclusive "unplugged" singalong party.
This extraordinary happening is by invitation only and is open
only to our American tour group and guests. We welcomed the
Irish Beatles fan club and some others from different countries.
Boston musician/singer/story-teller Scott Wheeler opened with
his mix of music and comedy, and great renditions of Beatles
and Roy Orbison standards. What a personality! Clone Farm, from
North Carolina, is scheduled to play next, but they're squeezed
out by the next two acts: A Hard Night's Day and on their first
English Tour, British Export. We've said enough about A Hard
Night's Day, but British Export, led by drummer Jim Martin,
were quite a treat. Well known from the Chicago Beatlefest,
we are sure to see and hear more from this young, crowd-pleasing.
In fact, "Ringo" Jim and our tour leader, Charles,
had a meeting and it was agreed that British Export would be
the official band of next year's MMT. A grand evening - and
all of it exclusively for our tour group.
Let
me take you down now to Mathew Street…
where the Mathew Street Festival is going on, and over 300,000
people have gathered from all over the world to celebrate with
hundreds of live bands in every club & pub, every eatery
and café, every nook and cranny. Most of the music heard is
from the ones who stared it all, The Beatles. You can hear the
music and feel the energy echoing off the buildings as you find
your way past famous places such as the Grapes, and, of course,
the Cavern Club. Winding through the streets one feels as if
they are happily being pulled in every direction trying to absorb
everything. At the Albert Docks, an all-female band, the Beladies
are playing to a full crowd gathered around the edge of the
docks. There are bands of all ages, skin colors, shapes and
sizes, including the Mini-Beats, young lads performing Beatle
songs. 
In the evening, the fabulous Fab Faux rocked our night at the
Royal Court with their fab finale performance of the more obscure
or lesser-performed cuts: "Tomorrow Never Knows,"
"Helter Skelter," and "Lovely Rita" to name
a few. This is the band that strives to deliver the most difficult
songs that no other band will attempt. Will Lee from the David
Letterman Late Show and Jimmy Vivino from Late Night with Conan
O'Brien head up this ultimate ROCK SHOW!
We adjourn back to the Adelphi for yet more Beatles music by
the Overtures and other bands. By now, our tour group is feeling
like a tight-knit family. We find ourselves sitting together
sharing memories and laughs from the past week, while making
plans for staying in touch in the future. Lasting friendships
are now having the finishing touches put on them.
…Don't
say it, don't say it, don't say goodnight tonight.
Our last full day in Liverpool comes too soon, and though the
crowds have died down, excitement is still in the air. Our group
splits off and people spend their last day shopping, doing private
tours, re-visiting some landmarks and just enjoying the city
after the mad rush of the Bank Holiday. Some of us choose to
sleep in and enjoy this very relaxing day. For the fifth day
in a row, the weather is simply beautiful. As mentioned before
this is a party group and we showed it every night. This night
was no exception. The gala farewell concert is by none other
than 1964 The Tribute, recognized as one of the top Beatle bands
in the world. They are from Ohio, but now they are performing
where it all began, at the Cavern Club. Mathew Street itself
has a feeling about it unlike any other street in Liverpool,
but when you see those neon red lights beaming above the door
calling all the cave dwellers, you know you are at the heart
of it all. Circling down the flights of stairs you enter the
dark, musty "new" Cavern. The glow from the stage,
the cloud hanging in the air, and the overwhelming feeling that
you're actually at the same Cavern that Paul McCartney performed
at during his live Internet broadcast on Dec 14, 1999, is a
sensation you have to experience yourself at least once in your
life. You realize that this rebuilt Cavern is an exact replica
of the place where The Beatles themselves played more than anywhere
else. You notice familiar faces
amongst the crowded room, not just of members from the tour,
but also of travelers from other nations who have all "come
together" this week to celebrate the same music and memories
as you. Smiling faces, warm embraces, handshakes and hugs make
you feel right at home - even with people who speak languages
foreign from yours.
Once situated, after you've taken in all the visual aspects
of the club, the lights dim, a hush floats across the room,
then you hear the opening chord to "A Hard Days Night,"
and the room comes alive. The stage lights cast out among the
crowd and you notice that bodies are packed in like sardines.
It's hard to envision it unless you've been there. Bobbing back
and forth, having drinks with friends and dancing to the Beatles
music by one of the finest soundalike bands ever, you're not
even thinking about packing and the fact that this is your last
night in Liverpool.
Sadly, though, it is. And like all wonderful dreams this one
too must end. But not without a final singalong back at the
hotel! After a small group of about 20 of us belt out some Beatles
tunes, we grab a few winks of sleep, and then we are up bright
and early for our departure. Breakfast is provided and we board
our coach to Manchester Airport.
Hearts are heavy as we say our farewells to Liverpool, our guides,
and our new Beatle friends. It was back to America for us. Photographs
will be swapped and memories will be shared. Everyone we have
come into contact with on our journey has touched our lives.
When we see members of the group again at fests and on future
tours, we will always recall the love we share for The Beatles,
and the unforgettable time we shared with each other on our
Magical History Tour.
