Paul, who grew up in Brentwood, Essex, joined the legendary and world-famous Beatles tribute band earlier this year. Now, fresh from playing on the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury with the group, he shares some insights into why the original Fab Four are still worthy of such global admiration…
There are tribute bands and there’s the Bootleg Beatles- who are arguably in an elite musical class of their own.
Over the years the group have performed not only in front of hundreds of thousands of fans but notable luminaries such as Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, George Martin and Her Majesty, The Queen.
Of all the venues they have played perhaps none (aside from Buckingham Palace!) was more auspicious than their appearance on the rooftop of the Apple building at 3, Savile Row, London. On the freezing morning of January 30, 1999, the BBs performance commemorated the Fab Fours' farewell gig exactly 30 years ago to the day. The event made news channels across the globe.
This week the band announced their new tour –Celebrating the Fab Four on Film, which will come to Essex in 2025. The show will celebrate the soundtracks to the Beatles two films, A Hard Day’s Night and Help. Featuring all the hits from the movies – and plenty more- the Bootleg Beatles and their orchestra will take you on a whistle stop trip through the celluloid career of the Fab Four in their brand new spectacular multi-media stage show. It's all there, the costumes, the hairstyles, the banter and the gear. It’s not the real Beatles, but you’ll have a hard time believing it.
Multi-talented Essex musician Paul Canning has recently joined the group as ‘John Lennon’. The role should come naturally to Paul as he previously played Lennon in the smash hit Beatles musical Let It Be in the West End. Here Paul tells us why he’s so proud to be part of such an iconic group as the Bootlegs…
When did you first become aware of the music of The Beatles?
'I was first aware of The Beatles when I was six years old. We were doing a school concert and we sang ‘Yesterday’ and I really liked the song. My mum told me that it was The Beatles, and I was hooked.'
What can we expect in your performance on this tour, why is The Beatles Film music special?
'You can expect the usual Bootleg Beatles attention to detail. We always try to get as close to our respective Beatle as we can. We’ve got the greatest back catalogue ever behind us. All of The Beatles’ music is special but, from A Hard Days Night to Let It Be, the films have some wonderful songs that we can’t wait to perform.'
What other music do you like?
'I love classic bands and songwriters…Queen, Elton John, Billy Joel, Crowded House, Harry Nilsson. To name but a few.'
How was your Glastonbury?
'Glastonbury was special. The other lads had done it a fair few times. This was my first one, having only joined the band in January. The crowd were so loud. They knew every word and it was great to headline as well.'
What connections do The Bootleg Beatles have with Essex?
'The first gig I ever did was at The Pink Toothbrush in Rayleigh in 1995 and now I get to play at the Cliffs with The Bootlegs! Having grown up in Brentwood I always love coming back to Essex.'
The Bootleg Beatles – Celebrating the Fab Four on Film- will be on at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on Friday April 4 2025. Tickets are £39 to £45. trafalgartickets.com
