MANILA, Philippines — At first glance, one would mistake the members of the tribute band The Bootleg Beatles for the music icons Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Paul McCartney and John Lennon of The Beatles.
From their facial features, costumes to musical performances, The Bootleg Beatles comprised of Gordon Elsmore (as Ringo), Stephen Hill (as George), Steve White (as Paul) and Paul Canning (as John) came in character when they graced a mediacon at the Hard Rock Cafe Manila, Conrad Manila in Pasay City.
The quartet was in Manila for their Oct. 26 show at The Theatre at Solaire presented by Concert Republic.
“Luckily, the weather wasn’t that bad when we arrived (Thursday morning) but it got worse in the evening,” recalled Steve, referring to Typhoon Kristine that hit the country last week.
The last time that they were here, in 2022, there was also a typhoon. “Every time we come to the Philippines, there’s a typhoon,” said Gordon.
“(It’s our) fourth time (here) and it’s always been good,” he continued. “The fans have been amazing. Always… They’re the best fans all over the world I think. Pretty much.”
One of their most memorable experiences during their previous visits in the Philippines was how the fans greeted them at the airport. Steve recounted, “I think one of my most memorable occasions was when we very first came. The very first time we came, all the streets were lined with people as though it was almost like we were the real Beatles. Yeah, it was kind of a hint, or you know, an idea of how it must be like when the real Beatles arrived, all being from a much smaller scale.
“But still, it gave us a good insight as to how it would have been being the real people. And the fact that getting out of the vehicle, we had to be kind of policed because everybody wanted to just grab us and take us. It was scary (but) it was a wonderful experience.”
In an exclusive chat with The STAR, Gordon, Stephen, Steve and Paul got to share their favorite stuff about The Beatles. Here’s how the interview went:
What is your favorite Beatles song and why?
Gordon: “Strawberry Fields Forever. That’s my favorite song because it’s very avant-garde but also popular. And you don’t ever really hear that in pop songs. It’s also a great one to play the drums to.”
Stephen: “Recently, Golden Slumbers. It’s sentimental in my old age.”
Steve: “It’s very hard to choose a favorite but I always say I tend to like Ticket to Ride. Because when they did Ticket to Ride, it was quite different to everything they’d done up to that point. And it was kind of like a sign of what was to come.”
Paul: “I like In My Life. I like the lyrics. I find it incredible that John Lennon wrote the lyrics to that when he was 23 or 24. Beautiful song.”
Who’s your favorite Beatles member?
Gordon: “George was always my favorite.”
Stephen: “All my life, it was John. And then playing lead guitar, you gravitate towards George.”
Paul: “When I was younger, I liked Paul.”
Steve: “I’ve always been a fan of Paul.”
If you could switch places with any of The Beatles’ members, who would it be?
Paul: “I’d like to be Ringo though because you get to sit down (while performing).”
Gordon: “I hope I’m not going to change with anybody because I do get to sit down.”
Stephen: “It would be with Paul.”
Steve: “I’d like to be George. I like him.”
So you’re also musicians in real life?
Stephen: “You have to. You’ve got to (sing and play instruments). You couldn’t do this job if you, you know... There are elements of acting to it, you know, and mimicry and things. But ultimately, we’re all musicians.
“That’s 99 percent of what we do. But that other one percent is everything that makes it. Like, there’s a video playing there of us now. That one percent is, you know, it’s very important. But the musicianship and the singing ability is key.”
Gordon: “We’re musicians (who) act.”
Stephen: “There’s a little bit of magic involved in there as well.”
Gordon: “But mainly fans. We’re fans of The Beatles. And that’s more important, I think. That’s more important than being a good musician and a good actor. I think you’ve got to be a fan because you’ve gotta see it through a fan’s eyes.”
Stephen: “Yeah, because you can’t fool the fans, can you? You have to love it. I mean, you could do it but people would see through you. If you weren’t big — I’d prefer Iron Maiden or Metallica, you know — and you were doing George Harrison or Ringo, it would show in the performance. So you’ve got to have a look through.”
Steve: “Because I’m a fan of The Beatles, I put my heart and soul into it. So I think in order to be able to give that much dedication, you have to be a fan.”
You’ve been quiet around for some time. So what’s the secret to your career longevity?
Stephen: “Well, it’s not really our secret, is it? Because the music speaks for itself. But I think we do treat it with respect. And we do put our heart… All of us put our heart and soul into it. It’s not even a labor of love. We do love what we’re doing. We want to please the fans. Because we’re fans as well. And because it’s The Beatles, it’s got to be done to a high standard. So I hope that shows.”
Steve: “Sadly, we no longer have the opportunity to be able to see The Beatles back on (stage). So we take enormous pride in trying to replicate it as near as it could be. So that just for a small period of time, the audience doesn’t see The Beatles live, just four people playing The Beatles.”