Liverpool Legends 2022 show captures the magic of the Beatles

By CINDY THOMAS, Staff Writer

Liverpool Legends

Photo by Philip Thomas

Liverpool Legends, the Beatles tribute band hand-picked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison, has had a presence in Branson since 2005. The band’s 2022 season, “Get Back!” is hosted by Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, with show dates available through October.

Anyone who was alive in the 1960s and owned a radio or TV remembers “Beatle Mania” sweeping the U.S. as the four mop-haired British boys took the country by storm after their iconic appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, packing out stadiums for concerts as frenzied fans screamed and fainted. If you weren’t alive then, your parents or grandparents have probably shared their memories and favorite Beatles songs with you. The group’s style and individual musicianship evolved through the next couple of decades, but few would disagree that their songwriting talent and their impact on rock and roll, pop and folk music was nothing short of monumental.

The Liverpool Legends have garnered numerous awards, not only in Branson but nationally and internationally, for their authentic portrayals and musicianship. Last Thursday evening’s performance was an enjoyable mix of songs, the first half primarily 1960s Beatles hits and their later style and individual songwriting showcased following intermission. Clothing, accessories, and instruments are historically accurate, including Paul McCartney’s signature left-handed bass guitar, the dark suits and narrow ties of the early years, and the flower-child look from the later ones. Throughout the show, the audience was invited to the aisles and front of the theater to sing along and dance, and most of the crowd knew most of the words. The multi-generational impact was evident, as more than one group of tweens and teens, attending the show with parents or grandparents, sang along as enthusiastically as audience members obviously much older.

Philip Thomas, who has taught music in Arkansas and Missouri for many years, regularly uses Beatles music with performing groups but, just as importantly, for music appreciation classes, as students can learn much from the group’s impact on, and reflection of, youth culture. The 2022 show does an excellent job of communicating that impact, using footage from live Beatles performances and historical events on the theatre screens to set the stage for the different songs. All in all, it’s a performance worth seeing.

Learn more about the history of Liverpool Legends and get details of upcoming show dates and times by visiting www.liverpoollegends. com. Tickets are available at www. moonriver.com or by calling the box office, 417-334-4500.