Gonna see a Beatle tonight!

[sirflyguy2000]

A town a few miles north of me, Benton, IL, is having a George Harrison Festival this weekend. Why in Benton, you might ask? Well, in 1962, George came over to visit his sister, Louis, who lived in Benton at the time (she now lives in Macedonia, IL, which is near there). He stayed at her house, which is now a museum, etc. Anyway, as you all know, George has passed from this mortal coil, so you may be wondering which Beatle I am gonna see. Paul and Ringo are busy and way too expensive, John has also passed on, Billy Preston (known as the 5th Beatle) has also died, so they got the next best thing: Pete Best! He is coming with his band to do a show. There will also be a George impersonator there, but I will probably not get to see him open as I have to wait on my son to get off of work before we head up there. Anyway, a bit of Beatle history tonight!
The best thing: the local music store called me and gave me two free tickets! I bought two more, so I get to see the guy for $20.00 for the four of us!

[Rejoice Music]

So Mark, how was the show?

[sirflyguy2000]

It was OK. It nowhere approached a Beatlemania state. Sound had some issues (the kid running it was in over his head). Every time Pete got up to the mic to talk - and he didn't talk very loudly - it would squeal! Was annoying, to say the least. Anyway, I think Ringo really was a better choice for drummer. We did enjoy seeing a bit of musical history. I found out that a lady I am an acquaintance with is supposedly the first one to spin a Beatles record in the USA! George gave her some singles when he was here in 1963 (his visit was the reason they have this George Harrison Festival), and she played it on the local station. She said she still has the records he gave her. Whether her story is actually true is anyone's guess. This was before Beatlemania hit in Feb. of 1964 when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan, so it may very well be accurate.
Kinda sad that a former Beatle is playing in an old gymnasium for 400 people. he didn't really seem bitter. He seems to have dealt with the whole thing and moved on with life.
Thanks for the inquiry, sister.
Here is a pic of me and Pete hanging out after the show (only he didn't really know that was what was going on!):
http://i35.tinypic.com/2w6tbgw.jpg
Here is one of him in action:
http://i36.tinypic.com/5mhcfr.jpg
And one of him talking:
http://i34.tinypic.com/1zqelcj.jpg