MATT GAFFINEY
Matt has been playing Paul in Beatles and other tribute bands such as ELO Beatles Beyond at venues across the land for over 5 years. A strong tenor and multi-instrumentalist, Matt ‘s passion and enthusiasm shines through as he delivers many Beatles classics in true McCartney style. He plays the classic Hofner bass through a Vox amp and The Fab 4’s keyboard classics from behind the Pretend Beatles’ very own ‘Magic Piano’!
Matt plays guitar, keyboards, bass and drums and also writes music for the media including primetime BBC and Channel 4 productions. Visit Matt’s website here.
BERNARD THOMPSON
One of Bernard’s oldest early-childhood memories is of “playing along” to the album With The Beatles, using an old wooden tennis racket as a guitar and admiring his Mop Top moves in his Mum’s full-length mirror. He’s been more than a little Beatles-obsessed ever since, so it’s no surprise he’s found his perfect place as John in the Pretend Beatles! Having written, recorded and toured extensively with various aspiring bands, Bernard’s subsequent “Tribute” career has taken him all over the musical map: from fronting top Punk / New Wave act The Undercocks, to belting out the hits of the 1990s in Britpop Reunion, continuing to find time to play bass in Ultimate ELO and, last but not least, comprising half of the greatest acoustic duo in the land, The Good Vibrations. Bernard’s philosophy is that it helps if you can sing and play in time and in tune, but a really good performance is about communicating the extraordinary joy and wonder locked up in each of these great songs.
RICH GIBSON
Rich plays George, and has done for almost 10 years. Rich uses Vox AC30 or AC50 amplifiers, and a variety of Beatles-authentic Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Gibson, Epiphone and Fender guitars. His playing is pure George, not just for the musical content, but also the “feel” which George imparted to his playing, most notably in solos. He can also closely mimic George’s distinctive singing voice. Rich has been playing original songs, covers and various tributes for more than 20 years, including Jeff Lynne in The Lynne and McCartney Story and Ultimate ELO and Tom Petty in The Petty Heartbreakers. He has also written original music which can be heard here.
NEIL LOWE
Neil plays Ringo, and manages to catch Ringo’s charm and wit perfectly, often raising a laugh or two with the audience on the night. Neil has been playing for over 20 years, in a variety of bands, all over the UK. Neil captures Ringo’s quirky but huge & solid drum style perfectly, using a vintage Ludwig kit, and is a big part of the musical accuracy that The Pretend Beatles achieve. Neil can also be relied upon to sing some Ringo classics in Ringo’s unique singing style.
RORY HOLL
Rory plays John and is a Musician/Singer/Songwriter/Producer from Leeds UK. A Mainstay on the Leeds music scene for over 15 years, Rory has played gigs nation and world-wide and has enjoyed sharing stages with artists such as SPACE, Therapy?, Wishbone Ash, InMe, Allusinlove, Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets) plus Many more. Rory has been in many bands over the years and is currently playing solo acoustic gigs performing popular vintage covers and original material from his current five solo albums. (LISTEN HERE). Rory’s sound has been described by many as having roots in Pop, Rock and Prog, but also incorporates elements of Folk and Country. Influences include Beatles, Pink Floyd, Squeeze, David Bowie, Killing Joke, SPACE, King Crimson and Faith No More.
ETHAN CONNOR
Ethan deps as Ringo and has been gigging across the UK for several years. He has always loved the Beatles, with his first CD as a child being a Beatles compilation and competently encapsulates Ringo’s spirit and feel in his drumming. As well As Ringo Ethan also admires The Doors’ John Densmore.
* Very occasionally, as is the case in any theatrical show, there may be a slight change to one of the cast for the odd performance, but the understudy is always one of our highly professional musician friends who are fully experienced in playing the role.