The White Album Concert tour has officially started. The responses from audiences to the show have been amazing.
If you have the time please take a moment to share your thoughts on the concert. It will be a great help to those people who are still trying to work out whether or not they should buy tickets.
This show was the best I’ve seen in a long time. All the boys were brilliant and the backing band is sheer class.
Chris Cheney did wonders with this music. When he sang/played ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ I had tears in my eyes. Same too fot Josh Pyke’s version of ‘Blackbird.’ Phil Jamieson’s best was a stunning performance of ‘Yer Blues,’ while Tim Rogers was oustanding across the board, and gave a particularly believable and stunning rendition of ‘Happiness is a Warm Gun.’
I definitely recommend seeing this show if you are a Beatles fan, or even if you just like the singers.
I hope a DVD is being recorded, as I would be shattered if a professional recording is not made available in the near future to commemorate such a brilliant concert.
Thanks for doing such a wonderful job guys!
My review.
http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/19632/The-Beatles-White-Album-Concert–Hamer-Hall-Melbourne-01082009.htm
That was one of the best shows i’ve ever seen!!!!
All the performers brought something different to the stage
Highlight was Josh Pyke singing blackbird
I went to the opening concert on Saturday 1st August.
I discovered the Beatles through my Dad’s record collection when I was 17. That’s getting on to 20 years ago now. The White Album is this awesome monster album that I keep coming back to. There’s so much variety spread over the two platters, and so many crazy things going on sonically. Over the years I’ve come to know the album inside out and back-to-front.
When I first heard about The White Album Concert, I got a little bit excited about it. I had no idea going in to the concert how it was going to sound. Whether it was going to be faithful renditions or the artists’ own takes on the classic songs, and whether they’d play the whole album cover to cover.
I picked up the program and saw the Musical Director was the same guy who directed John Waters’ tribute to John Lennon “Looking Through A Glass Onion” a few years ago, so I knew the band was in good hands.
Enough preamble… The concert was awesome. Tim, Josh, Phil and Chris totally shone when singing. They sang the album from start to finish, omitting only Revolution 9 (which Tim Rogers kinda incorporated into Revolution 1).
They all brought something of themselves to their role and made the songs their own. As a long-time You Am I fan, I was particularly watching Tim Rogers. He was obviously loving it up there, strutting around like a much cooler version of Mick Jagger. The on-stage camaraderie between the four was great during the times they were all on stage together.
If you asked for highlights, I’d just name every song. It was all that good. Picking just one per artist though – Tim brought a whole new life to Piggies, really hamming it up with piggy noises and attitudes; Chris Cheney was amazing in While My Guitar Gently Weeps, taking the guitar solo himself to places Eric Clapton only hinted at in the original; Josh Pyke did a beautiful version of Paul’s classic “Blackbird”; and Phil made me laugh (in a good way) all through Honey Pie.
If I had the extra dollars I’d follow them around Australia and become a creepy stalker, but instead I’ll just bask in the sweet memories of Saturday night.
Huge thanks to everyone involved in the production. I really hope one of these gets filmed and released on dvd and cd. I’d watch it often.
Love yr work.
Dave
Absolutely amazing!! One of the best concerts I have ever been to. All of the guys performed brilliantly.
Went to the Monday 4th concert and was absolutely blown away. These four guys were brilliant and showed their musicality throughout. From the opening to the finale I was mesmerised and thoroughly entertained … I can’t pick favourites and given the opportunity I would go back and see it all again.
Tim Rogers, Chris Cheney, Phil Jamieson and Josh Pyke did the album and The Beatles proud with this concert. And the all star accompanying band was just brilliant, fantastic night ladies and gents! Here’s hoping there is a DVD to accompany this tour as I know what all my family will be getting for Christmas.
If you can get tickets still then I can highly recommend a great nights worth of entertainment.
Fantastic!!!! Very entertaining. So when are they performing albums such as Rubber Soul, Magical Mystery Tour, Let it Be.
I am a tribute band sceptic. I will not go to see bands pretending to be other bands, even though as a lifelong Beatles fan I never saw them live. I am now almost 60. This concert, which I saw last night surprised and delighted me. It honoured and respected the music. No attempt was made to do anything but add to the brilliance of the original in a way that The Beatles themselves would have done had they ever performed it. On occasion I was almost moved to tears. I left with a renewed appreciation of the experimental nature of the original.
Songs like “Savoy Truffle”, which I had always discounted, suddenly achieved a greater prominence. I particularly enjoyed the encore “Hey Bulldog”. If you, like me consider it a bit of a neglected classic, I suggest you clap loud and long. I suspect you will anyway.
What an awesome concert, beautifully arranged and performed! Chris Cheney playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps gave me the shivers, what an amazing musician he is! The vocal quality was beautiful and it was fantastic to see four of Australia’s finest musicians take one of the greatest albums of all time and make it their own, brilliant!
Saw the Monday night performance in Melbourne.
Absolutely stunning perfromances by all.
It is not only a testiment to the skill of the performers but a reminder of how great the Beatles were – just about all styles of music is covered on the album.
Some of the performances could easily be released today and would not sound out of place.
Hope this becomes a CD and a DVD – This must happen.
I encourage all to go – even those not die hard Beatles fans wil enjoy the class performers.
What a fantastic concert. Chris’ version of “While my guitar gently weeps was amazing. I saw the concert on Monday and would have happily gone again Tuesday!! Would really like to see a DVD of the show. Well done guys – you nailed it!
When I first about this concert, I was unsure what to think. The Beatles are fantastic, and seeing as I am only 22, I never had an opportunity to see any live performances from them. I was unsure whether the boys would be good enough to perform these complex songs.
However, I thought it was a very ballsy decision by the guys, and they nailed it. Chris Cheney playing guitar on My Guitar Gently Weeps and Helter Skelter only proves he is the best guitarist in Australia. Tim Rogers’ voice is perfect for Beatles songs, Phil Jamieson sings the lyrics and means every word while Josh Pyke did a fantastic job of Blackbird. Very much worthwhile, and I would definetly see them again if given the opportunity.
Went to the Tuesday night concert in Melbourne. Let me start by saying that in the early eighties I bought this album as a twenty year old and probably spent a year engrossed in it-so it was with some apprehension I went last night–just hoping these guys could nail it. i am so happy to report that this was the best bang for my buck I have ever spent!!!
This was worlds class!! The 4 leads -hand picked was a masterstroke as were the songs they were given to perform. Loved they way they held true to the album–but also loved the stamp they put each track. Backing band was top class
Congratulations to all!!
Thank you.
WOW!!
WOOOW is all I can say! This was a stunning concert from start to finish. Every song performed to perfection. I wish I had booked every night. I was blown away by the quality of the voices and musicianship. Chris – what a voice! While my guitar gently weeps was the highlight – I was gob-smacked! I dearly hope you guys back this up with a Revolver or Sargent Pepper tour pleeease!
What a fantastic concert. Chris’ version of “While my guitar gently weeps was truly brillian. The skill of the performers was a gentle reminder of how great the Beatles truly were – just about all styles of music is covered on the album. It honoured and respected the music. The brilliance of the original was demonstrated in a way that The Beatles themselves would have done had they ever performed it. On occasion I was moved to tears. I left with a renewed appreciation of the experimental nature of the original. And the all star accompanying band was just brilliant. Thankyou, it was worth more than I paid for the ticket. The sound techs also created a beautifully balanced sound that did not overpower their voices. Again fantastic and thankyou
Wow!!! was probably the most enjoyable concert I have ever seen. Chris Cheney doing While my guitar gently weeps and Helter Skelter literally blew my hair back!!! what a freak! I loved Happiness is a warm gun and Everybody’s got something to hide… by the theatrical mr. rogers. Phil was great on Yer blues and dear prudence while pykey did an awesome job on blackbird. was great to see them all pump out a few tunes at the end.
Excellent job!
Saw the concert last night (4th August, Melbourne) and LOVED IT! Every moment was…special! I did not want it to end.
Chris Cheney was dripping pure rock talent and often stole the show with his beautiful guitar work. Josh Pyke showed a brilliant side that I hadn’t heard before by stepping out of his normal range and nailing some awesome renditions….Blackbird was spot on! Phil Jamieson and Tim Rogers are amazing showmen and used their vocal powers to perfection.
My girlfriend and I had very front row tickets, which made the occasion extra super special.
I want more. Is there ANY hope of a live recording DVD or CD coming out??
I’m seriously considering splashing out on a mini-trip that I can not afford to go see the final show in Sydney next Friday…!
Rock on and THANK YOU!
Fastastic. Please record this somewhere so that we can all purchase it. Great show by absolutely everyone.
Rock stars out of their comfort zone
Bloomin brilliant! Just wish they’d played the whole thing twice over (and at the Forum in Melbourne twice as loud – sitting audiences are so self conscious).
REALLY hoping there’s a live cd/dvd/broadcast. PLEASE?
Was a slightly reluctant (massive Beatles fan) audience member last night, Tuesday. Thanks God I went!! Each of the four bought something to the evening to the point its impossible (well almost impossible) to pick a favourite.
Two words. Blown away!!!! I just hope like mad that there is a follow up DVD. PLEASE!
Wow! Great concert [QPAC Wed night]! Cheney is amazing and Josh Pyke’s version of Long Long Long was a revelation to a hardened old Beatles fan. Tim and Phil were brilliant as usual and the band was A list. I wondered all week how they were going to do this and from Lindsay Fields little walk on opener I knew it was going to be special. Now for Revolver, Pepper and Abbey Road!!!
Chris is a god.. the whole show blew me away.. this needs to be recorded and sold on DVD. I could watch it again and again.. so good!
Wow, what a show, and where to start on the accolades?! A concert that brought so many emotions at once… No wonder these fine gents are four of Australias best male musicians! The diversity that each of them show individually and together as a group made it possible for the full White Album to be reproduced perfectly and if not with a little something extra from the guys. On the cusp of ‘Gen Y’, my parents introduced me to The Beatles when I was young and many of their songs still remind me of family times as a child. As I ‘danced-sat’ through last nights concert I only thought how much my parents would enjoy the show just as much as me and how it was a perfect moment of my generation meets theirs. You guys must do a show in old Canberra town so my parents and many more fans can appreciate the brilliance.
The support singers and musicians were equally fantastic, I especially loved the pianist/organist/harmonicist and the wonderfully animated back up singers. Great job everyone!
This show was fantastic. I didn’t really know any of the other guys’ work but I’m a big Beatles fan. I wish I could go see the show again. I really do. I was wondering what they would do for an encore, and was surprised and gratified by the end result.
There are two more things I would like to see. The first is a DVD/Album of this brilliant concert. The second is more live concerts in a similar vein. I’d love to see other artists get together and perform complete albums like this.
The best concert I have ever attended, and I was 20 years when the album came out, so you can work our my age.
I’m particularly pleased the four fellows didn’t try to put their own spin on the whole thing and the concept to replicate it and keep it in the order of the record itself was an inspiration.
Janet (my wife) and Briele (youngest daughter) also attended on Monday Aug 3 and we all loved it.
Favorite was ‘Birthday’ as it is a family traduition at our place that we play that on all family (and friends) birthdays.
We even call and play it over the phone if we aren’t able to be present at a birthday.
Only problem now is that we have been trying for a few weeks to get it on CD but no luck until the end of the month (we still only have the White Album as a vinyl and it is time to move into the 21st century)
I agree with a previous respondent that the four great musos should turn their attention to other Beatles’ albums down the track.
Also a special mention to the backing band and chorus, they too were absolutely fabtastic.
The sheer volume of awesome tunes in rapid fire, a relentless barrage one after another, and another, and another…you guys were fan-bloody-tastic!!
The rotational duties worked well, and even if they flubbed a lyric or two, who cares? You guys really captured the spirit of this work.
Phil was outstanding on the primal Yer Blues – ahhh, but he had to work for it…it punished and pushed him all the way.
The band really got Bungalow Bill sounded very lush indeed..
My only criticism – the mics at QPAC (Brisbane) were hissing their tits off. Totally wrecked Sexy Sadie. Come on QPAC, sort it out.
But thank you to the band, superb job, and also for throwing in the little gem Hey Bulldog!!
IT WAS AWESOME
Josh is fully sick
a dvd is most definitely a good idea
if anyone would like to tell me where I can buy a program (because I didn’t on monday and regret it) appreciated!
Last night’s concert absolutely blew my mind. I am a massive JP fan but a new Chris Cheney one after ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ – awesome. Someone, please please please make a recording available!!
And consider enlisting the same incredible Australian talent to ‘commemorate’ ALL the Beatles’ work…
P.S. Loved the way the Beatles’ range was shared out into quirky little ditties for Tim, sweet folky opportunities for Josh, fun and cheesy show tunes for Phil and rock-the-house-down stuff for the brilliant Chris to get his teeth into!
I went to the Tuesday Melbourne concert….. I thought it would be good…. what I can’t believe is how totally brilliant this show was. I just cannot rate it highly enough.
Each of the musicians did a fantasic job and each had a song that totally shone…..but Chris Cheney’s version of ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ was beyond words, it was the absolute highlight of the show.
I’m really hoping there’s a DVD to come!
Oh my gosh!!!……Would have to be THE best concert I have been to.
I purchased the album when I was 14 being a huge Beatles fan devoured it song by song..but how naive I was not having much idea really about many of the lyrics.
I am now 53, and on Tuesday at Hamer Hall I could have been 14 again …!!! That feeling was quite special thank you.
My favorite track from the album is While My Guitar Gently Weeps and Chris’ rendition of it had tears streaming down my face initially and then being just blown away with his guitar solo at the end of it .
What a guitarist…..you have a new fan, all of you do.
Congratulations.
Please may we have a CD / DVD. Please???
AMAZING!
Have to agree with that last comment. I hope one of these shows has been professionally AV recorded. Especially since the Beatles never played any of these live.
I would pay 50 bucks to see Cheney’s guitar solo at the end of Helter Skelter alone. Absolutely awesome show gentlemen (and lady – leader of the string section…). Too many highlights to mention. Josh Pyke’s flawless rendition of Blackbirds on acoustic mesmerised me.
Still have the opening riff of Birthday going around and around my head!
I have loved The Beatles my whole life and for 12 years have worshopped Tim Rogers and You am I. So I had very high expectation and was not dissapointed. My goodness it was amazing I agree with everyone that While my guitar gently weeps was so much more than words can describe and me and my monkey was AWESOME Yer Blues was incredible and I’ve never been a Phil fan but Im converted and Long Long Long from Josh Pyke was gentle beautiful and melodic. It was a perfect display. The backing band was top class. And I’ve got to say my favourite Beatles song has always Been Hey Bulldog and to have them sing that at the end made it feel like the concert was just for me.
Please record a DVD so the wonderful night I had doesn’t have to end
Thankyou for putting this production together and picking such wonderful performers who in my opinion encapulated The Beatles with style and honour.
Most amazing concert i have ever been to. Such a rare privilege to hear the Beatles music performed live and extremely well!
PHENOMENAL! I am so glad i caught both Brisbane shows, and i really hope there will be CD/DVD of the show at some stage available! *BEGS* All four guys put in first class performances…and everyone so perfectly matched to their tracks. Cheney’s version of “While my guitar gently weeps” gave me tears, +”Helter Skelter” was *insane! Jamieson’s “Dear Prudence” made my world stop, Rodgers, “Everybody’s got something to hide, except me and my monkey” and Pykes, “Mother natures son” had me frozen glorious trance, whilst “Blackbird” gave me goose bumps. Overall the show is one of my top five moments and always will be. Tremendous performances that beautifully captured the Beatles’ brilliance with style, imagination and a lot o LOVE.
Hi Guys
I went to the concert last night and took my Sister who is a HUGE Beatles fan. She went to the concert in 1964. We were both blown away by the concert. The whole approach to the way you presented the songs was excellent. The highlite of the night had to be George Harrison song “While my Guitar gently Weeps” performed by Chris was spectacular. Please please we would love you to come back to Brisbane in the future. I agree with other comments I would buy a DVD of ths concert. These four should explore the idea of doing another icon band as well for future tours. Their individual presentation of each song was a credit to them. Possibly one of the best concerts I have seen for a long while. It was excellent to see Lindsay (“The Bloody Hippy”) involved – we love him.
Gentlemen! I saw the concert in Brisbane last night!
It was incredible. I don’t think I actually saw more than 10 seconds of Josh Pyke on stage — I kept having to shut my eyes and just LISTEN you his voice.
Tim Rogers was cool personified, as usual. I drank half a bottle of cold water after Happiness is a Warm Gun. It was a neccessity.
Phil Jamieson was so amazing. I walked past him in Southbank before the concert but was too tripped out to turn around and, you know, profess my undying love and devotion. But it exists, I swear!
And finally: if it is possible to get pregnant from a guitar solo, I am now carrying Chris Cheney’s guitar-baby. I will name it Sadie.
Thank you for an earthshaking performance
I have to agree with Scott’s comments, those were all big standouts of the night.
Went last night at QPAC in Brissie, was very impressed. I have listened to that album about 100 times before, but never like this, it was amazing!
They stayed true to the album and themselves without trying to mimmick the Beatles at all (and the result was pure brilliance.
What an emotional journey for a totally passionate Beatles (particularly John Lennon) devotee like me.
I must say that I hadn’t heard of Josh Pike prior to the concert – he certainly did justice to the ballads (beautiful).
Helter Skelter and My Guitar Gently Weeps bought emotions welling up inside as they did back in the 60′s.
An absolutely unexpected delight.
Please please please bring out a dvd of the concert it was fantastic, best concert in ages.
words can not express how awesome this concert is. I have been a massive fan of The Beatles my whole life I’ve been brought up on it and I’ve loved Tim Rogers and You am I for years, so I had very very expectations….. You SMASHED them. While my Guitar Gently Weeps was totally incredible, Josh Pyke’s Long Long Long was beautiful, Phil’s Yer Blues was passion and showmanship mixed in with talent and what can I say Tim Rogers, dance moves, actions voice and character he is a truly amazing performance. Do whatever you can to go see it as many times as you can. Please bring out the DVD. This sort of brillance deserves to be timless
I went and saw this last night and was truly blown away – it was one of the most amazing concerts I have seen in a long time. The guys are all amazing performers, and being a big fan of Josh Pyke and Tim Rogers I had pretty high expectations – this concert surpassed them all!
The boys all brought their own magic to each song – Josh Pyke’s ballads gave me chills and Tim was in fine form with his dance moves, voice and cheeky comments. Phil was as amazing as ever – and Chris Cheney – what can I say? This is the first time I have seen him live and I am now kicking myself for never having done so before. He is incredible! The mix of these four amazing talents is quite amazing in itself – add the songs from the White Album into the mix and you’ve really got a winning formula!
All the songs were amazing but the real standouts were Chris Cheney’s ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, Josh Pyke singing ‘Blackbird’ and ‘Julia’, Phil’s ‘Honey Pie’ and Tim’s ‘Happiness is a Warn Gun’.
Amazing performance guys – congratulations to all of you and everyone from the supporting band. You all rocked my world – please release a DVD/CD of the performance. I need to relive this magic again!
I went on Thursday night at QPAC and that was without doubt the best show I’ve ever seen, just amazing. Chris Cheney’s rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” was mind blowing. Please please please bring out a DVD or at least a CD of the concert.
AWESOME!!!! The very best concert I have been to for ages. Too many highlights to mention – all four leads were totally fantastic. Please bring out a DVD or CD (or both) – I would watch/listen to them endlessly.
I went to the 7 August concert at the Sydney Opera House. It was an awesome show! The highlight was Chris Cheney’s amazing version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Chris did a great version of “Helter Skelter” too. Tim, Josh and Phil were fantaatic with their contributions really highlighting the diversity of the White Album, The concert thoroughly deserved the standing ovation it got. Terrific show guys!
we went to see the white album concert last night at the opera house and were blown away with the entire concert. The four performers had individuality and were diverse nailing every song to perfection. The mystery, thoughts and magic with the lyrics and the music from this album was portrayed brilliantly by Chris,Phil, Josh, Tim and the band. we come from Newcastle which is filled with musicians and music lovers and would have loved to see this concert played at the civic theatre here in Newcastle. You would have a packed house. So please, please keep us in mind next time. It was enlighting to see young professional musicians have such a passion when performing this album. Thankyou for presenting such a fabulous concert. Phil Josh, Tim and Chris you guys rock!
A last minute decision to attend the concert the day before was the best decision I’ve made in a long time. The lineup was brilliant, such a eclectic mix of music and perfectly matched to the guys. Had no idea Chris Cheney was such a brilliant guitarist and Tim Rogers such a showman – whilst I know the Beatles music well, its exposed me to some fantastic Aussie talent. Three songs in the encore and QPAC audience were all of their feet. I agree about releasing this as a live DVD, think it would sell out fast.
A purely sensational Friday night’s entertainment. Well worth every cent.
When I found out about the concert, I must say I was extraordinarily excited about the mouth-watering prospect of seeing the fusion of the styles of the four genii of modern Australian rock music. I’d always been a fan of Phil, Josh, Chris and Tim, and I waltzed into the Opera House quietly optimistic about how successful they would be in fusing and incorporating their various styles into one of the most revolutionary albums of one of the most celebrated bands of all time.
I was left mesmerised.
It was incredibly well orchestrated from the bottom up. The ‘choreography’ was meticulously coordinated, and the group was well supported by a classy ensemble. The concert became greater than simply a unanimous appreciation of the musical legacy of The Beatles between the group and the patrons. It evolved into a divine union between modern Australian music and that of The Beatles that left us all captivated.
So incredible they were, that not only did they manage to do justice to the album, but every artist’s interpretation of their respective song recreated the magic of each song that allowed us, just for an evening, to reach out and fell the indelible inspiration The Beatles have left to us music lovers. Chris’ work on ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, Phil with ‘Yer Blues’ and ‘Sexy Sadie’, Tim’s effort on ‘Piggies’ and ‘Revolution 1′ and Josh – Australia’s next bearded model according to Tim – was simply stunning with ‘Bluebird’ and ‘Julia’.
I will be shattered if there is no CD and/or DVD recording for the Australian public to re-live the glory of The Beatles through the eyes of four of Australia’s greatest front men of the modern rock era.
5 stars.
Words cannot describe what it was like but I was completely inspired and it was almost hard not to mistake them for the real Beatles
I had tears in my eyes also when Chris played While My Guitar Gently Weeps! Tim Rogers continued to make me smile and even laugh= I found him very charismatic!!! Josh and Phil were great also! They all had amazing voices and on that night I could tell that they were born to perform. I felt very emotional after the concert, I am not sure why, but it must have been because I was absolutely captivated by the energy Chris, Tim, Josh and Phil created on the stage. I don’t think anybody else could have pulled it off!!! Also, the 17-piece band was great=A very talented bunch! It would have been great to meet them too because that’s the closest you could ever get to actaully meeting the Beatles! I am so glad that I went, the only reason I decided to go was because I am a huge fan of Chris Cheney and The Living End=So thank god for that! I wish I could go and see this concert again but I am greatful to have seen it once, I’ll never forget it=Best concert I’ve ever been to…so far!!! 