Beatlemania will roll into Cheltenham on 18th May when the Upbeat Beatles perform at the Bacon Theatre.

Founded in 1997, the band have earned a reputation as one of the best Beatles tribute acts in the world and have performed across the globe, including memorable gigs in front of the Prime Minister of China and the Jordanian Royal Family.

John Wilson, a former band member who now manages the group, says his very own Fab Four are looking forward to performing at the Bacon Theatre. “Any time the lads are on stage is special and we’re really looking forward to coming to Cheltenham,” said John.

The Upbeat Beatles are comprised of Roger Channing (John Lennon), Simon Blight (Paul McCartney), Colin Yates (George Harrison) and James Jordan (Ringo Starr). The band have performed over 3000 times and have a reputation for putting on a show to rival the excitement of the original line-up.

Continued John: “The guys are there to entertain and have fun. They all have a great sense of humour and really try and involve the audience in the show as well. We’ve been together for so many years now, we’re all friends. We never lose that enthusiasm to perform and that shows in the performances. We try and inject our own character into a song.

“We’ve performed all over the world at some fantastic venues. Algiers back in 2005 was memorable as was the time we performed in front of the Prime Minister of China. Our gig in New York was another one I look back with fond memories. It’s been amazing to travel the world playing in the band and now managing them.

“We don’t perform a set routine. No two shows are the same. If one of the band wants to perform an acoustic version of their favourite Beatles track then they’ve got that artistic license to do so.

“It’s easy to forget just how good the Beatles were. As well as the legendary songwriting, Lennon and McCartney were exceptional singers. Their vocal abilities often go unnoticed. Our guys do a remarkable job in replicating the vocal range of those two.”

John, a lifelong Beatles fan, has a good think when asked his favourite Beatles track. He said: “There’s so many to choose from, it’s such a tough task to name one favourite. Although they didn’t write it, ‘Twist and Shout’ would definitely be up there. The way they performed it, with Lennon’s rasping vocals, was quite amazing. Lennon had been in the studio all day and he was close to losing his voice. They had one go at recording it and pulled it off!

“Music has changed so much since the 1960s. The cost of equipment in those days was astronomical. You had to be totally committed to your art because guitars could set you back six months’ salary!”

The Upbeat Beatles will be performing at the Bacon Theatre on May 18 at 7:30pm. For ticket information contact the box office on 01242 258002.