Birthday trip, Liverpool Legends

Back in the day, I had a huge England/Beatles obsession. The music of the Beatles was among my favorite when I was in high school, and I badly wanted to move to England. I have no idea why. I was sixteen. I can't explain 16 year old girls.

I'd wanted to see Liverpool Legends since they started performing in Branson, but they were never in town when we were until now. So here's a girl who was born in the same year the Beatles split up, going to watch what is probably the best tribute band out there.

And here I realize how spotty my Beatles knowledge is. You see, I love the Beatles music, but I'd never actually seen them play. So what I can say is without a doubt, they sounded exactly like the Beatles. I'm guessing they even had the mannerisms spot on. I know that "Paul" positively oozed Paul's manner of speaking and hand gestures.

Can a couple who knows very little about the Beatles enjoy this show? Definitely. I've always avoided "tribute" shows where the performer pretends to be another performer. I get a lot of enjoyment out of getting to "know" performers, and watching their personality come out through their performance. I knew I wouldn't get that connection from what is essentially an actor. However, that didn't stop me from enjoying the show.

I loved that at several points during the show, the band had everyone stand up. It was a nice change from most Branson shows (where you stand during the patriotic section only) and got the blood circulating. It was fun to see some of the more mature members of the audience getting up and having what looked to be the time of their lives dancing to the music.

And speaking of the time of their lives, I've never seen a more enthusiastic audience at a Branson show. There are frequently questions on my favorite Branson message board about teenage girls screaming during The Haygoods. What a joke. If you want my opinion, Liverpool Legends definitely wins the screaming contest. Far and away. OK, maybe it was because I was still in a migraine haze, but everyone was screaming, clapping and stomping. I was amazed to hear men screaming, shouting encouragement to the band. This is truly a show that appeals to men and women, and people of all ages. (I actually put my hands over my ears and closed my eyes several times. It was that loud. And remember, I'm a teacher. I'm used to loud noises.)

One of my favorite parts was when Louise Harrison, George's sister, came out and shared a little bit about her brother. It was very sweet, and really makes you think about all that happened in those boys' lives. If you want the truth, though, I really loved it when she came out during the encore and sang "Hey Jude" with the group. How cool is that?

The show starts back at the beginning of their career in the US, complete with a great Ed Sullivan look alike. It then follows them through their careers and right up to their final album. It's a very fun show, with an enthusiastic crowd. The boys in the band are extremely talented and do their best to make sure everyone enjoys the show. I definitely recommend Liverpool Legends to any Beatles fans. And even if you've never seen them perform, you'll love it. I did.