Yesterday beatles tribute band

Sixty years ago, the Beatles arrived in America and changed the face of music forever.

Recently, Pala Casino & Resort hosted the Las Vegas-based Beatles tribute band, Yesterday.

As the excited crowd rushed in to find their seats, anticipation filled the air.  Some audience members were dressed in full Beatle regalia, wearing colorful Sgt. Pepper-inspired uniforms.

The show began with a 1964 film clip of the Beatles singing at the Washington D.C. Coliseum Concert as the lights dimmed.  The clip faded as the band took their places on stage under brilliant flashing klieg lights, singing “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” followed by “Roll Over Beethoven.”  The crowd shouted and hooted their approval as the band ran through some hits from the Beatles’ early days.  The Pala showroom has excellent acoustics, and the band’s light show could not have been better.

Drummer Tony Felicetta as “Ringo”

Don Bellezzo, who founded the group, was outstanding on rhythm guitar and lead vocals.  As John Lennon’s character, he showed us the wise-cracking, clever Beatle as he joked with his bandmates and the audience, all the while in an authentic Liverpudlian accent.  He sounded so much like John; the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, sending a shiver down my spine.   Don is a great singer; he filled the songs with his harmonies. He’s a very accomplished musician and has a beautiful stage presence.

John Manier, like Paul McCartney, played his Rickenbacker left-handed and bopped his head in rhythm to the songs, a McCartney mannerism that Manier has down pat.  Although primarily a bass player, historically, Sir Paul played several solos on the group’s recordings.  When Manier, as Paul, sang “Please, Please Me” and “All My Lovin’,” his soulful vocals did justice to the actual Beatle.  “A Hard Day’s Night” and “She Loves You” followed, which caused the crowd to rise from their seats and dance and sing.

Guitarist and band founder Ben Bellezzo as “John”

The tempo then slowed as “Paul” took center stage to sing “Yesterday,” their namesake song, which moved me to tears.  I’ve seen the Beatles live, and this performance transported me back in time.

A film clip of the Beatles’ Shea Stadium appearance provided a chance for a costume change, and the group returned to the stage to sing “Help” and “Ticket to Ride” in stylish Nehru Jackets.  During “Ticket to Ride,” Omar Olivares, as George Harrison, broke into the infamous “George Dance” first seen in the “A Hard Day’s Night” movie.  His solos on his Gretsch guitar and beautiful harmonies made me believe it was George onstage.

John introduced drummer Ringo and was met with screams of “Ringo! Ringo!”  The stage was drenched in yellow flashing lights as Tony Felicetta, or Ringo Starr began “Yellow Submarine.”  This got the audience excited as they waved and swayed to the music, singing along to the chorus.  “Nowhere Man” was sung by John, quickly followed by “I Feel Fine” and “I Saw Her Standing There.”

Bassist John Manier as “Paul”

A film showing hippies made the audience laugh and nod knowingly, especially when then-governor Ronald Reagan appeared.  Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and an impossibly young Jerry Garcia also appeared.  The Grateful Dead’s house in San Francisco was shown, and at the mention of The Dead, the crowd exploded in cheering and shouts.

The band’s third and final costume change included the addition of a mustache for each and Lennon’s easily recognizable wire-framed glasses. They were attired in Sgt. Pepper’s Band uniforms looking very much like the album cover of the hit record.   As Paul launched into “Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” the crowd screamed their appreciation, especially when Ringo sang “A Little Help From My Friends.” The audience moved and swayed to John’s “A Day in the Life” and “I Am the Walrus.”

Bassist John Manier and Guitarist Omar Olivares

John joked that Paul would be featured next to sing their biggest-selling record, called “Hey Dude!”  The audience laughed and sang along, immersed in waves of melancholy, joining in the chorus of “Hey, Jude.”

George took center stage to sing the hauntingly beautiful song, “Something,” as a hush fell over the crowd. George Harrison had reportedly written the song for his wife, Patti Boyd, and some say it is one of the most beautiful love songs ever.

John introduced the four band members, then launched into their final song, “Revolution.”   John’s high octave harmonies filled out the song.

The audience refused to let the band leave; they wanted “MORE!”  The entire room of concert-goers was on their feet, stomping, and cheering.

Of course, “Yesterday” didn’t disappoint, returning to play “Twist and Shout” and “Can’t Buy Me, Love.”  Hardly anyone in the audience could sit through their lively encore!

Guitaristis Omar Olivares and Don Bellezzo as “George” and “John”

The “Yesterday” show was not a complete chronology of the Beatles’ history, but I don’t think it was meant to be.  If you, like me, are a diehard Beatles fan, it was a funny, energetic, and happy walk down memory lane.  If you aren’t that familiar with the group, this was a great time to get to know them.

The band regularly plays in Las Vegas, and it was there that Sir Paul McCartney visited them, saw their show, and proclaimed them his favorite Beatle tribute band.  What an endorsement!

Backstage360 would like to thank the members of the Yesterday band, and Pala Casino Entertainment for graciously welcoming us.

CMazz / BackStage360