The Reunion Beatles, one of the top Beatles groups in the country, is performing in Todd County on March 29.
Based out of Las Vegas, The Reunion Beatles’ founder and producer Wayne Coy has always been a huge Beatles enthusiast, but wanted an original idea that would set the group apart from other tribute bands. He says there are a lot of tributes out there and they all have the same “shtick” of recreating the 1960s. Rather than being a recreation, Coy says this show is a “creation” as it’s the concert that never took place — a “what if” fantasy.
Coy came up with the concept and hand-picked a cast in 2010, looking for people who not only could play and sing but could also pull off the look. He notes they aren’t stone-cold lookalikes, although Nick Bold, who plays George Harrison, happens to greatly favor the musician. Coy says it’s great if they can pull off the look, but the musicianship is the main thing. The cast has to be able to bring those great songs home and deliver them in a meaningful way — as well as be talented actors. Through the years, he says the cast has been together so long they’ve become a fine-tuned instrument of their own, emerging as an ensemble that is more of a theatrical production rather than a tribute band.
As for the cast, Bold, who plays Harrison, is an original member from 2010. Drew Harrison plays John Lennon, and John Perry and Adam Joel (no relation to Billy, Coy notes) alternate the role of Paul McCartney, who Coy says was the hardest to cast because of McCartney’s vocal range and sheer musicianship. Terry Carlton plays Ringo Starr, who had an interesting and somewhat unconventional casting process.
Coy found him through a YouTube video tutorial for the drum part of The Beatles’ tune, “Come Together.” Although he couldn’t see the drummer’s face, due to his wearing a light-up “Star Wars” Boba Fett helmet, what struck Coy about the musician was that he played exactly like the band’s infamous drummer. After getting in touch, Carlton told Coy there may be a problem — he doesn’t look a thing like Starr.
The group also has a fifth Beatle: Tommy Cosentino, The Reunion Beatles’ musical director and keyboard player. At the Elkton concert, this role will be filled by Michael Barrett.
Coy says the group has been together for so long that everyone involved is like family to him — they even stay at his home in Las Vegas when visiting and are close friends with his wife and children. Together, they’ve experienced many highs and lows together through the years, Coy says. It’s work, but everyone loves it and everyone loves each other’s company.
To say Coy is a Beatles fan would be an understatement. As a lifelong lover of the Liverpool group, his favorite album depends on the day of the week; although, his two favorite Beatles songs of all time are “Here, There and Everywhere” and “Eleanor Rigby.” Coy has also been fortunate enough to actually meet McCartney on four different occasions through his previous work in the radio industry — the music legend even shared his cheese sandwich with him, something not just anyone gets to say.
The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Todd County Central High School auditorium. Tickets are available HERE for $30 plus a small additional handling fee. A share of the concert’s proceeds will be donated to the Milliken Memorial Community House.
Coy says The Beatles are universal and appeal to all demographics from ages eight to 80. He would love to see Elkton’s venue completely full.
