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Beatles forums => The Beatles => Topic started by: Casbah on June 06, 2012, 10:01:13 AM

Title: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Casbah on June 06, 2012, 10:01:13 AM
Ok, its 2012, all the Beatles are alive and they've decided to go on tour.  They resolved a long time ago that the fans want to hear their music, technology has come to the point where everyone can hear themselves and they are able to put up with one another for enough hours in the day to make it work. (Maybe they travel separately  ;D )

ANYWAY, who is on this tour?
Paul - Bass, Guitar, Piano, Vocals
John - Guitar, Piano, Vocals
George - Guitar, Vocals
Ringo - Drums, Vocals

Any sidemen? Im thinking at least a touring keyboard player or 2 to help fill in keys, strings,  horns and whatever else. 
Possibly a backup drummer?
McCartney seems to get it done with limited stage musicians, I'm thinking the Beatles, in the interest of authenticity, ego (all capable muscians) and money go a similar route.

Do they keep the setlist as exclusively Beatles songs?  Im thinking George would feel short-changed as they are all now solo superstars and of course George's Beatle music didn't start getting ample wax time until the end.

I am sure they would all want to showcase their solo music but are they content being "sidemen" for each others turn in the spotlight? Or are there musicians on board that take over while the other 3 have tea backstage?

Just some random Beatle thoughts that pop into my brain from time to time.

I'm happy to have the Beatles in my life because todays music just leaves me empty. It's nice to know once upon a time we had music we believed in.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Klang on June 06, 2012, 01:25:34 PM
Lots to think about. Wow.

OK...

Well, I think this would turn out to be a huge affair. They might consider it their one-and-only such tour. Sort of a 'thank you and farewell' gift for the fans. And maybe also to prove that they could do it. Why not go for broke and do it big-time?

Sure, I think there should be sidemen. The usual suspects would be nice: Keltner, Voorman, Cooper, maybe even Clapton. Guest stars could be added in at random along the way.

I don't see why a small orchestra shouldn't come along. A lot of songs would require strings, horns, etc.

I envision something like three separate sections - or 'acts' if you will:

1) The first section could just be the four 'lads' doing their thing as a group. Pure and not over-produced. Do a lot of the older stuff - although wouldn't 'Come Together' be a great opener for the evening?

2) Solo material. Each member gets a few songs, either from The Beatles or solo career. The sidemen gradually come out in support. Other members take turns getting a 'tea break.'

3) Pull out the stops. Full orchestra, guest artists. Do the 'tricky' stuff - ex. 'I Am The Walrus' etc. Closer? 'The End' of course.

Fun to think about.

George needn't worry. He had plenty of good Beatle song to add to the gig. Same with Ringo.

Sadly, I don't think I'd go to this concert since Paul can't sing any more. It's depressing watching vids with him these days. I wonder what the others' voices would be like today?

Maybe I'd go just to see the spectacle of it.

Set list? That's a whole other ball of wax. My brain hurts already. I'll step down now, let others suggest that, and prepare to be bashed over Paul having lost his voice.

Cheers!

 :)
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Bobber on June 08, 2012, 02:20:54 PM
and prepare to be bashed over Paul having lost his voice.

You didn't get bashed. Most probably because it's true. Which is not a shame for a man of his age.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Klang on June 08, 2012, 03:07:11 PM

Yea. You know, I respect that he's still out there giving the fans what they want. He does do well for someone his age, too. It's hard for me to listen to, though.

 :-\

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Bobber on June 08, 2012, 03:20:46 PM
Oh true that. I think it's great that Paul is still on the road, but I believe he need to adjust his live repertoire to the possibilities of his voice.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: TomMo on June 08, 2012, 06:47:25 PM
Ok, its 2012, all the Beatles are alive and they've decided to go on tour.  They resolved a long time ago that the fans want to hear their music, technology has come to the point where everyone can hear themselves and they are able to put up with one another for enough hours in the day to make it work. (Maybe they travel separately  ;D )

ANYWAY, who is on this tour?
Paul - Bass, Guitar, Piano, Vocals
John - Guitar, Piano, Vocals
George - Guitar, Vocals
Ringo - Drums, Vocals

Any sidemen? Im thinking at least a touring keyboard player or 2 to help fill in keys, strings,  horns and whatever else. 
Possibly a backup drummer?
McCartney seems to get it done with limited stage musicians, I'm thinking the Beatles, in the interest of authenticity, ego (all capable muscians) and money go a similar route.

Do they keep the setlist as exclusively Beatles songs?  Im thinking George would feel short-changed as they are all now solo superstars and of course George's Beatle music didn't start getting ample wax time until the end.

I am sure they would all want to showcase their solo music but are they content being "sidemen" for each others turn in the spotlight? Or are there musicians on board that take over while the other 3 have tea backstage?

Just some random Beatle thoughts that pop into my brain from time to time.

I'm happy to have the Beatles in my life because todays music just leaves me empty. It's nice to know once upon a time we had music we believed in.

This has to be the very best "what if" Beatles questions of all time.

I would have to add one proviso: Neil and Mal must also still be alive. What would a Beatles reunion be without them?

1. Regarding the solo music: As much as I'd hate to have the Beatles stealing ideas from the Monkees, I'll make an exception in this case. When the Monkees toured in '67, each had a solo spot mid-show, one song each. The Lads need more than that, so how about 20 - 30 minutes each? I'll assume this will be a long show.

2. Sidemen? You bet. The Beatles were bigger than Elvis, IMHO, so they deserve the same, if not bigger, band behind them. Sidemen should include Beatle offspring.

3.     a. First set: Beatles only, playing whatever Beatles songs they can play as a 4-piece band.

        b. Solo spots with sidemen.

        c. Second set: Beatles with backing band, playing music that requires the big sound.

4. Most importantly: No Yoko!



Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on June 09, 2012, 02:08:24 AM
Oh true that. I think it's great that Paul is still on the road, but I believe he need to adjust his live repertoire to the possibilities of his voice.


Right.  The days when he could do this...


(http://www.beatlesource.com/savage/1961/61.08.XX%20aintree/4.jpg)


...have passed.  I wish he could still do that, but he can't.  Fortunately we have so many hours of recordings, movies and videos of Paul in his prime for mankind to enjoy for eternity.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: TomMo on June 09, 2012, 04:24:31 PM
Right.  The days when he could do this...

...have passed.  I wish he could still do that, but he can't.  Fortunately we have so many hours of recordings, movies and videos of Paul in his prime for mankind to enjoy for eternity.

Right. As I posted in another thread, Paul is well aware of his declining range, and goes to great lengths to maintain his voice on the road. He also steadfastly refuses to drop original keys, even by a half-step. This info came to me by way of his tour's hairdresser.

For the most part, Paul does hit most of the high notes, albeit painfully and with less power than his younger days. I noticed a few times in his Miami gig on his 2010 tour when he sang bits of songs with a slight rewrite of the melody to avoid a high note. (Wish I had taken notes, I can't cite an example - sorry. But then maybe some of you who saw him there or elsewhere know what I'm talking about.)

I do have to applaud Macca for trying to remain true to the original tracks.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: stevejrogers on June 12, 2012, 01:17:38 AM
You want Billy Preston also to be alive for this?
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Klang on June 12, 2012, 01:36:56 AM
You want Billy Preston also to be alive for this?

All opposed signify by saying 'no.'

 :D

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Casbah on June 13, 2012, 05:51:31 AM
You want Billy Preston also to be alive for this?

Good question. I wouldn't consider him essential personnel, so I would say no.

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Casbah on June 13, 2012, 05:59:40 AM
I gave some thought to the live orchestra idea and I think they could get away without it, use keyboards or re-arrange the tune. I know Elvis did it in the 70's but those were extravagant times.  I picture the Beatles travelling a lot more efficiently (like Paul is doing). But who knows? Maybe it would be a great idea in some of the bigger markets like NY, L.A and the U.K.

I have to admit, a Hollywood Bowl concert with the Beatles and full orchestra would be the be-all end-all. I would be happy to leave earth at the final note.  ha2ha
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on June 13, 2012, 10:00:08 AM
A fine example of a man who cannot sing...  ;D

Paul McCartney Grammys 2012 - Abbey Road Medley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osAA8q86COY#)

It's not as good as it was, but maybe neither are you. Indeed the time will come in the next couple of years when he's going to have to change the key and arrangement (like Tom Jones) and do something different, however I'm not so sure it's going to happen, he's often stated how he feels as is he's going to live past 100 and be wheeled on stage to croak out Yesterday. If that's the case then fair doos to the man.

I'm just not a fan of b****y comments. You wouldn't go to a Beatles concert. What a joke.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Klang on June 13, 2012, 12:07:01 PM

Was that directed to me? Now that's funny.

No, I don't make "b****y" comments, as others who may protest a bit too much may do. I share my honest opinion. That's all I will ever do. Consider adopting a more tolerant attitude.

I won't take the time to watch your clip. Better things to do with my time. Your point is taken, though. Once in a while he might get lucky and sound pretty good. Nice. Power to him.

I would not go to a PM concert if I was given a free ticket. No joke. I'm too fond of his music and his legacy to sit through three hours of its mangling.

Unfortunate if that bothers you.

I would probably go see this fantasy Beatles reunion if it happened, more to witness a historic event than anything else.

Cheers!

 :)

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on June 13, 2012, 01:02:14 PM
You wouldn't go to a Paul show if you were given a free ticket?

 ha2ha
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Klang on June 13, 2012, 01:05:34 PM

Absolutely not. How many times do you need the reason explained to you?

 ha2ha

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on June 13, 2012, 02:00:45 PM
b****y.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Klang on June 13, 2012, 02:35:15 PM

Definitely. I'll be embarrassed for you.

 :)

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: TomMo on June 13, 2012, 02:49:13 PM
I gave some thought to the live orchestra idea and I think they could get away without it, use keyboards or re-arrange the tune. I know Elvis did it in the 70's but those were extravagant times.  I picture the Beatles travelling a lot more efficiently (like Paul is doing). But who knows? Maybe it would be a great idea in some of the bigger markets like NY, L.A and the U.K.

I have to admit, a Hollywood Bowl concert with the Beatles and full orchestra would be the be-all end-all. I would be happy to leave earth at the final note.  ha2ha

A whole lot of truth to your comment. I guess when I envisioned a tour, I pictured a limited tour. But even with a huge tour, most artists hire orchestral players locally for each gig. Perhaps Giles Martin could oversee that, rehearsing the orchestra prior to the Beatles' arrival. I mean, hey...this is a fantasy question; it deserves to be a BIG fantasy.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: TomMo on June 13, 2012, 02:58:15 PM
A fine example of a man who cannot sing...  ;D

Paul McCartney Grammys 2012 - Abbey Road Medley ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osAA8q86COY#[/url])

It's not as good as it was, but maybe neither are you. Indeed the time will come in the next couple of years when he's going to have to change the key and arrangement (like Tom Jones) and do something different, however I'm not so sure it's going to happen, he's often stated how he feels as is he's going to live past 100 and be wheeled on stage to croak out Yesterday. If that's the case then fair doos to the man.

I'm just not a fan of b****y comments. You wouldn't go to a Beatles concert. What a joke.


Speaking of Tom Jones, any truth to the story that Jones, in an interview, claims that Macca offered him "The Long and Winding Road" to record prior to the Beatles' version? Paul claims that he offered "Suicide" to Sinatra, but I've never figured out if Paul was doing a classic Beatle put-on.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on June 14, 2012, 03:17:26 AM
Indeed the time will come in the next couple of years when he's going to have to change the key and arrangement (like Tom Jones) and do something different,


Tom Jones has not changed keys and arrangements...

Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSCnHtugSWg#ws)

Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual (AVO SESSION 2009) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNj9aVmYR_w#ws)
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Yeshelloitsmehereagain on June 14, 2012, 11:33:12 AM
TOM JONES - Delilah (1968) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a_T3U1rg2I#)

Tom Jones - Delilah (The Queen's Diamond Jubilee BBC Concert 2012) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uC9GmwMTX8#ws)

I'm not too musically enclined but do my ears decieve me?

Still, he's a better singer than Paul is now and than Elton ever was. I guess his diet has been a bit less of the old stoned behaviour.

I'd sooner listen to the mangler though.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Bobber on June 14, 2012, 12:31:20 PM
Tom Jones has not changed keys and arrangements...

Maybe this is getting a bit technical, but it also has to do with a different singing technique. The way Tom Jones is singing, is coming much more from the belly. That's also why he has such a deep and bassy sound. The way Paul McCartney is singing, is more located in the throat. Listen to a song like Helter Skelter, Tom Jones would never sing it and not in such a way. When Paul is singing with the technique of Tom, it sounds somewhat like Lady Madonna.
The 'belly' technique is of course much better to keep the voice belts in a better shape through the years. I guess that is one reason why Tom Jones is still able to sing more or less like he used to in the early days. In a way, it is a miracle that Paul's voice has lasted so long.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: TomMo on June 14, 2012, 02:37:49 PM
Maybe this is getting a bit technical, but it also has to do with a different singing technique. The way Tom Jones is singing, is coming much more from the belly. That's also why he has such a deep and bassy sound. The way Paul McCartney is singing, is more located in the throat. Listen to a song like Helter Skelter, Tom Jones would never sing it and not in such a way. When Paul is singing with the technique of Tom, it sounds somewhat like Lady Madonna.
The 'belly' technique is of course much better to keep the voice belts in a better shape through the years. I guess that is one reason why Tom Jones is still able to sing more or less like he used to in the early days. In a way, it is a miracle that Paul's voice has lasted so long.

Good post, Bobber. Yes, TJ sings from his diaphragm, but could go to his "head voice" if he covered Little Richard or, as in "She's A Lady" (near the end), when he sings "Talking about". Diaphragm singing has to be learned and I suspect he, like Elvis (post-Army), was taught that technique. It's been rumored that Paul has taken voice lessons to strengthen his vocal cords, but even his "Lady Madonna" voice is barely belly singing.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on June 14, 2012, 03:22:43 PM
Unfortunately, the one thing we can't stop is age and its effects.  Vocals cords will eventually atrophy and be unable to fully close producing a rough voice and loss of upper range.  At some point it becomes impossible to compensate.


(http://i47.tinypic.com/260z91c.jpg)    (http://i50.tinypic.com/bk3gx.jpg)


(http://i48.tinypic.com/352ekcw.jpg)    (http://i47.tinypic.com/idegy8.jpg)


Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: blmeanie on June 14, 2012, 03:44:32 PM
if it were a true Beatles event there would be great disagreement and fighting regarding sidekicks.  Paul likely would want it "pure" (just the boys) plus some support but nobody famous.  If George and John argue for Clapton et al to be included wouldn't Paul say Linda (as long as we are bring people back from the dead) would be on stage?  Then the fun would begin!



Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: BeatlesAtTheirBest on June 14, 2012, 04:17:16 PM
Tom Jones has not changed keys and arrangements...

Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSCnHtugSWg#ws[/url])

Tom Jones - It's Not Unusual (AVO SESSION 2009) ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNj9aVmYR_w#ws[/url])



Great post HG

Not sure about the other one.  Didn't need to see that while I was eating lunch.  Looked like one of those anti-smoking ads.

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Hello Goodbye on June 15, 2012, 02:54:38 AM
Thanks, BeatlesAtTheirBest.  The top two were normal cords in a mature adult.  The bottom two were were of an elderly person.

I won't post a picture of advanced carcinoma.  Yes, you can find those in anti-smoking ads.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: TomMo on June 15, 2012, 03:21:49 AM
I don't know. I've seen several of the biggies from the 50's over the past 10 years: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and the Everly Brothers. Can't say they've lost anything vocally. Mentally, yes. Physically, yes. But not vocally.

SIDENOTE: During his performance, Little Richard cleared his throat at one point, saying: "I must have gotten something caught in my throat. That's never happened before." My wife and I were the only ones who got the joke.
Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: dylanjohn on July 28, 2012, 10:24:42 AM
I saw Paul around 2002 in Denver, and was blown away.  He sounded great, and powerful.  Fast forward to a few years ago in Tulsa his
voice had lost a lot.   Still enjoyed the show, but his voice was not as strong as it used to be. 

I dont think it's negative to admit that.  I still want him to perform, and would still love to see him again.
He's an old man now, its ok for his voice to sound weaker.  It's just the truth.

Title: Re: A 2012 Beatles Reunion - Personnel?
Post by: Casbah on August 16, 2012, 04:35:55 AM
Not only that, Paul looks really old. He has not aged well. Im not sure if it's his diet or genetics, but there are plenty of others his age that look younger than him. Even Ringo who's older looks better. I feel bad every time I see him, hoping maybe he'll eat a burger or something :) But he's still sharp as a tack.

It's hard to listen to that Valentine song. His voice sounds very old. Not the way I want to think about Paul even though it's inevitable
Title: Paul
Post by: Snoopy66 on August 16, 2012, 06:25:59 AM
Personally, I think that Paul aged welll in comparison with other rock-stars. However, I don't like his haircut, those long hair doesn't help to look him younger. But Paul still looks quite fit and full of energy for his age, but it's true that his voice got weaker. Ringo looks fine too for his age.

Snoopy