They aren’t some random guys in cheap suits pretending to be the Beatles.
Instruments used by the Fab Fourever are authentic, and they are sticklers for the musical details.
Even their outfits are vintage.
Jody Tennant has been a diehard Beatles fan since he was a wee tyke.
“I used to play guitar on a tennis racket,” the amiable musician told The Progress over the phone.
Tennant plays Paul in the tribute act Fab Fourever, and there’s a strong local connection, too, as he lived in Chilliwack, on Dinah Avenue until he was about 11.
That’s where he discovered the world-changing music of the mop tops.
He played minor hockey and went to Robertson elementary, before moving with his family to the Okanagan.
But he started dreaming of a career in music right here in river city.
“I remember making paper maché puppets of The Beatles when I was growing up in Chilliwack,” he said.
Tennant has always been a fan, and then in 2005, when he got a chance to meet Sir Paul McCartney in person, that sealed the deal.
He taught himself to play left-handed bass and Fab Fourever was born.
They’ve been on the road steadily ever since.
When the polished tribute act played the Cultural Centre last October, they sold out two shows with their raw energy, humour and charismatic take on the Beatles best work.
The 2010 show focused on John Lennon’s contributions to the world of music because it was close to what would have been his 70th birthday on Oct. 9.
This one, which Tennant calls, the “theatre show” takes a different musical approach covering songs from 1962 to 1970.
“We’re coming back so we have some great songs we haven’t done anywhere else.
“It’ll be The Beatles show this time around rather than the John show to provide some goodies for the fans.”
From the sweet ballads like Hey Jude to rock tunes like I Saw Her Standing There, the show will showcase his talents and those of the his bandmates.
He’s joined on stage by Kevin Davey, as John Lennon, and he personifies the attitude, musicianship and unique vocal talent. Jean-Luc, as George has the keen ability to make his guitar sing sweetly on stage much the same way the quiet Beatle used to. Paul Kaszonyi (Ringo) is the perfect complement, singing all the fun Ringo songs.
Fab Fourever: A Tribute to The Beatles, April 30, 7:30 p.m. Chilliwack Cultural Centre, $27.50, 604-391-SHOW (7469) or online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.