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Beatle Week Tuesday pm

We're still standing... The last couple of days have been pretty long ones. Both Sunday and Monday nights were epic - we didn't get to bed before dawn either night. The All-nighter at the Cav was fairly entertaining despite having to wade through rivers of detritus to get there. Liverpool on Mathew Street Festival weekend ain't a pretty place... The all-nighter lacked a host - The Prellies certainly kept the event together and i'll defend them against anyone who says they couldn't organise a piss up in a brewery! The bands managed to keep to time fairly well, although it's hard to play more than the allotted 45minutes when you throw in sweltering temperatures and the fact that it is 4am. Ringer were great, as were The Kavanaghs. Unfortunately the Repeatles were losing their voices and as nice as it is to hear Small Faces songs, they didn't really do Tin Soldier justice! The Tearaways had the now select crowd if die-hard BWer's rocking, although being a lightweight I observed the fun from a chair at the side of the stage. Chris Marra from Ringer and Phil and Eddy from the Beat Brothers joined them onstage, and Jesse and Fin swapped places for 'Gloria'. We dragged our aching bones to the now famous Newhill Cafe for breakfast around 6am, and chatted to Helen via the wonders of Skype. Everyone's asking after both Helen and Chris-their presence is missed this year more than last I think. Despite the very late night I didn't sleep in too late and was up and off for a spot of shopping by Monday lunchtime. Monday night bought the big show at The Philharmonic Hall with Jon Keats, Apple Jam and Pepperland. Jon was struck with 'Lennongytis' so Victoria Sharpe took his spot instead. Apple Jam were great until Alan White joined them onstage. The fact that he is hardly loaded with charisma and that he was also severely intoxicated really killed the momentum established by John, Curtis and co. John's huge onstage presence only emphasised Alan's deficiencies. I'd rather have seen a full AJ AW-free set! Pepperland are truly talented musicans and did perform their Love set perfectly, but the staid atmosphere of the Phil combined with over-zealous security staff restricting the use of video recording and a very safe choice of songs had me struggling to stay awake. By Monday night you really need some rock and roll to counteract the lack of sleep. Janine and I headed to the Cavern (in the pouring rain) to see Nube 9 (they make Janine happy!) in the Cavern pub. They played a fantastic sixties set to a full house and it was a welcome respite from Beatles, of which there has been rather too much this year. I missed a proper McCartney set, although we do have a George set to look forward to this evening, courtesy of Nube 9 again. We headed back to the Adelphi for the VIP party where I caught up with lots of friends, old and new. Managed to sleep til 11am which was pretty good and feel quite refreshed although my back is starting to complain about the amount of time i've spent on my feet the past five days. So I'm sat here blogging from Starbucks and enjoying a chai tea latte and a bit of alone time before the big finale tonight. And then we can get into Other BW mode for Brian Wilson's arrival tomorrow!

Beatle Week Friday Night

So how do you follow Abbey Road? With Apple Jam, of course. This Seattle band completely blew our socks off. They opened with Venus and Mars/Rockshow & Jet and raced through a selection of solo Fabs tunes from 1970-75. Highlights, and there were many, included Mary Had A Little Lamb, Photograph, #9 Dream and Junior's Farm. After picking our jaws up off the floor, we went back to the Delph ((c) J Edwards 2009) to see The Repeatles in Fridays. It was a fun end to a really amazing day. Here's to Saturday being just as fab.

Beatle Week Saturday morning

Last night in the Cavern pub and club was fun. Very warm and pretty loud, but fun. Janine made it through the whole Nube 9 set of Let It Be and Abbey Road. Her comment: "if you start Beatle Week with Abbey Road, where do you go after that...?" The Tearaways were wonderful (obviously!)-my highlight was Baby You're a Rich Man. Nice to see Rhian & Alix, Kimmie & Jules, Pat & Mark and lots of other familiar faces. Pic: the view from our flat

Beatle Week part 1

Just taking a break from the incredibly hot Cavern Pub. Seen Jimmy Pou and The Brothers but waiting for The Kavanaghs, Nube 9, Repeatles and Tearaways later...

On the way to Liddypool...

I'm sat on the train on my way to Beatle Week. Managed to pack fairly efficiently, especially considering I'm on the road now for 9 days. Looking forward to catching up with lots of old friends in Liverpool. Will maybe even manage to blog everyday (thank you iPhone!)

New Fab Faux gigs announced

Artwork by Bill Nollman

~ NEW SHOWS ~

ASBURY PARK BEACH PARTY - AUGUST 1ST

A 5-piece Cavern to the Rooftop rock and roll show!

BOSTON - OCTOBER 24TH

Abbey Road and Let It Be!

QUEENS COLLEGE - NOVEMBER 7TH

The Beatles: The Original Singles '62 - '70

Check out www.thefabfaux.com for more gigs and to sign up for the band's regular great email newsletter.