In what’s become a Christmas tradition, on a cold Wednesday evening, the Bootleg Beatles brought a bit of cheer to Cardiff at St. David’s Hall – allowing fans to sing along live to some Beatles classics as they have done for many a December now.
From start to finish, The Bootleg Beatles – whose current lineup features Tyson Kelly as John Lennon, Steve White as Paul McCartney, Stephen Hill as George Harrison and Gordon Elsmore as Ringo Starr – took us in a live time machine through Beatles eras from She Loves You to Here Comes The Sun. Each period was accompanied by five on-point costume changes, wigs and all. The impressions were uncanny; the singing was top-notch with smooth harmonies; and it was intertwined with onstage Beatles banter, including jokes about McCartney and, less authentically, Matt Hancock.
The setlist was a mix of the classics, spanning eras from Twist And Shout to Let It Be, and B-side tracks for the more hardcore Beatles fans. Between each live music section, there is a short amalgam of film cutups that match the respective era: this is cleverly done, preparing you for the timeline you’re about to enter.

An eight-piece brass and string orchestra accompanied the faux Fab Four, which made a lovely arrangement for Magical Mystery Tour – and they even had their own fireman for Penny Lane. A special mention, too, is warranted for A Taste Of Honey which was outstanding, sounding almost as good as the original. By the end, the entire crowd stood singing and dancing, and of course, the setlist finished with Hey Jude.
Live, the Bootleg Beatles lineup might change from time to time, yet most of the classics stay, albeit sprinkled with unexpected album tracks and other deep cuts to keep it interesting for returning fans. After more than 40 years on the circuit, the group put on an unmissable show and definitely make for a fun sing-along night.
The Bootleg Beatles, St David’s Hall, Cardiff, Wed 7 Dec
words and photos AMY WILD
Want more music?
The latest reviews, interviews, features and more, from Wales and beyond.