LENNON – A DAY IN THE LIFE
With Greg Hart & Gary Burrows
On the evening of 8 December 1980, in America, English musician John Lennon, formerly of the Beatles, was shot dead in the archway of The Dakota, his residence in New York City. He was 40 years old.
It’s hard to believe that this terrible news was received forty years ago this month.
The legacy that John Lennon, both personally and with The Beatles, left us, continues to live on in our hearts and in the music.
It’s therefore quite surreal that last week, on the fortieth anniversary of his senseless murder half a world away, we are watching two of Adelaide’s premier artists perform their show ‘Lennon – A Day In The Life’ at one of Adelaide’s oldest and much loved music venues, The Gov.
Gary Burrows, is an absolute institution in Adelaide. Member of Brass Carnival, The Boys, The Rustlers, as well as solo work too extensive to mention. SA Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, SA Music Hall of Fame Inductee and recipient of the SA Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Long time manager of APRA and chairman of Support Act SA.
Greg Hart is one of Adelaide’s most versatile, hard working and loved entertainers, has played Johnny O’Keefe in Shout, does a mean Tom Jones and heartfelt tribute to Roy Orbison, plays with The Beavers and JusFaFun.
Together they are greater than the sum of the two equal parts, as they perform ‘Lennon – A Day in the Life’, – it’s spine tingling from beginning to end. An extensive list of 30 songs (see setlist below) punctuated with urban myths, stories, anecdotes and reminiscences.
The night was impeccably emceed by media and radio personality Tommy Kaye.
The boys were backed superbly by Ray Timms on drums, Graham Woods on keys and rhythm guitar, Jim Yotachev on bass guitar, Simon Gould on lead guitar, Greg’s wife Trish Hart on keys and McCartney vocals. Having Trish in the line-up added a fabulous dimension to the show, she’s talented and smexy and funny and I knew I loved her when she came up to us after the show, smiling from ear to ear with a bottle of red and wine glasses in hand.
Trish’s favourite story is when Lennon performed with the Beatles on the Royal Variety Show at the Palladium in 1963. In introducing ‘Twist & Shout’ he said with a sly grin “Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands, and the rest of you just rattle your jewellery”.
Greg, an avid Beatle fan from the age of 10, became a musician because of them. After doing Beatle tours in Liverpool and London his biggest thrill was to be in Abbey Road studios last year to watch the amazing Analogues record and film Abbey Road the album in concert.
A song that means a lot to Gary is ‘Mother’, about the death of John’s mother then his father leaving him, and how difficult it was in those early years trying to deal with that loss. His primal scream therapy which is put to use during the last lines of the song were a way of him dealing with the pain.
My friend, amateur videographer extraordinaire and fellow gig goer, Judy Beyer said, “These guys should tour this show, the band is tight and the humour and rapport between Gary, Greg and Trish added to what was an excellent gig”.
It’s profoundly difficult selecting highlights from a night full of so many hits, but here’s my top five …
– ‘A Hard Days Night’ with Trish enthusiastic on cowbell then drumsticks between her teeth to play the keyboard part
– ‘I Feel Fine’ complete with authentic feedback courtesy of Trish with lead vocal by Greg was great fun
– ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, another popular song with Gary on lead vocals had us all in the audience singing along.
– Goosebumps when Gary and Greg played ‘Imagine’
– ‘Stand By Me’, perennial favourite and last song of the encore, turned into a singing contest between sections of the audience and was a fitting end to one of the best nights you’ll ever have standing up.
I sincerely hope these guys do tour this show.
If they do, I highly recommend it and I’ll see you down the front!!
As we head into the silly season, I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas.
Let’s say goodbye and good riddance to 2020 and look forward to a better 2021.
“Peace is not something you wish for; It’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.” John Lennon
My Bonnie
She Loves You
A Hard Day’s Night
Leave My Kitten Alone
I Want to Hold Your Hand
You Can’t Do That
I Feel Fine
Help
Run For Your Life
And Your Bird Can Sing
Ticket to Ride
Day Tripper
Norwegian Wood
If I Fell
Hide Your Love Away
Nowhere Man
Revolution
Angel Baby
Don’t Let Me Down
Come Together
All You Need is Love
I’m So Tired
Strawberry Fields
Mother
Imagine
Tomorrow Never Knows
Hey Bulldog
A Day in the Life
I am the Walrus
Stand By Me
