In case you missed it, Shelley J Sweet-Tufano gave us a gear review of our show on Kent Kotal’s blog, Forgotten Hits. As a follow up, she wrote the following Q&A which was originally to be presented to her students – but we thought our fans would like to read it as well!

Fab Four Q&A

Written by Shelley J Sweet-Tufano, originally published on the Forgotten Hits blog Friday, May 24, 2019

I received answers to my ‘educator’s questions’ from two of The Fab Four. There are similarities as well as differences in their answers. Just like any group.

The difference between my questions to them and questions I would have for another group lies in the fact that all Fab Four questions have their roots in The Beatles, whereas with other groups I would be asking more about their personal group and individual growth, which may or may not have something to do with The Beatles.

Confusing, yes? Well anyway, I wish to share the answers I received from Gavin Pring (George) and Neil Candelora (Paul).

1. How do they find these performers? Do the performers find them?

Gavin: The company “The Fab Four” was established and had been performing since 1997, so back then, I personally didn’t even know you could be a Beatle for a job. When I got into the business, this particular company had such a great reputation for recreating the look, sound and gestures of the original Fab Four that I hoped one day I would get to join them… That day came in the mid 2000s and I’ve been working with these guys ever since.

Neil: We met through mutual friends. I was a kid who loved the Beatles and knew all the songs. I started getting to know the guys and then did an audition, and I’ve been playing gigs with them ever since.

2. Are their roles perfected before they join the touring group or is their training after they “sign up”?

Gavin: It’s a little of both. I had formed a George Harrison solo show years before I even met the lads, so I was always interested in trying to look like George and move like him. But after I joined the company, they helped me to get closer to Harrison with their wisdom and advice. I’m sure I also helped them with regard to talking like a scouser (person from Liverpool).

Neil: It’s a bit of both. There’s a lot of work you have to put in on your own. You have to be at least decent enough get up on stage in front of an audience that purchased tickets to see a quality show. From that point on, there’s a lot of feedback from the group. Everyone is always looking out for little details someone else might be missing. It makes for a higher quality show.

3. Is each one truly playing their favorite Beatle, or are they cast primarily by looks?

Gavin: I always had two favourite Beatles … George, obviously, but I also love and miss John. By performing as George, I get to see John and sing with him (in the form of Adam) nightly, so it’s a win/win for me.

Neil: I’m not sure if “Paul” is my hands down favorite anymore, but he was when I was a kid. Hard to pick a favorite now, and I tend to lean more towards John. Anything post Beatles, though, Paul is my favorite!

4. Does anyone have to learn a new instrument when they come onboard?

Gavin: Yes!!! Since I started playing with The Fab Four, I’ve had to learn to play Keyboards (Penny Lane/Imagine/Got To Get You Into My Life), Ukulele (All Together Now) and Sitar (Within You, Without You) … No one gets away with not learning something new for the show. lol

Neil: Some people do. Usually, if anyone has to learn an instrument, it’s piano. You have to recognize, The Beatles were very talented musicians, so most likely people will come in already knowing how to play the instruments they need to play, and play them well. I already knew my way around bass, guitar and piano, so that was the easy part for me!

5. Who writes the script and decides the songs?

Gavin: Mostly Ron, but to be honest, the script and setlist may change on a moment’s notice and are dependent on varying factors, time constraints, age of the audience, etc. For example, “Helter Skelter” wouldn’t work with an audience of people mostly over 70 in a small theatre … alternatively “Till There Was You” probably wouldn’t work in a club setting with early 20s jumping around. Always know your audience and script accordingly is what we say.

(Gavin is referring to Ron McNeil, founder, and one of the John players, of The Fab Four)

6. And is there anyone who is a natural left-handed bass player? I know that Ardy Sarraf (another Paul) was an accomplished right handed bass player who had to reteach himself.

Gavin: One of our cast members, Neil Candelora, is a right-handed guy, but when he was young he decided to play left-handed, imitating McCartney even back then, and is now a very accomplished “Lefty”.

Neil: A lot of people think I’m naturally left-handed, but I’m not. When I was a little kid, I was such a Paul fan I wanted to play guitar “just like him”. So I learned left-handed as a child. I’m totally right-handed, but I can only play guitar/bass left-handed. So, even tho I’m not “naturally” left-handed, it feels natural to me to play lefty.

I had such fun reading their answers. I am passing them on to my students and I hope you enjoy them too.

Shelley J Sweet-Tufano