'Legends' flash back to three pop faves

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Jonny Black enacts John Lennon in "Rock Legends," a tribute show featuring the music of three pop favorites of the past: The Beatles, ABBA and Queen.

ABBA impersonators will be backed by a 40-piece orchestra.

The "Rock Legends" show, featuring a Beatles segment, makes its American premiere tonight at the Blaisdell Concert Hall.

'Rock Legends' A musical tribute to The Beatles, ABBA and Queen 8 p.m. today and Saturday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday Blaisdell Concert Hall $35-$65 (877) 750-4400, ticketmaster.com; for group discounts (20 or more), call 732-7733 Hot covers Tribute bands are flourishing on the Mainland. Sometimes they're called imitators, sometimes they're called homage groups. Some of the best, according to a recent Rolling Stone article: Super Diamond, a San Francisco-based band, which does Neil Diamond tunes. Majesty, from Florida, which features a "Freddie Mercury" and a Queen sound-alike. Tequila Sunrise, from Nashville, which specializes in the tunes of The Eagles. 1964, an Ohio foursome, which captures the moves, music and manners of The Beatles. Hells Bells, from the south, which rocks out the tunes of AC/DC. — Advertiser staff

"We go to Europe later this year," said Jonny Black, the dude who enacts John Lennon in "Legends." The production, bumped up to theatrical status with period costumes and wigs and a 40-piece orchestra, taps the music and the manners of three pop faves from the past. Think an evening with such songs as "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude," "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia" and "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions."

Besides Black, The Beatles segment features Russ Spencer as Paul McCartney (and yes, he's a leftie); Mark Lawson as George Harrison; and Paul Sumner as Ringo Starr.

ABBA troupers are Wilson Young as Benny; Mark Pollard as Bjorn; Danielle Murphy as Frida; and Diana O'Sullivan as Agnetha. Duncan Royce plays Freddie Mercury of Queen.

Black was in Auckland, New Zealand, when he paused for a quick phone conversation; "Rock Legends" also toured Christchurch and Wellington.

Black has portrayed Lennon in earlier Beatles-inspired shows, including "Twist and Shout," but was born too late to see The Fabulous Four in person. His resource for nuances of how Lennon conducted himself on stage was largely what was available on video, including ABC's anthology series.

He answered Five Questions:

Q. What's the hardest thing about portraying John Lennon — voice or body language?

A. I think it's pretty much trying to get the whole package together. When people come and see someone do him, they want to see attitude; they want the voice, the look. I don't think it works only with one aspect; you need the whole spirit, the one that people remember. And this show is the fourth time I've done John, so I've learned a lot over the years.

Q. What personal recollections do you have of Lennon?

A. I was born the year The Beatles split up (I'm 33), but I was born in Liverpool, where they were from, so subliminally, I've seen the sites and been to the places they've been and gone. The clubs where they played. I was way too young to see John or The Beatles in person, so I know them only from the records and TV. My girlfriend bought the Red and Blue albums, as I recall.

Q. Why is there still such reverence for Beatles music?

A. I think every generation has played their music, parents, kids.

I think it's all because of the melodies, the diversity of their songs. They wrote a lot — more than 400 songs over seven years — and they were unique. And timeless. What they did then still holds up today; perhaps they were so ahead of their time.

Q. What's the thrust of "Rock Legends," and to whom does it appeal?

A. From the point of rock music, the 1960s, '70s and '80s were productive times. So the show targets those who remember those eras, and consequently there's something for everyone. "Rock Legends" pays tribute to ABBA, Queen and The Beatles, three of the biggest pop acts of all times. But producing the show, with a symphonic orchestra, we have a bigger sound with a more unique experience. Performers wear appropriate wigs and costumes, to represent (visually) the three acts. We bring back those fabulous memories.

Q. What kind of reception has the show been getting?

A. Very good, but I'm not surprised at all. Families are coming to see us; the older generation get up and sing, too. On stage, we play instruments — but really, the live music comes from the orchestra. The concept of the producer was to fill the hall with these orchestral arrangements. The songs have universal appeal, and we've all done our homework, working on head movements, gestures, even little quips and jokes. It's as close to the real thing, really.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.