"Great, raw, Lennon, rock n roll" . . . 350,000 fans in Liverpool, England, BEATLEWEEK "Tim Piper and Working Class Hero" Just wanted to tell everyone who was here in Liverpool recently that the crowd estimation for the
Mathew Street Festival was 350,000 people in the city centre on Monday!!!!! That's the largest crowd to date. thanks again as always....one first class great show for me....bring in any beatles stuff for me....
Sunday, June 15, 2008 JOHN LENNON TRIBUTE
by Ed Bruce edbrucevegas@yahoo.com
I have Paul McCartney at the top of my permanent list of the worlds greatest composers....I said that will never change.....well he is still there, but I now feel he cannot be there without John Lennon.....thats how powerful tonights performance at the Sun Coast was.
Tim Piper did the John Lennon story....well written...well produced, videos, history, quotes tied nicely together in an A-1 production ! Three guitars and a drummer....somebody said this would never work ? WHAT? We have become so familiar with the Beatles and their survivors that John Lennons life and lifetime work have been overlooked, at least by me....NO MORE !
Anyway it has been said the Las Vegas market has been flooded with tribute shows and overdone.....NOT FOR ME ! Not when they are historically accurate, informative and well produced like this one.
This show done in a chronological history of John Lennon with his songs perfectly inserted to the time in life... and what a time it was....wine, women and song and all the extras with the greatest music ever...MUSIC FOR THE AGES....we got a great earful of it tonight. I learned, I listened, I sang along, I enjoyed.
Seems I have been overpowered by the continuing life of Paul McCartney and not the tragic 8 December 1980 death of John Lennon.....that's 28 years now without this creative genius on the earth....on this tragic day in 1980 I was an on air sportscaster in Rapid City, South Dakota and even then on top of 548 days in Viet Nam I was shocked that we live in such a world....I cried then and I cry now for the loss of such a world class artist.....thanks for your short life John and thanks to Tim Piper for telling his story! . . .
. . . 97 A+ Positively prejudiced from the start and they did not let me down.
Posted by Ed Bruce
below: Tim Piper - Working Class Hero ready to perform
below: Crowd demands encore at Working Class Hero concert
below: Crowd after encore at Working Class Hero concert
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY
Piper’s performance is not a mere impersonation of the fallen rock star. With each song, Piper brings out the emotions as Lennon’s thoughts drift through the stages of his turbulent life. Tim Piper, as John Lennon, masterfully performs a set of songs (that, at that time, had never been heard before) and Beatle favorites" - NOHO-LA
DON BUTLER
LEAD GUITAR
TIM PIPER
"JOHN LENNON"
GREG PIPER
BASS GUITAR
Review from VoxTalks! RE:Working Class Hero - Review
I had the pleasure of seeing "Working Class Hero" last night at The Barns at Wolf Trap and have to say that the show was great! Aside from all the well-deserved accolades that Tim Piper gets for his role as John Lennon, I wanted to add that Don Butler (lead guitar), Greg Piper (bass) and Les Perez (drums) really blew the doors off The Barns with some absolutely incredible playing and harmonies. These guys are first class musicians that go way beyond just trying to mimic The Beatles style and note-for-note clones of the songs. They take the music and go way beyond the recordings with enough of their own personal musicianship and style that in many cases, I felt that their renditions of some of the songs were more enjoyable to listen to and musically, often superior than the originals (ok, shoot me now). Some of you purists may not approve of Tim's choice of instruments (at least what he brought along to the woods of Virginia) but heck, it's about the music, right? So, if you ever hear that they are coming to a theatre near you, my suggestion is to run, don't walk to the box office. A splendid time is guaranteed for all....
Regards,
Gene
"Tim Piper has the exact vocal range and mannerisms of his mentor. Tim Piper has cultivated a voice which is virtually identical to this much-beloved singer/songwriter" - NEW YORK WEEKLY
"Tim Piper plays an amazing roll. Not only does he look identical to John Lennon, but his mannerisms, voice and ways are very similar. The way he relates to the audience, when he is singing or talking gives one a true sense of the sincerity, peace, humor and love that Lennon wished to share with others. Whether singing, playing the guitar or the keyboard, Piper's talent shined and the audience was in aah of what a true talent he is. The pace of the play flowed and kept me wanting more. Each song had a meaning and a melody to either dance or cry to. Crying, I did. Do not miss this show, it is a blessing to be in room with such a true genius. This Fabulous Band , "Working Class Hero" - COAST TO COAST NEWSPAPER
"Tim Piper has the exact vocal range and mannerisms of his mentor." - Jennifer Moore - staff Writer, NEW YORK ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
I loved every rockin’ moment! Piper's uncanny likeness to Lennon in looks, voice, humor and gestures, is surreal and transfixes his audience throughout. No doubt Lennon would have highly approved!" - TOLUCAN TIMES
Tim Piper's credits range from Sir Paul McCartney telling Tim Piper (in person), "Keep up the good work, lads!", to Tim being selected over all other Beatle and Lennon's to perform at private functions for Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Stephen Spielbeg, and hundreds of top Hollywood celebrities, in the privacy of their homes. Aside from Tim's celebrity status what sets him apart from the others is his fun-loving charm, his professionalism and passion to entertain and perform. Tim Piper transports audiences beyond the wigs and mere impersonations of most Acts. Tim captures the very essence of John Lennon, whose music continues to win the hearts of millions and whose melodies provided the soundtrack for an era.Whether it's performing before an audience of 100,000 (Virginnia Beach - July 4, 2001), or showcasing their talents before a more intimate gathering at a community theatre or private event, being in the show business since early childhood and touring the world "as John Lennon" since 1988, Tim's motto is (from the words of his mentor), "A Splendid Time Is Guaranteed For All!"
"Tim Piper has been cast among hundreds of “Lennon wanna-be’s” to portray the original legend in countless events during his career. Tim looks and sounds just like John and plays harmonica, keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar . . . and has traveled around the world dozens of times since 1989. Tim Piper, as John Lennon transports audiences beyond the wigs and mere impersonations of other Lennon Tributes. Tim captures the very essence of John, whose music continues to win the hearts of millions and whose melodies and messages of peace & love provide the soundtrack and voice for an era.
HIGHLIGHTS OF WORKING CLASS HERO CAST MEMBERS:
• 350,000 fans in Liverpool, England, BEATLEWEEK - 2004 • BBC & Royal Court Theatre performances, Liverpool, England - 2004 • Tom Hanks 10th wedding anniversary (Beverly Hills, CA)
• Irwin Winkler (Producer of Rocky) private event
• Private party for SONY and the APPLE Corporation
• Yellow Submarine - Los Angeles debut movie pre-screening performance
• Shea Stadium concert for Mets / Giants game.
• Desert Jam 99 - Classic Rock Tribute Concert
• Legends In Concert (Las Vegas, NV and Internationally)
• Studio 54 - MGM GRAND - Las Vegas, Neveda
• House of Blues - Hollywood, CA (repeat performances)
• Bob Hope Worldwide Television Special
• Shrine Auditorium (Los Angeles, CA)
• E! Channel TV production of the John Lennon Story (Hollywood, CA)
• Buffalo & Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra performances
• In Concert with THE BEACH BOYS & THE GUESS WHO
• Engagements with the Dodger & Yankee organizations
• Universal Studios Headliner Attraction.
• Corporate Events: USA, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Canada, etc.
• Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery (Washington DC) "Faces of Time Exhibit"
• Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines International - "HeadLiner Entertainment"
• USO "Star Billing" performances
• AARP select engagements and promotions
• Amway promotions and extravanzas.
• Numerous television and radio appearances around the world
• Multi-award winners of the Beatlefest "Best of" contests!
- Cast for starring role as John Lennon in CBS TV Movie of the Week “The Linda McCartney Story”
- Cast as John Lennon in E! Network Television production of “The John Lennon Story” (Hollywood, CA)
- Cast as John Lennon in E! Network Television production of “Beatle’s Wives” (Hollywood, CA)
- Cast as “singing voice” of John Lennon for the NBC TV Movie of the Week, “In His Life - The John Lennon Story”, recorded at Capitol Records, Hollywood, CA., Studio A.
- Cast as John Lennon is touring road show BEATLEMANIA
- Sharing the stage with Tom Hanks singing “That Thing You Do” (Beverly Hills, CA)
- Shared the stage with Melissa Etheridge singing “Twist & Shout”
- Filmed by Steven Spielberg as Johgn Lennon for Merv Griffen Productions
- Broadcast nationally on two hour radio interview “as John Lennon” with Ira Fistell
- Performed as “John Lennon” for Grand Opening concert in conjunction with release of Yellow Submarine Movie (Los Angeles)
- Performed as John Lennon in Las Vegas at Studio 54 - MGM GRAND
- Over a dozen live-In-Concert appearances at House of Blues - Hollywood, CA
- Live TV appearance as John Lennon for Bob Hope Worldwide Television Special
- Performed as John Lennon with the Buffalo, Lexington, Lousville, Madison WI, and West Palm Beach, FL Philharmonic Orchestras
- Portrayed John Lennon at the Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery (Washington DC) "Faces of Time Exhibit"
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines International - "HeadLiner Entertainer as John Lennon"
- Performed before President Ford in Vail, Colorado Ski resort
- Performed for Rita Wilson, Ted Danson, Ron Howard, Mary Steenburgen, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Rob Reiner, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Jon Lovitz, Paul Reiser, Sally Field, Aaron Spelling, Mimi Rodgers . . .
- Performed as John Lennon, sharing Top billing with with Herman’s Hermits, Little Richard, Sha Na Na, Martha Reeves And The Vandellas, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Gary Lewis & The Playboys . . .
- Performed with the Dodger’s, Yankee’s & Met’s organizations
- Selected with his Beatle and Lennon show to perform as John Lennon at the annual 2001"Magical Mystery Tour to England. "From August 18-29th, enthusiasts from all over North America will "come together" as a group on a travel, which includes an actual live recording session at Abbey Road Studio 2 in London.
DID SOMEONE SAY JOHN LENNON?
WORKING CLASS HERO’S Tim Piper stars in E! Channel television special!
E! Channel’s “Hollywood’s True Stories” series featuring “The John Lennon Story” was broadcast on October 11 (the week of John Lennon’s birthday) and again on December 8 in commemoration of his death.
Los Angeles, CA - “My fascination is always with John,” says Tim Piper of the group Imagine (The Beatles Tribute). Almost 30 years after he performed his first cover of a Beatles hit, Tim Piper has won the coveted role in the upcoming E! Channel special “The John Lennon Story”. Tim portrays John - but those who have rubbed shoulders with Tim swear that Tim virtually “becomes” John. Unlike most of the John Lennons in other Beatle shows, Tim’s hair is not a wig. You don’t have to close your eyes to “imagine” that your experience is real. Tim Piper is the sort of guy who’ll be sitting in a coffee shop or walking through a store and some stranger will approach him to ask, “Do you know who you look like...?” And not only does he look like John, but he eerily sounds like John and even manages to somehow play like John and even move like John. Tim Piper won the role on the E! Channel over hundreds of Lennon wannabes. The docudrama which focuses on John Lennon’s final months will be part of the E! Channel’s “Hollywood’s True Stories” series and is scheduled to be broadcast on October 11 (the week of John Lennon’s birthday) and again on December 8 in commemoration of his death. Tim’s portrayal of John will give audiences a chance to look again at the motivation and insights of the “wise old owl Beatle John Lennon”.
The Cast members of WORKING CLASS HERO were selected over 12 other Bands to perform for Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Ted Danson, Ron Howard, Mary Steenburgen, Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Steve Martin, Martin Short, Rob Reiner, Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Jon Lovitz, Paul Reiser, Sally Field, Aaron Spelling, Mimi Rodgers, Merv Griffin Productions, and others. The members also shared the stage with Melissa Etheridge on an unforgettable version of “Twist & Shout”, while Tom Hanks “rocked the house” with his own vocal prowess on “That Thing You Do!”
Working Class Hero Rocks again
I saw Working Class Hero for the second time yesterday, at the promo party for the In His Life John Lennon NBC movie. Working Class Hero, which does only Lennon-themed Beatle songs and post-Beatles Yokoless Lennon material and stars Don Butler as lead guitarist, did the best versions I've ever heard anyone do of the songs they did. They didn't just do "simpler" songs like I Call Your Name and Revolution, either. They did spectacular versions of Glass Onion, Free as A Bird, Cold Turkey, Hey Bulldog and others.
To satisfy my fellow equipment fanatics here, I can report that Don played his Gretsch Silver Jet with TV Jones pickups, his new Gretsch 6120 Jr with TV Jones Pickups, and his Rickenbacker 360-12V64, through his JMI AC-15, and someone else (Tim?) was using Don's rebuilt Korg AC-15. Aside from the musicianship, the tone was out of this world. . . . Wayne Alexander (VOX CHAT ROOM)
NBC's LIVERPPOOL "BEATLES" MEET "BEATLES" FROM L.A.
Tim Piper is "John Lennon" during NBC taping
*all photos copyright Jacki Korito Photography*
'IN HIS LIFE: THE JOHN LENNON STORY,' dramatizes the life of the legendary Beatles founder from age 16-24 -- from his first guitar to The Beatles first trip to America to appear on 'The Ed Sullivan Show.' This authentic story recreates the early musical performances of the young Beatles and was filmed entirely on location in Liverpool, England at many of the actual locations that helped shape the life of John Lennon. The two-hour movie will premiere on Sunday, December 3, 2000 at 9 PM (ET/PT) on NBC. TIM PIPER'S BEATLE SHOW: REVOLUTION BELOW
Just four weeks ago Tim received a phone call from the producers of NBC's "In His Life: The John Lennon Story." They had been searching for weeks for just the right voice to sing the vocals for the soundtrack for the movie. They had listened to dozens upon dozens of tapes from all over the world. Tim came highly recommended, so much so, they actually asked him to sing for them over the phone! With no preparation, barely time to grab an accoustic guitar, he sang a few Beatle tunes and was immediately hired by NBC on the spot! The next thing he knew he was being whisked away to Capitol's famous Studio A where the likes of Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and a host of incredible talent recorded in the past.
NBC flew "Beatles" actors, Phillip McQuillan (John Lennon) and Daniel McGowan (Paul McCartney), stars of the NBC Movie-Of-The-Week, "In His Life: The John Lennon Story," from Liverpool to meet and perform on stage with L.A.’s very own "John Lennon", Tim Piper, with his Beatles Tribute, REVOLUTION, in a concert that was taped and aired by ACCESS HOLLYWOOD.
Tim Piper, a dead ringer for John Lennon who resides in Northridge, California, has been touring the world portraying John Lennon since 1988. Tim was cast for the NBC Movie-of-the-Week by simply singing over the telephone on a conference call with the NBC producers. Tim was immediately whisked away to Capitol Records, Studio A, to record the John Lennon vocal performances for the movie.
"Tim Piper has been cast among hundreds of “Lennon wanna-be’s” to portray the original legend in countless events during his career. Tim looks and sounds just like John and plays harmonica, keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar . . . and has traveled around the world dozens of times since 1989. Tim Piper, as John Lennon transports audiences beyond the wigs and mere impersonations of other Lennon Tributes. Tim captures the very essence of John, whose music continues to win the hearts of millions and whose melodies and messages of peace & love provide the soundtrack and voice for an era.
ABOUT THE MOVIE:
'IN HIS LIFE: THE JOHN LENNON STORY,' dramatizes the life of
the legendary Beatles founder from age 16-24 -- from his first
guitar to The Beatles first trip to America to appear on 'The Ed
Sullivan Show.' This authentic story recreates the early musical
performances of the young Beatles and was filmed entirely on
location in Liverpool, England at many of the actual locations that
helped shape the life of John Lennon. The two-hour movie will
premiere on Sunday, December 3, 2000 at 9 PM (ET/PT) on NBC.
Phillip McQuillan, a 23-year-old Actor/Musician from Dublin, Ireland
is making his television debut in a very big way - starring in the title
role of 'IN HIS LIFE: THE JOHN LENNON STORY.' In addition,
1999 Tony Award winner Blair Brown ('Copenhagen') stars in the
role of Mimi Smith, the strict Aunt who raised John like her own son
after John's mother Julia went off to raise another family.
'IN HIS LIFE: THE JOHN LENNON STORY' is based on an original
screenplay by Emmy-nominated writer/producer Michael O'Hara
('Switched at Birth' and the upcoming NBC miniseries 'First to Die').
O'Hara is the executive producer on the project. David Carson
('The Tenth Kingdom,' 'Star Trek: Generations') directs.
Shot entirely on location in Liverpool, 'IN HIS LIFE: THE JOHN
LENNON STORY' includes unprecedented access to such
authentic landmarks as the actual house where John grew up and
learned how to play guitar; St. Peters Church Hall (where John first
met Paul); The Liverpool Art College and Quarry Bank High School
where John was a student; and numerous musical venues where
the young Beatles performed, including the recreated Cavern
Club. Other locations include those that inspired future Beatle hits
such as Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane and the cemetery where
Eleanor Rigby is buried.
Greg Piper (Tim's Manager), Phillip McQuillan (NBC's John Lennon), Diane Herzog (NBC publicity), Daniel McGowan (NBC's Paul McCartney) and Tim Piper at BeatleFest, Los Angeles after NBC signed Tim to sing the John Lennon vocals for NBC's Movie-Of-The-Week The John Lennon Story - “In His Life”. below left to right:
'IN HIS LIFE: THE JOHN LENNON STORY' is a Michael O'Hara
Production in association with NBC Studios.
NOT AFFILIATED OR ENDORSED BY THE APPLE CORPORATION, YOKO ONO, THE BEATLES, CAPITOL RECORDS, EMI, THE JOHN LENNON ESTATE, OR THE GEORGE HARRISON FOUNDATION.
