With a skilled band arranged behind “Yellow Submarine” inspired props, singer Rachel Vidoni delivers a powerful hour of songs that goes way beyond nostalgia.
A dilemma for a short tribute act is how many songs can be offered to satisfy audience expectations. It’s largely down to a balanced setlist sequence and deft segues, added to a vivid sense of theatre, even on a modest budget, for a winning combination. Mimicry is not required.
In the best manner, Come Together – The Beatles Rock Show simultaneously reminds one of the original versions of famous songs, while impressing with new arrangements and quality musicianship.
The back-up singers are sterling, and the sinuous and synchronous moves of the pair of dancers is also a frequent feature; it certainly had several members of the audience in thrall on this night.
The delicious opening tune “Because” was laidback, followed by a rousing “Get Back” with excellent propulsive drumming. Answering audience hopes of their own favourites being performed, a non-stop medley of segments from nine Beatles hits ensued. This was capped with a full-length “She Was Just Seventeen”, showcasing Vidoni in full flight.
The mood switched with a tender take on “Something” that soon turned much more substantial, though it trailed into a closing, soft and sweet guitar solo.
“Hey Jude”, commonly a finale for Beatles tribute acts, was slotted into the middle of the set and found an eager sing-along audience. A tricycle, flowers, and bubbles came to the fore as props for both a dreamy “Lucy in the Sky” and “Strawberry Fields Forever”. That particular pairing did seem a little forced, however.
“Yesterday” was typically plaintive and a real contrast to the following “Come Together”. The latter was heralded by successively layered thunder effects, strummed bass, keening guitar and emphatic drums, before the entrance of the now black-costumed trio of Vidoni and dancers.
“Help” found more audience participation before a stunning solo performance from Vidoni of the final verse. “Let it Be” slowed the pace before a gritty combination of “Daytripper” and “Hey Bulldog”. A frenetic and masterful “Helter Skelter” might have sealed the show but the end was quite properly “The End”, which drew deservedly strong applause.
The song selections were a lovely blend of tough and tender, while Vidoni’s singing, energy and engagement was spot-on. Her band and dancers were a tight combination. Though not on stage themselves, The Beatles should have been in the audience for this show.