The Analogues live. Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam Friday 20 September 2024

Photo: Wout de Natris

In 1966 The Beatles played their last live show in the U.S. and went on an extensive holiday, to return in the studio, Abbey Road of course, in late November. The Beatles had released 'Revolver' early August 1966 and played Candlestick Park on the 29th. Many songs on 'Revolver' were impossible to play live with the then current technique and the limitations a four piece band held.

These facts are where the story of The Analogues starts. Erstwhile drummer and former Tommy Hilfiger ceo Fred Gehring had a dream. After leaving the company he invested in music. In a band that would recreate the music The Beatles made in the studio and never played live. And not just recreate the music but play it on the original instruments The Beatles played on at the time. A hunt started with musical leader Bart van Poppel in charge to find similar instruments, like a Höfner violin bass, Ludwig drums, guitars, amps, keyboards, even a doorbell like the one The Beatles used. The work of Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn helped tremendously, as his research was leading the way.

The Analogies became a five piece band in 2014, Gehring, Van Poppel, Jan van der Meij, Jac Bico and Diederik Nomden. Van der Meij was later replaced by Felix Maginn but was present at this show a lot. And then there is a host of musicians on everything else The Beatles did not play themselves or to be able to play three keyboard parts at the same time.

The reputation of the band grew. So they got to know pivotal persons in The Beatles' career. They received copies of the original tapes to completely dissect what was actually being played. Shows in local theaters became Ziggo Dome shows, international tours and what not. The only question that can never be answered is what would have happened internationally without Covid? This must have hampered the band, as there is nothing like it in the whole wide world.

And now we are looking at the end. All albums have been played multiple times. Three shows remained doing everything from 'Revolver' to 'Let It Be'. Last Friday The Analogues played 'Revolver' and 'Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band' (and 'Magical Mystery Tour') and not to forget the one stand alone single, 'Penny Lane'/'Strawberry Fields Forever'. Which of course reached the no.1 position in 1967 in many countries. They did so with stand in drummer Kees Schaper, also a member of The Kik since 2024.

Photo: Wout de Natris

To put things into perspective. The Beatles started to record 'Penny Lane' on 29 December. Until the mid of January there were all sorts of overdubs, including the famous piccolo trumpet solo by David Mason that came very late in the process. The single was released on 13 February 1967. All in the span of six weeks. (Source: Wikipedia)

No, the Analogues did not play flawless. There were some mistakes, showing that even The Analogues are human. That said, the show was fantastic. From 'Taxman' right up to 'All You Need Is Love' I was sitting on the edge of my seat, enjoying every minute of the show. I have no truck stating that it was The Analogues that revived my love for The Beatles and made me realise, with my older and more experienced ears, how good and influential the band actually is. (Coincidentally, I listened to 'Fountains of Wayne', the self-titled debut album of the band, this weekend. I heard The Beatles half of the time. I did not in 1996 or so when the album was released.) The Analogues brought me back to the band of my earliest youth. My very first band, with The Kinks. That return made me understand how good the band was and how impressive its progress and output. And doubly so, how good The Analogues is. The singing, the harmonies, the sounds that seemed to come from everywhere, it is all so impressive.

To my surprise we were literally in the last seats sold at the side of the stage. On the basis of the selling website, I had the idea to be in the middle of the side seats. So, we saw everything from the side. What logistics! To be able to play this show, so much goes on and not just guitar tuning. All sorts of other instruments need to be in place at the right time. People have to move on and off stage continuously. Sometimes just for a few notes. It also shows what a huge business The Analogues is from a logistical point of view. I know that for a show three trucks are involved to drive the gear around. It started with just one. Perfection comes at a cost. Here I got to see all that gear from a totally different perspective.

Mark Lewisohn gave two history lessons in between albums, putting The Beatles' work ethic in perspective, while lauding the band on stage. Yes, the young men (25, 24 and 23 at the time) delivered so much in such a short time span. And then take into account the quality they delivered as well. It showed in abundance in the Ziggo Dome.

The only thing The Analogues could not recreate was the tremendous surprise and emotions that I felt the first time I saw them play. There is no telling how deep that went. Now it was the awe in which I still am and feel for the band's quality and my love for the music of The Beatles. A love that will never leave me. As I got to know the music so early in life, I assume it will even be with me should my mind go off and wander in older age. A quite consoling thought.

Two more shows to go. I still have to get tickets though. Fingers crossed.

Wout de Natris - van der Borght