The Beatles Celebrate 50 Years of Music

I’ve been living in a time warp all weekend, starting with hosting The Mahoney Brothers “Long Live The Beatles” Saturday night at Resorts.

Once upon as time myself and radio colleagues Dave Hoeffel and Tom Cunningham, whom you may know from “The Bruce Brunch,” lost a softball bet to the Mahoney Brothers, and had to sing “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” in front of a capacity crowd at Kuser Park. This time, it was better I just bring them on and watch a great show. I also met Rock Dreams John, who provided us with so much equipment and albums (yes it was that long ago) back in the day. I even watched “Thunderball” when I woke up Sunday morning.

Then last night, after having some of my father's 91^st birthday cake, while also celebrating my niece's 14^th birthday, I saw the reunion that had been my rock dream for years. Although in my dream there were four members on stage.

Who would have thought that 50 years after making a television appearance that would change the world, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr would merit 90 minutes of prime time network television. Who would have imagined that contemporary artists would be singing their songs in front of them? Who would have believed that they would take the stage themselves, not like old men who point and wave and receive polite applause for a career well done, but as the vibrant working rockers that they have been consistently for the last 50 years.

Neither Paul nor Ringo were taking any prisoners in their separate sets, and when they came together on Sgt Pepper’s /With A Little Help from my friends, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I thought CBS did a great job with the whole show.

The only complaint I have, which is minor, is when the camera left the stage on such a historic night to cut to crowd shots. Who cares if the beautiful people are happy, I’d rather see what’s going on stage. Especially when they cut away from Dhani Harrison singing his father’s “Something.” I thought Keith Urban and John Mayer did a great job on “Don’t Let me Down.” It started off with a clip of John singing it and a crowd shot of Yoko whom the song was written about reacting. Ok I did like THAT crowd shot.

What were your likes and dislikes about the Grammy Salute to The Beatles?